Monday 20th July 2009 - Man walks on Moon 40 years ago

I thought that a post on today of all days needed to be worthy and filled with such significance to be relevant for our lives.

The day man walked on the Moon is without doubt one of the greatest achievement of mankind. I can still remember it happening, of course I was very very young (*smiles) and without doubt there would be few people who have not been impressed at one time in their life when looking upwards at night at it's majesty.

To launch a rocket into space in 1969 filled with men who will walk on the Moon, and then to be able to bring it back to Earth, must have seemed like the biggest challenge when it was conceived, and I'm sure there were the doubters.

Of course as an Australian I hold special pride in the fact that we assisted this process to happen in a place called Parkes, for those that don't know the story of our involvement, there is a movie called The Dish that is worth watching. There is a very large telescope there that tracked the moon landing for about two hours and beamed that around the world - so yes we were integral to that moment in time.

It was a time for action and discovery.

So for me I started to wonder about this - if action speaks louder than a thousand words - how many words does inaction speak of ?

When in your life have you faced the prospect of such a journey that the very thought of "change" caused you to become immobile or plagued with fear?

I think that human nature is governed by the fear of the unknown, which is why we seem to be impressed when someone succeeds at anything. We offer praise and hold their efforts up as an example to others of bravery, which as a fan of anyone who "tries to succeed", I am a supporter of these efforts.

More often then not humans find the option to stay in a place of pain is less fearful than that point of decision where we decide to move forward. There is a saying "it's better the devil you know, then the devil you don't" but I would ask the question, why do we mostly assume movement is a bad thing and it will cause us pain.

And it doesn't necessarily have to be forward. It can be sideways or even backwards to move forwards in life. I personally have done more than my share of "movement", some forward, some sideways and definitley some backwards but ultimately I think that has led to constant growth of me as a person.

The ability to make a change is put into motion by that first step, whether it be the decision or the movement but there is no doubt that just sitting and contemplating movement is inaction. We often fear what we think may or could happen is going to be bad and so seem stuck either in a rut, on a treadmill, or in a hole based upon our worst fear scenario's.

I find strength in talking with or being around positive energy. It fuels me and fills me with a sense of purpose or drive to attempt or achieve any obstacle. I can recall when I was invited to compete in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 2000 and only had 13 weeks to prepare that so many people I know informed me that I wouldn't succeed and it was impossible to think I could do it that to someone like me it was like waving a red flag at a bull.

My philosophy for this life event was simple. This was a life experience I could only dream of attempting after watching the race live the year before and so while I was unsure of how I would go I had no doubt I would finish which was my only goal.

I remember one "friend" telling me that it was a waste of time to compete and not try to win and inwardly I just laughed. That to me is a defeatist attitude. Sorry but in following his belief it appears there is nothing in life to do unless it's about winning, well, I was never that desperate to be first, however he is known for being desperate which is his cross to burden.

I finished that race and take great pride each time I recall how hard it was and holding the medal at the finish line, but believe me there are not many people who have done the race that would tell you it is easy. That is why it is such an honour to be called an "Ironman" I guess.

Another example is two years ago I was invited to undertake a 24 Hour Spin Challenge in New York's Grand Central Station with a charity called HealthCorps. Not only is this one of my favorite charities dealing with teen obesity it was started by a friend (Dr Mehmet Oz) who is truly inspirational and continues to give to this cause even though he is quite busy.

The people who were organizing the event were so motivating and helpful during those moments when I was really being pushed to continue that I did and completed the total 24 hours and felt amazing for at least 30 minutes after the event when I fell asleep upon reaching my hotel room.

Each person has a different motivating factor for doing what they do but it takes "action" to make that happen. My point is that action and movement are linked to success.

No one hands you anything in life that is truly earned and to support this there needs to be a high level of commitment, passion, dedication and drive. We all have it and once your move from fear to positive light there is 9 times out of 10 = personal growth.

So today - think of one aspect of your life, and it doesn't have to be nutrition or activity related that has you hitting the "pause" button and try to see if you can move forward, sideways or even backwards into a better place.

I promise you that the elation of victory is worth any challenge.

It's your life - take charge and own your actions.

Tuesday 14th July 2009 - Latest Studies State the obvious

It seems that over the last few weeks there have been some "HEALTH' relevations that I'm sorry just seem to be obvious and if logic was applied then our Australian (and Global) obesity crisis could be "reduced".

