It seems Hollywood Has a hard time getting right

[Guage Rod]

Many of us be-moan the fact that Hollywood can not seem to get it right.  I wonder if NCOWS members have enough Inherint tallents to make their own Western.  We could base it on one of the well know exploits of some one who is very infamous, and interesting.  Put together a script, stake out a location and make a movie with a lot of extras.  We could sell the rights to disney (They like to hire Up and comers who don't charge a lot, most of us in NCOWS fit that bill) and then we could get the western we all long to see. 

Do I have any Takers?  Maybe this tread has been discussed before but if not let us give it a throw.

For Producer/Director we would have Marshall Halloway (of Course)

I have a few Ideas for People we could use for Technical advisors- Period Correct consultants- research we would us: O. C. Bill, Books O-T, St Geo, Frenchie, Terry Lane,  Just to name a few

Wardrobe could be:  Kayleen, Fire Foot, Chantilly,and Lou, as starters

Set Design we could use: Joss House, River City John, Will Ketchum, Steel Horse Baily, Cal as the first team.

For Props we could use:  Waymore Wrangler, 44 Cal Kid, Major Matt, Fox Creek Kid

For Stunt Co-Ordinators we could use:  Hell-R-High Water, Trap, US Scout, S C Slim, James Hunt and Irish Dave,

For Catering we could use:  Delmonico, Kayleen and her daughter

Original Sceen Play we would get: Frenchie, Lone Gunman, Books OTool, and LARS

For Story Line and Editors we would definately need:  Frog, Grizly Bear, Ol Gabe,

For Grips we must have:  Irish Dave, Cuts Crooked.

For Stand-ins, villians and Just Plain mean and nasties we would enlist:  Surly Bob, Ornery Orr, Frank James, Mogorilla, Pukin Dog, Big Hex and Black River Smith,  just to name a few.

For Medical Advisor, we would have none other than, DR Bob

As extras, stunt doubles, gaffers and the lot we would just round up the usual suspects.

As McGiver, and Gophers we would have me, Guage Rod

What do you say folks can we pull it Off?  Does anyone want to try out for the lead parts or nominate a few.  THere are a lot of good folks out there who I could name but I do not know their allias. 

Does anyone have any thought on location, Financial Backing, or have a good Screen Play?  Does anyone on the Congress what to Sponsor the Proposal, or should I just start a Grass Roots movement. 

I do not know about you, but I believe we could do this thing. 

Any one have a good 16 MM camera and a few reals of empty film. 

Have at her folks, Just my 2 cents worth.   

[Delmonico]

Great idea, one problem, a real historically correct Western would be so boring that the ones that came to the first showing would fall asleep from boredom and them they'd tell others and you wouldn't make enough money to cover the groceries that crew would eat.

[Major 2]

Ummmm !    HELLO ! 

Set Design we could use: Joss House, River City John, Will Ketchum, Steel Horse Baily, Cal as the first team.

For Props we could use:  Waymore Wrangler, 44 Cal Kid, Major Matt, Fox Creek Kid

I've only done it for 35 years 

[Major Matt Lewis]

What if I don't want to be a prop?   

[Delmonico]

Well what else are ya good for?

[Major Matt Lewis]

Well what else are ya good for?

Who says I'm good for anything.....

[James Hunt]

I appreciate being recommended for stunt coordinator - I have in fact been involved is several spectacular stunts in my life, this however would be the first one that I would get to plan before it actually occured. Sign me up, I work cheap.

[Delmonico]

Dr. Bob, I think you might be needed soon.

[Ol Gabe]

Just for the sake of discussion only...
As major231 mentioned "I've only done it for 35 years.", IF, and I mean IF, you really, really, really want to do something like this, I would suggest you start asking for resumes, I think you would be surprised at what our folks have done and can do. Many of us fall into the '35 year' category in TV/Radio/Film/Educational Broadcasting/Published Author/Editor/Tech manual writer/Actor/etc., etc., etc., as well as all the ancillary jobs and suchlike that go along with what you are postulating. Yep, many of us have been there, done that, "...survived the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune..." and have all the T-shirts hanging in our closet that are now too small to wear but we hate to throw them out because they remind us once a year of all the BS we put up with for 35 years...then we smile at all the good times we had and hang them back up til next year.
Yes, it is indeed possible to pull together something like this but if I might, instead of a film I would suggest a 1/2 hour instructional video on how to get started in NCOWS. The script is easy, the 'actors' available, the editing, lighting, etc., etc., etc. can be had for next to nothing. Doable? Yes. Costly? Not necessarily. Realistic? Absolutely. Profitable? If 'sold' through an outlet such as CAsCity, regional Gun Shows, Gun Shops, Trade Fairs and all NCOWS events, yes. A broader audience can be had by 'donating' copies to local/regional libraries and historical museums. This, of course, would require some geech and would hopefully be an integral part of the 'new' NCOWS marketing program we hope to see implemented this year as it would be an ideal format for potential new members and those simply curious as to what we do on the weekends.
Got it? Good. OK, now which of us with 35 years under our belts do you want to talk with first?
Best regards and good scripting!
'Ol Gabe
P.S. You are onto something here and I hope and pray for you that it comes to fruition and is what you wanted.

