What an amazing game tonight...the Fiesta Bowl, University of Texas (24) v. Ohio State University (21).  It was an incredible way to end this great college football season, and an empowering, encouraging way to start the new year.  The best stories, the best films, have incredible elements like this year's University of Texas team led by the young Colt McCoy.  (See an entry here about 20 ago).  Ok so college football may not be your bag, but hey good stories are, yes?  (After our long conversation in Buenos Aires, I know Robert Duvall was definitely watching and most likely equally on the edge of his seat.)

What makes games (stories) like this one so compelling?  Surely it's that 'never say die' attitude...that's what makes all the difference.  We know that.  We've heard it.  All our lives.  But how few of us have experienced it?  To be on a team like that?  To be one of those few who bring that energy to the game?

In games like this one tonight, it is demonstrated before our eyes.  The unrelenting drive to succeed.   Great design, strategy, and even skill somehow is not enough.  There is that je n' se qua, that untouchable, barely describable chi that is the alloy of guts, heart, hustle and soul which fuels those rare groups, teams, organizations as they rise above all others.

BlueRun Productions must be, is, one such organization.  It is displayed in our logo...that dang blue horse just never stops!  Our product is a risky one (films) but we prevail.  Just as we raised our first $200,000 and shot our first promo/pre-trailer, the bottom fell out on the world economy.  But we march on, with new investors circling.  I am an unproven film director, but we continue attracting producers and talent.  This is not because of me.  Not at all.  It is due to our collective refusal to slow down, to believe, nay even listen to, the detractors, the grumps, the persons (and sometimes they're even friends!) who go out of their way to say this 'can't be done', or that the odds are stacked too high against us.  Can that 'chi' be manufactured?  I doubt it.  But it does seem that a large part of 'having it' is obtained in the very act of assuming it, deciding that you have it, and acting from that platform of unwavering strength.

Want to be part of a team like that?  Contact me.  We are interested in all sorts, from you creative geniuses, to the wizards of finance, to skilled horse men and women, to technological gurus.  There is a place here for you who refuse to believe in anything other than success, and are willing to work hard / play hard with us.  We're moving on.  We are heading into a very profitable, successful, fun year.  Want in?

Ride on.  (Of course you will!)

Just stopping in to do a quick entry, wishing you all the best for 2009...and if you haven't already, I hope you'll join our motley crew as we set sail once again.  We began just seven short months ago, and now we're in pre-production on Of Kings & Cowboys, and have two more films in development  (Russian Warmblood and Fast Women Beautiful Horses).  (See www.BlueRunProductions.com/film.htm for more info on other projects.)  We are very prepped and poised to go, on several fronts.

The economy will start to climb now, and with our plans for an IPO (via reverse merger) in 2010, BlueRun will be well positioned.  (For you new readers, in my 'other life' I practiced law as an M&A attorney for 15+ yrs.)  If you want to participate in BlueRun's rise, just shoot me an email to dmbluerun@gmail.com .

I know we have a lot of new readers here (we're up to about 1700 per day)...wow!  The best way to 'catch up' with 'where we are' is to read back though the previous entries (below and on prior pages - see guide at bottom of this page.)  And if you have specific questions and/or want info on becoming one of our Co-Exec. Producers, just email me.

More later.  For now, ride on, and welcome to the BlueRun year!

Ok, so I'm getting a smattering of emails, TMs, FB messages, and SSOHs (smoke signals on the horizon) asking, "What's new, Davo?"  Well, a few things.

First, on the film:  We are to-the-ice-axes in the hard climb now.  We figuratively reached the camp at the base of the summit when we completed the promo/pre-trailer.  (If you want to see it, lemme know dmbluerun@gmail.com and I'll probably give you the link.)  It was a long climb to get here, blazing several new trails, a few near-fatal falls, and many successes....all evidenced by the last hundred entries in this blog.  But now comes the hardest of work:  the near-vertical ice-wall climb to the top.  (Top = green light to start production)  Several who've helped get us here, and who've stepped up with their commitment and drive, will climb on.  And many many new climbers will join in.