I won't say stopped because there is really no way we can help everyone. Some people just don't care and so as a Fitness and Health Professional it has taken me a long long time to realise that sad but true fact.

Why is it that the Government want us to be committed to being a member of a Health Fund YET don't support our initiatives to improve our health when we make the "pro-active decision to join a Fitness Centre or Health Club.

There suggestion of seeking financially supported consideration to allow people to have "lapband surgery as a medical procedure for losing weight" is a poor choice. This is not only insulting to the fitness industry and any efforts to change lifestyles to healthy ones but it also removes any PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY from those that figure - what the heck I can do nothing and then when I'm dying from obesity, I can get a lap-band.

Is this a poor view for the fitness industry ........... ???

AUSTRALIA'S obesity "timebomb" has already gone off, with more than half the population overweight, a health expert says.

"There is no obesity timebomb. The bomb has already gone off," Associate Professor Katherine Samaras told a federal parliamentary health committee inquiry today.

An obesity expert from St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, Prof Samaras said 60 per cent of Australians were overweight or obese. Obesity was the "underlying cause" of many individual health complaints treated by public hospitals, including "a majority of non-genetic breast cancers", heart conditions, diabetes and birth complications.

THEN THERE WAS THIS .......

A Monash University study has proven a critical link between obesity and the onset of Type 2 diabetes, a discovery which could lead to the design of a drug to prevent the disease.

The findings were published July 8 in the journal Cell Metabolism.

The team, led by Associate Professor Matthew Watt, discovered that fat cells release a novel protein called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor), which triggers a chain of events and interactions that lead to development of Type 2 diabetes. "When PEDF is released into the bloodstream, it causes the muscle and liver to become desensitised to insulin. The pancreas then produces more insulin to counteract these negative effects, " Associate Professor Watt said.

This insulin release causes the pancreas to become overworked, eventually slowing or stopping insulin release from the pancreas, leading to Type 2 diabetes. It appears that the more fat tissue a person has the less sensitive they become to insulin. Therefore a greater amount of insulin is required to maintain the body's regulation of blood-glucose," Associate Professor Watt said.

"Our research was able to show that increasing PEDF not only causes Type 2 diabetes like complications but that blocking PEDF reverses these effects. The body again returned to being insulin-sensitive and therefore did not need excess insulin to remain regulated."

Associate Professor Watt said identifying the link is a significant breakthrough in explaining the reasons why obesity triggers the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

PRO-ACTIVE SOLUTION - Dont get overweight and unhealthy !! There is now proof that the complications of obesity CAN KILL you .... I mean apart from the already known complications that happen with various Cancers we now find that obesity can lead you down the path of Diabetes II which can send you blind and can cause you to lose limbs.

So how can we help ourselves.

It STILL isn't rocket science.

1. You need to consume less total calories

2. Reduce the amount of fats (especially saturated)

3. Reduce your intake of alcohol - which is a major calorific aspect most people don't take into account when contemplating their nutritional deficiencies.

AND

4. Get ACTIVE to the point where you are using more calories then you are consuming.

NOTE - If you want to get healthier - not just maintain your current fitness and weight levels, then YOU MUST challenge the INTENSITY that you are training at.

Sunday 14th June 2009 - Are we losing the childhood obesity war ?

I saw this article this morning in the Daily Telegraph and had to repost it as there seems to be a real difference between the problems and the solutions relating to childhood obesity.

In this article it seems that profits for schools have a greater focus then the health of children attending them which bodes well for the future of our country.

With so many "experts" out there telling us we are doing well it seems this is just more rhetoric unless you buy their programs and plans. Then we have the former sports idols of kids who have now become the health experts in the media. I guess they get coverage from media outlets keenn to get people to watch their programs - poor practice I would say as a life long health professional.

The Australian government has a lot to answer for when it allows the content of this article to be its front line approach.

I did however see another article on the weekend that the American First Lady has made a commitment to reducing childhood obesity, so have contacted well known Dr to ask for assistance on this.

Let's hope that Michele Obama will be more successful at making strategic and purposeful change than either of the last two administrations in the US or Australia.

Health nazis losing obesity war as pies return to school canteens

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25636029-5001021,00.html

THE Aussie pie, pizzas and sausage rolls are back in school canteens as the war against child obesity falters and threatens to collapse.

Lollies, ice creams, chips and even banned sports drinks have also re-emerged on school menus because thousands of families are snubbing healthier foods. Nutritionists and dietitians are desperately trying to rescue the $750,000 school health campaign launched five years ago by former Premier Bob Carr.