[Major 2]

I meant , I really have done it for thirty five years...

Here are some of my credits..

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0999806/

Some Production work  I've done ( like set design research or piece work prop making ) I've done in my shop and not on location...
that's another list 

[Irish Dave]

Major 231:

Cool.

[Guage Rod]

Major 231, I am sorry I did not include you in the Credits, I was kind of on a fishing trip to see if anyone would have the experience or interest in doing such a thing.

I was serious about thinking we could have the makings of a great crew, and I was serious about wanting to be involved and seeing if one of the Senators would bring the issue to a vote.  I do like Ole Gabe's Idea of a documentary or promotional piece.  I think Delmonico has a bit of a point but like all movies we cut out the drab, cut to the Chase a time or to and put in a flair of artistic license that follows the era, and does not insult the public or the research committee.  

I do believe that if the Congress was willing to invest in the production, it is indeed, worth pursuing.  I am a pretty good "wood butcher" and have a fair amount of hand and power tools and would be willing to donate some time and materials to help build props.

The costumes are taken care of as are the shooting Irons, I would be willing to bet that with some of the fantastic resources the congress has that give a location, the backing and the time it could all come together.  

I would stand in as an extra, as long as I did not have to have a scene where the horse is running.  

I like to think that we may be on to something.  If we all could decide on a date, time and location, we could get some great footage.  

One thing that might be worth while is to get some footage of a years worth of events, if we were just making a Promotional piece.  If some one had a good camera, and Planned on making most of the events, I would Imagine the congress could come up with some funding for film and traveling expenses.  Heck we could even sell it to the Outdoor network, or at least get it to run as an Info-mercial.

I am not very experienced with productions, or stuff, I am just an Idea kind of guy but I do love a good western.  I always tell my wife, that If you bring home a vidio, make sure it is an action movie where people die! (not being morbid, just like to see action movies, and gun fights, I don't need the gore and I like to fade to black and let my mind fill in the rest, and I do not need to see ladies under-garmets to feel like I got my money's worth.)

I let the cat out of the bag, someone else is going to have to douse water on it.  Have at this folks, If we is all talk about growing this here hobby then so be it, but I believe there is a lot of people that could just pull her off!!!

Count me In, If I have to invest some time and money so be it, I got some vacation comming and I can anti up the price of a good pistol, If I can convince my bride it is for a worthy cause.  

Heck even if it don't fly, It sure is fun imagining what It could be with all of the great personal and tangible resources we should be able to muster.

Major Matt, I do happen to think you would make a good prop, a small mountain, perhaps or som kind of foot hill.  
I realy put you in that location because I hear you have a wounderful collection of fine weapons.

Vaya Con Dios, Amigos      

[Frenchie]

Gabe, I see more than a half an hour, maybe as much as an hour. Possible topics:


History:

What, and why, is NCOWS?
-- blend of CAS/WAS and historical reenacting/recreation/living history

Differences between SASS and NCOWS
-- some overlap but different focuses - more narrow historically, broader geographically

1865-1899, the mid- to late-Victorian period, great changes in society, industry, science, medicine


Organization

How to join and get started

Organizational structure

Posses


Material culture:

Clothing, accoutrements, firearms

Research and study

Documentation


Shooting:

Stages, procedures, safety

Styles and classes

Demonstrations


The People

Interviews with TC reps and members

[Comanche Kid]

Was a Medical Logistician in the Army. Have a great talent for finding, procuring,bartering.......any place, ant time, anywhere...get my drift? At your service...also make one hell of a face in the crowd.

[Cuts Crooked]

Ok..what does a "key grip" do? I'm assuming some kind of support staff?

My experiance in theatricals is rather limited..high school stuff...I was Stage Manager in a production of "Our Town" and I was the clown in "Good By to the Clown". More recently I appeared on IPTV as The Gunfighter in Black on an episode of "Side Roads". Didn't have any speaking lines in that though, I jist hadda look sinister and pull my duster back to expose my shootin iron jist prior to the shoot out with the shows star, Paul Bergan!

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Was a motion picture, still combat photographer for Uncle Sam during the Vietnam War, spent most of my time in bird dogs. Have worked on a couple of pictures you all have probably heard of as Native American advisor (languages) and stunts, (falls). Worked with cameras all  the way up to the 35mm Mitchell. No mystery to their operation except todays cameras come with video assist that makes it possible to just about edit your film as you shoot it, and instead of waiting for dallies you are able to view the scene right after you've shot it.