That means two things: raising $5M to $10M of the approx. $30M(below-the-line) budget, and attaching lead actor(s).  As for the budget investment, I'm in confidential negotiations with one group on the details of a $5M Convertible Debenture (in the form of an LOC).  Now is the time for those hoping to make a bundle on this film, and have a great time along the way.  Any early-in LOC gets to the front of the line come earnings time.  And the great thing is that as it's a contingent LOC, it's escrowed till the full budget is in.  Thus, no risk till there is none, and the max returns.  It's the way I've raised tens of millions for oil and real estate deals far more risky that a film like this.

As for attaching our lead actors, I'm not sure, but talking about the details of this part is probably not a good idea.  But I'll say this-- we have some big guns on our side.  Several agents from ICM (International Creative Management), one of the big four talent agencies in the world, have read the script, loved it, and sent it out for coverage.  According to our champion there, the coverage (which is an independent review) came back glowing.  And ICM has seen the pre-trailer/promo, and gave it the review of 'stunning'.  Not too shabby considering ICM gets about 1,000 submissions a week.

So, what that means is that if ICM decides to rep the film (and thus me), it would launch us...ipso facto.  They have the power to pull in a top casting director, and to help attach leading talent, especially from their stable of stars.  Now, there are many other ways to get 'launched', but I'm very loyal to those who are 'early in' sorts....who see this project and join in for the kill, not wait with the buzzards.  So, if ICM keeps the faith, I'll be equally devoted to them.

But for now I and the film are 'up for grabs', so to speak.  That means any agency which picks us up now gets 10% of the money I raise after they sign me, even if they don't help raise it.  So, translation:  if I execute this $5M LOC before ICM signs on, ICM will have cost themselves $500,000.  That's an expensive delay.  Hopefully their bureaucracy and holiday schedule is not that much of a mire.

Meanwhile I'm approaching several key leading actors on multiple fronts simultaneously.  It's really quite a campaign we have underway...but as I said earlier, I think it best to keep the details private for now.  Not being coy, just smart.

What else?  I've been asked to write a new column in MovieMaker Magazine, starting in their next issue, dropping January 15th during the Sundance Film Festival.  MovieMaker is the most widely read magazine focusing on independent filmmakers....so, in my circles, it's kinda a big deal.  The column (titled by them: 'Marlett & Me') will focus on getting your film moving, pre-prod financing, strategies how to distinguish yourself, and identify and avoid the LA hyenas.  There will be a 'sister blog' that I'll do which will run on their site (www.MovieMaker.com).  There I'll go into more depth, tell some war stories, have reader feedback and polls, etc.  I hope you'll join me there too.  It will NOT be a repeat of this blog, at all... but each will link to the other.  Here I tell you the details of getting this particular film underway, in a very personal way.  Marlett & Me will have a similar candor, but be more general in subject.  Here I know my audience is broad, from filmmakers to polo enthusiasts, to friends and enemies.  There the audience is, for the most part, filmmakers.  I am honored by the new gig, and look forward to seeing it take off.

Finally, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours.  Here I am recently with my youngest daughter, Kathleen (10).  She is a director/photog by nature.  If you go to www.BlueRunProductions.com/Marlettphotos.htm you'll see a sampling of some of my photoart and two of hers, noted with 'KAM'.  I am honored she lets me put mine with hers. :)

Or, if Christmas isn't your bag, then whatever works for you.  Heck, I'm probably more Buddhist than Christian myself....so, Happy Holidays!  How's that?  Regardless, I wish each of you abundant laughter and health, and the warmth of friends and family, and may 2009 be your best year yet!

Ride on!

This film has unique characters which will be cast very carefully.  As I think I described somewhere in a previous entry, I use the following analogy to describe this film, this first-ever film set in the world of international polo.  First I lay out a copy of a typical polo magazine (PQ International here), and a copy of Sports Illustrated, side by side.

First, looking at the Sports Illustrated:  nothing wrong with it.  Great magazine, especially the swimsuit edition.  And if I were making a sports film set in the world of baseball for example (such as Bull Durham or Field of Dreams), then besides needing to cast Kevin Costner for the lead, the SI magazine could represent the look and feel of the film:  practical, easy, not terribly original, quick entertainment for the masses.

