A note from Jeff, the director of the Untitled Comedy Music/Dementia Documentary:

When I first came up with the idea of shooting a documentary about the world of comedy music/dementia, I foolishly thought I’d be able to shoot the whole thing myself. But after a year of trying to collect footage from around the country, I’ve come to realize that there is just too much stuff that we’re missing. Last year at MarsCon, I was able to get interviews with some great performers and was able to capture a few concert performances, but there were tons of other musicians and fans I wanted to talk with! I missed a whole day of concerts because I couldn’t be ten places at once. Frankly, I need help.


So we, the makers of this Untitled Comedy Music/Dementia Documentary, are coming to you, the people of the comedy music/dementia community! We want you to help us shoot this documentary! Here’s what we’re looking for...

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1. Are you a performer in the comedy music world? Do you have a concert coming up you can get a friend to video tape for you? Can that same friend interview you and ask you why you do this crazy thing you do? Or are you a comedy music fan? Do you want to tell the world who you love and why you love them? Can you explain to the uninitiated why comedy music is so freakin’ awesome? We want it all, friends! Interviews, concert footage, animation, whatever your demented minds can comprehend!


2. Grab a video camera. Any camera should do, but please note that we only accept footage in the following formats: mini-DV, DVD-R or DVD+r. So if you happen to have a Hi8 video camera from the 90's, we’ll gladly consider your footage as long as you convert it to one of the formats mentioned above.


3. If you choose to appear on camera, please avoid wearing striped shirts during your interview. They tend to look funky on video. And be sure to steer clear of brand names and logos (Comedy musician shirts are fine.)


4. If you’ve never used a camera before, find a friend with some experience. Check your white balance and exposure. Make sure you’re using the best possible recording devices for sound and the best tape stock available for your type of camera.


5. Do your best to record in a quiet location away from distracting background noises. Built-in camera mics are fine as long as your subject is only a few feet away from the camera. Try a test run first. If you can’t understand what anyone is saying, neither will we and we probably won’t be able to use your footage.


6. Be creative. Film yourself somewhere that says something about you. Think about the composition of your shots. In short, what can you do to make yourself stand out? Interviews, rants and raves with the most compelling content, quality footage and interesting production values naturally have a better chance of ending up in the documentary.


7. Be vocal. Don’t hold back. If there’s something you’re dying to say, say it! Don’t worry about being inappropriate. We’ll be the judge of that.


8. English submissions are encouraged but you are welcome to express yourself in a foreign language. Just let us know which language or dialect you’ve chosen to speak.


9. If you are taping a comedy music concert, a convention party room/floor or any other public place, you’ll need to post a notice at the entrance of the concert location letting people know they’re going to be recorded. And be sure to start your video by filming that sign for 30 seconds. That way, we’ll have proof that the sign was posted and everyone in the venue was able to see it. Here’s the exact wording your sign needs to say:


NOTICE

This area is being utilized by Off Set Pictures for the taping of an Untitled Comedy Music/Dementia Documentary.

By your entrance into this area and your presence, you give unqualified consent to Off Set Pictures and their agents, licensees, and assignees, to use and publicize your voice, actions, likeness and appearance, in any manner in connection with the program. If you wish to avoid the possibility of being photographed, please avoid this location.
 


10. As you may have noticed, we still don’t have a title for this documentary! So somewhere on your tape, give us a suggestion or two!


11. When material is ready to be shipped to us, e-mail us at jeff *at* raymondandscum.com and we will e-mail you one of our two release forms: Talent Release (for interviews) and/or Program Submission Release (for concerts, songs, skits, animation or other creative forms of expression.) Print the form, fill it out, sign it and be sure to include it in your package. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to include your footage in the film. Currently, there is no deadline for material but the sooner the better!


12. Send your media and printed release forms to:


Jeff Smith
P.O. Box 5141
Fullerton, CA. 92838