Have some friends in the business, stunt men, camera and sound men. Some who I went to photography school with while in the service. If you ever want to see some unpublished photos of John Wayne, I got to work with him when I was at the APC (Army Pictoral Center) in New York City, used to be the old Astoria Movie Studios (silent days) and there are still a lot of movies shot and editied there today.
Oh, the John Wayne thing was a public address film he did about the Vietnam War and I was one of the still photographers on that project shot at Fort Bragg in 1966. I still have the negatives and contact prints, they were shot with a medium format camera (Hassablad) so the quality is excellent.

If you are going to get serious about his, I would suggest you hire a professional film crew, it will save you big bucks in the long run, and use the people of NCOWS as advisors and cast, but I'm in if this thing comes to pass... couldn't be any worse then the SASS flop, and could be much better with some of the quality people we have in NCOWS. And, this should be an NCOWS members only project......And, I don't hink it should be a training film, but a genuine production.....

Major 231 will tell you,  besides the idea and the desire, you need a story outline, a script and a location....and money. If you are going to sell this thing publicly I would suggest you get a SAG card also, at least the production crew, otherwise you'll be limited to where you can show your project (PBS, public shools etc;) and to who will want to see it.

It also would mean that some of use would have to get our clothes dirty

Bill

[Major 2]

 
Major 231, I am sorry I did not include you in the Credits...


LOL, I wasn't offended..  heck , I'm  relatively new in town ( and an east-coaster , I've yet to shoot with any of the mentioned pards )


Ottawa Creek Bill said " besides the idea and the desire, you need a story outline, a script and a location....and money"

I'll add , above and below line Budgets , equipment , time, and target venue, these and all above ducks and more in a row ... before you ever see commitments = MONEY

also , for Cost to Shooting Ratio consider  Hi- def digital tape... way cheaper that film from raw stock to edit...

[Guage Rod]

Say OC-Bill If we were ever able to get the Thing off the Ground We would need the complete and total backing of the ncows Congress.  Otherwise it is just another lead balloon floating no where.  I believe the technical data, historical research and guns and gear are all very doable.  I think we should get a vote next time the congress meets but I have yet to approach anyone with details, I could certainly start a proposal, even maybe find a local film Company here in Iowa.  I do not want to get ahead of my self.  I wonder If we would be able to do both a documentary on NCOWS and a Movie?  Sort of get both out of the way.  What I know about moving making could fill a small thimble.  I am more of a Hands on, Back stage grip sort.  There is a lot of tallent out there. 

I would guess that if there is a Senator that would be interested, in such a proposal, and would sponser such, I would work on a conceptualization of the project. 

I kind of really just wanted to float the idea to the wire to see how crazy I am. 

I really would not know financialy what things cost but I am not afraid to do some research on costs, it is kind of what I do now for a living only on the Construction side of Life.

I would definately be able to offer technical and historical support if there was anything in the movie about railroads,

Any one what to PM me about such items feel free. 

Any full length feature would be major bucks.  The Idea of jointing the professional guild would be down the road.  Perhaps I should send out a poll just to see who would even consider such a adventure. 

Thanks for your advice OCB, Ole-Gabe, Frenchie.

If I am not mistaken this whole concept could take 2 or 3 years from conception to inception.  I will not be suprise if it would take longer.

If anyone has a Script and  or wants to come up with a story line, that would be better.  If we can not use it I bet there is still a few bucks to be made in one of the Cowboy Rags that are in publication. 

I sort of feel the a man on a gallows, who was asked to drop the shout himself or be shot for not pulling it. 

I may just have chewed off my own foot, having stuck my footed boot in my mouth.

Hey, stranger things have Happened. I do believe there is untapped tallent out there and there is interest. 

Would a studio be interested in such a well heeled concept?  Gee I scare myself.   

[Delmonico]

The comment was with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek.  I am often asked what if I've ever seen a movie that is truly accurate and my answer to get their attention is 'if I've seen one I fell asleep before the end."

I've often said if you took the kids from "The Cowboys" and put them in the campfire scene from "Blazing Saddles" you might get closer than you think.  Boys that age ain't changed that much really in 150 years.

And yes the current idea would be great.

[Major 2]

Ok.. I'm assuming some kind of support staff?

My experiance in theatricals is rather limited..high school stuff...I was Stage Manager in a production of "Our Town" and I was the clown in "Good By to the Clown". More recently I appeared on IPTV as The Gunfighter in Black on an episode of "Side Roads". Didn't have any speaking lines in that though, I jist hadda look sinister and pull my duster back to expose my shootin iron jist prior to the shoot out with the shows star, Paul Bergan!

to answer your question "what does a "key grip" do?

He is the head Grip, on location is duties are everthing covering the set (charge scenic) I:E movement of wild walls , Rigging ,
placement of Camera dolly track , etc.

Under him is his  BEST BOY , Dolly Grip , Rigging Grip & and his grip crew.

He answers to: The DP ( Director of Photogarphy) AD ( 1st asst. Director ) all to the directors wants.