But this is polo for Spike's sake!  THE singular international embodiment of lifestyle.  Ralph Lauren knows it.  We all know it.  And this is the very first polo movie.  It MUST have the heft, the gloss, the beauty, the abject vitality, the impractical romance of a polo magazine...beautiful people, over-sized pictures and vista, big story, stunning environments.  That is what this film must, and will, have.  Think Terrence Malick on steroids.  Otherwise I do us all a disservice, most importantly the audience.

That certainly goes for casting too.  Especially important.  And so my first announced casting is Jessica Uberuaga (left) for the female leading role of Catarina Naviera.  Congrats Jessica!  I won't repeat here what I have said on several  occasions about Jessica below.  But I will say that I enormously admire tenacity, and greatly reward loyalty and dedication.  But even those traits would not have won her this plumb role.  It is her talent.  When I started editing the pre-trailer/promo.... it was there... on the screen, and I knew she was the one.  (I directed her in the role of Catarina in that pre-trailer.)  Further, I wanted to be sure she was convincingly Argentinean-looking.  When even the Argies thought she was Argentinean, I knew I was in the clear.  She is actually Basque Spanish, fluent in the language, and highly adept with linguistic skills.  (A significant part of the script has her speaking Argentinean Spanish.)  (I'll get her riding skills up to snuff soon as well.)  She simply IS who I envisioned when writing the Argentinean beauty: Cat.  She will do very well.  I am very excited to see her bring Catarina alive for us on the set, and for everyone in the world on the big screen.

Now we are working on casting the male lead, Cutter McCallum, and the supporting male lead, Stanley Rankin.  I have strong ideas for both, with both being MAJOR leading-man actors.  Stay tuned, and ride on!

Here's a few more of our 'leading lady'.  You'll buy a ticket just to go see her, I guarantee it.

I had a very pleasant visit last night with Bernie Uechtritz (right) and his beautiful family, at his home nearby.  Bernie is the founder and director of Horseworld and HorseTV, which is premiering early 2009.  (Much of their archived programming is already available online.)  Horseworld has compiled the largest single library of film and television programming of 'all things horse' in the world. Here is how they describe themselves on their site (www.HorseTV.com):

Horseworld is a unique, first of its kind, global equestrian sports media, entertainment and leisure company, dedicated to bringing the best equestrian action and entertainment to enthusiasts and the general public throughout the world. It will utilize multi-platform television and Internet channels to bring live events, shows and exhibitions to a new generation of equestrian performance, entertainment and leisure locations worldwide. Horseworld will meet the growing needs of the committed horse lover, develop new audiences and bring international sponsors to the amazing world of horses in almost every language.

For all you horse fanatics, "equestriophiles", out there.... you should check it out.

And especially for those of you who want to know more about polo, watch from the HorseTV library this excellent introduction to the sport:  PoloSports.  (Note the instructor is Claire Tomlinson, one our supporters and consultants on Of Kings & Cowboys.)

There is an obvious synergy with what we're doing at BlueRun Productions (focused on horse-involved movies for our first three projects).  So....we'll see.   

By the way, yes, I know there are many asking about where we are with the film.  Great stuff happening.  That's all I can say for now.  More detail this week.

Ride on, Bernie! 

One of the highlights of being in BA last week for the Abierto was getting to present our short/pre-trailer at an exclusive party at one of the very beautiful stores of La Martina (left). It was a the World Polo Tour's (WPT) awards party, and had many notables of the sport in attendance.

First I want to thank Javier Herrera of Pololine and WPT for the invitation to the event, and for letting me present the pre-trailer there. Javier is a great guy whom am proud to have on the team for this film. See more, including photos, a couple of entries below this one on this page.

That said, what I wanted to shamelessly plug here is the famous polo and lifestyle retailer, La Martina.  Though I am loyal to Texas Polo, I am equally a La Martina fan.

In addition to getting to once again visit with their UK marketing guru, Becky Simpson (right) (she's been a consistent friend of the film), I was pleased to meet the owners of La Martina, Adrián Simonetti and his father Lando Simonetti. I spoke at length with Adrián, and will continue to do so.  Click here to read how La Martina describes itself:  http://www.lamartina.com/2007/about_EN.php

What particularly interested me was the organization founded by Lando and Adrián: Polo Management Group. Here's how they describe it:

In 1986 Lando and Adrián Simonetti, owners of La Martina, created a companion company dedicated to the promotion of the sport of polo worldwide: Polo Management Group (PMG). It is the only company in the world dedicated exclusively to the organization of tournaments. Given its vast experience, PMG has been the official sponsor for events such as St. Moritz, Palm Beach, Buenos Aires, St. Tropez, Budapest, Sylt, Zurich, Melbourne and Aspen. It also organized the return of polo to Russia after 100 years absence.

Seems to both Adrián and me that the first polo feature film, which will be beautiful and rich and seen worldwide, may prove a great opportunity for supporting La Martina, and perhaps the other way around as well.  We'll see.  Ride on, in a great pair of La Martina boots.

Yes...a great trip.  Some people read my entry below as being in the nature of a sourpuss.  Not at all!  I enjoyed it!  I learned a lot and met some really interesting new friends.  I came back to a meeting in LA, then finally back to Dallas.  Though glad to be back in the cold (yes really) I am grateful to have had the opportunity to go, to see both 'farm polo' and Cambiaso play, and gained significant insight in further crafting the Argentinean characters and locations in the film.  I will talk much more about it in the next blog entry, but here I wanted to share some photos I took, starting with a self-portrait in the door of the French Embassy.  Ride on.

Sunny Argentina, finally!  Here is the front of the 'palace' entrance to the Park Hyatt, on the famous (or at least here it is) Alvear St.   (Amazing how not a single taxi driver seems to know where this entrance is!  Arghh!)  This isn't where I am staying (don't worry EPs), but it is where I come to work each day, when not out in the country, or doing some light shopping, or photographing around the city.  Note the security.  At least half the stores in this nice area of the city keep their doors locked during the day!  They see you at the door and come unlock it.  Do they often get armed robbers?  Hmmm.

I am not sure what I expected when I came here... except that many people had gushed about Argentina, as if it was the height of destinations.  It is indeed beautiful... in places....  The countryside around BA is fine... the estancias/campos are as well appointed as money can pay for... thus, beautiful.  But more than others I have seen around the world?  Not really.  But nice.  But next trip I want to see the Patagonia mountainous areas and the true Pampas.

The 'polo culture' is at its height this week, and understandably so.  But it's a business.  It drives and draws tourists.  The best players float through the various parties... Argie mini-gods.  This is their Oscar week.  Otherwise, it's a rather dirty city with dog-crapped broken sidewalks, diesel fumes, juxtaposed with friendly people and pockets of rich floral aromas from street vendors of cut lilies and roses.  A dichotomy to be sure.  But what city isn't?  I could wax and wane just the same for LA,  New York, London or Paris.  But is BA particularly impressive?  Nah.  Not in my little ol' opinion.  Interesting, yes.  But if you don't speak Spanish....good luck.

Beautiful people?  Hmmm...  Sure, here and there.  More so than other cities?  Have you ever been to Austin, Texas?  I rest my case.

I will leave Sunday, carrying with me a significantly diminished urge to film Of Kings & Cowboys here.  Sure the polo community here is strong, and they would like to see a great polo film, but the culture seems very short sighted:  would rather overcharge the pesos  now, than build long-term trust over time.  I am not sure I want to struggle with that mentality for two months of shooting.   But maybe we will.  All I am saying is that I come away far less convinced of the Argentine-filming-imperative as I was when I got off the plane a week ago.  Indeed a bit of the opposite.  To think we would be bringing nearly half of our $30M budget into the country, but the producers are just concerned about how much they can make off me by showing me locations this week.  Unfortunate.

From a writer's perspective, it's a great trip to fine tune the AR characters, especially our female lead, Catarina.  She is the one character that I still feel is slightly flat....and being here,  I now have a much stronger 'connection' with her, and her complexities.  Now, after another couple of passes through the script -- Cat will be complete.

So I am sitting here (see above pics) another day, writing, polishing the script.  Great place to do it.  But I gotta say.... if you are a five star hotel, and you have a harpist come play for the afternoon.... please hire one who knows how to play!  See... once again...dichotomies and complexities abound.

But all in all, I am enjoying myself.  Yes, I will say it:  "don't cry for me".  Argentina (or at least this part) is yet another interesting place in the world, and I am absorbing it.  Ride on!

Buenos Aires, for those of you who've not been here, has a very unique charm.  Not Latin. Not European really. Something different.  Hard to put your finger on.  I want to capture that in the film. I will head out to do a tour through Pilar and other polo estancias and campos later this week.  Looking forward to it. Glad the sun is out, sorta, today.

The AR Open finals are postponed (due to rain) till Saturday-after-next, so I'll miss it.  The semi-finals are now this Saturday...good as even it will still be amazing polo, with La Dolfina (Adolfo Cambiaso) (left) and Ellerstina playing.  (For you non-polo readers, arguably the best two teams in the world, with Cambiaso being the best player in the world.)

Last night I had the pleasure of a lengthy conversation with Robert Duvall, and his elegant and beautiful wife, the Argentine actress, Luciana Duvall (right).  He and I had met in LA some years back, but this was a more personal conversation.  I won't tell the details here on the blog, but suffice it to say he shares a passion for polo, Texas and Argentina, and appreciates my vision for this film. (Though we mainly talked about college football.)  Wonderful gentleman.  He and Luciana have a home here in the Recoleta area of BA, near this hotel, so I'm told.

Also, had a great interview on Pololine TV yesterday at the very wet Palermo fields. (See pics below.) Hoping to start an association between the film and Pololine and the World Polo Tour.  Javier Herrera, the top dog at both Pololine and the WPT is a nice guy who I was pleased to meet.  The other guy in the pics is Iain "Major" Forbes-Cockell, Pololine and PQ Magazine's UK Editor.  A pleasure of man.

And, last but certainly not least...Nina has been a terrific PA, even if she does pronounce the word 'assume' as 'ashoom'....those crazy Brits.

So here ya go, some pics from the wet afternoon at Palermo.  I ashoom you can tell who is Nina!

Ride on!

For those not familiar, arguably the biggest polo game of the year is the Argentine Open Polo Championships, or the Campeonato Argentino de Polo, or the Abierto, which is played the first Saturday in December.  It is held in Palermo, an upscale barrio of Buenos Aires.  It is a key location in the film, so I am very glad to see it before we go into production next year (fingers-crossed).

I'm really looking forward to it.  In addition to seeing the Open, I'll be doing some initial location scouting of some estancias near Pilar.  Also, and perhaps most importantly,  I'll be meeting with several potential Executive Producers, and showing them the Promo....which you can see too (probably)....just read on.

And yes, there are a number of social events and parties....can't miss those!  ...including the La Martina / World Polo Tour Awards Dinner on Wednesday.  Thank you Javier Herrera (Pololine/WPT) for the invites.

Still trying to get press passes to the semi-final on Sunday and the Open that next Sat....we'll see.

Oh, and we have a new addition to our motley crew:  Nina Wiggan (below).  Nina, who lives in England, is coming to Buenos Aires to work as my personal assistant.  For those of you long-term readers, you will recall our friend Alex Pool-Jeffre who was my PA in England.... Nina has big shoes to fill...but she can do it!  She has already done an amazing job of getting me organized there on very short notice.  (Hope Alex doesn't warn her completely about how single-minded I can get when campaigning for the film...or Nina might never come!  Ha!)  Thank you Nina!

If you are in Argentina and want to reach me, my BA number is  54 11 5...

Finally, the Promo is available for downloading of the Internet.  Email me for the info on how to get it.  (But it's a huge HD Video, so it takes a bit to download.)  I must relay the review of Patrick Abas, our very first brave investor:  F*#%ing Awesome!  (Thanks Patrick!)

Ride on!  (Paseo en!)