They are offering "low fat" Aussie beef pies, pizzas made with wholemeal pita bread and vegetables and chicken burgers to children who turn their noses up at salads and wraps. The anti-health push is greatest at secondary level where students leave school grounds to eat at local fast food outlets or order in takeaway pizza on their mobile phones.

Dietitians have told The Daily Telegraph some schools are offering pies to children three times a day - at breakfast, recess and lunch. In a bid to reverse the trend the Healthy Kids School Canteen Association is taking over some school food operations. Low fat pies, pizzas and sausage rolls, with ingredients that meet health guidelines and home-made lasagne are now the front line items aimed at winning customers back.

Friday is pie and pizza day at Holy Cross Primary School at Glenwood in Sydney's west - portion sizes limited to healthy amounts - and the kids are lining up to get their orders. Canteen Association dietitian Jennifer Madz said Holy Cross would become a template across the state.

"The problem is parents see the canteen as a treat and expect treat food there. We are trying to change the behaviour," Ms Madz said. "High schools are a special problem where students with money in their pockets go off campus to lunch in local fast food outlets. We are working on a plan to combat that."

Canteens hit by the global recession claim profits have been eroded as students resist low-fat menus.

While most sugary drinks are banned from school canteens, the food industry has manipulated some products to get around the rules. To get a non-milk-based gelato accepted the manufacturer added calcium and reduced the portion size.

Banned Powerade became "Powerade Light" and juice was carbonated and sold in a can so children would think it was a softdrink. Under the nutrition rules foods are divided into red (no more than twice a term), amber (to be selected carefully and in smaller servings) and green (fill the menu) categories. But enforcement has been almost non-existent and the Catholic and independent school sectors are not bound by them

Sunday 14th June 2009 - Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones

I saw this headline posted on a billboard yesterday and at the time I was driving to teach my Spin class. I had nearly 30 minutes to contemplate how I would use this saying as part of my motivation in the training session with the gym members.

In life we often see obstacles or hurdles that may present in our lives as problems. They can manifest into situations where we seem to have no option or alternative which makes them insurmountable.

Now let's take a different approach this perceived problem by adjusting our attitude. If you think of those "tough" moments during training sessions when you believe you can't do anymore or improve the result, often the first response is to give up or quit. In this example they are a "stumbling block".

However when those times or situations arise during our training sessions, what will happen if we try to push through that perceived barrier? Probably we will surprise ourselves by achieving success. Of course you will not succeed everytime but there will be times when you cross the line in the sand or break through that barrier. This success was only made possible by "trying". In this example they are a "stepping stone" on the road to improved health.

So it got me to try that with the class. First I spoke of my sighting of the sign. Then I mentioned that I added the next part.

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones = Perception + Attitude - YOU can make a difference.

At the time we were beginning on a hard hill climb and I wanted them to try harder then their own perceptions of their personal abilities. I really took them on a challenge, I knew that as my heart rate was high and breathing was tough.

I looked around at the class and they were not only working hard but they were also smiling. We all got to the top of the hill and there was a different feeling in the room. A lot of these people were regulars in my class and know that my Saturday morning Hour of Power is not for the faint hearted so I knew that they would be fine but today there was a new lady in the class, who did the climb and also achieved a new high level of personal best effort.

After the class during cool down we spoke of personal experiences and many felt that it was their best effort in a workout. I felt priveleged to have been part of that, because reality is that as the "instructor" we really are only a facilitator to motivate them to work out and it is up to the individual in a Spin class to keep increasing the dial intensity so they really become "their own trainer".

The new lady in my class approached me afterwards, happy because she hadn't ever worked that hard before and was both pleased and surprised. I then congratulated her on her amazing effort. I smiled and asked if she would be back and she held up the timetable with my class circled and said "of course".

Another happy customer on the life path to greater health.

I am still smiling from that class and their effort and can't wait to be back in the saddle.

Days like yesterday is why I am a Fitness Professional !

Saturday 6th June 2009 - The journey continues

I haven't been as regular with writing my health blog lately but that doesn't mean that I have forgotten about it as I really do enjoy trying to make a difference to the lives of others. I'm still attempting to live by example and so am still working out hard and teaching Spin regularly. The one constant in my life is nutrient filled eating habits and living an active lifestyle.

Another aspect I covet apart from changing lives through health awareness is my interest in the entertainment business (scriptwriting + producing both movies and television shows). My last three years have been spent developing script content and now with two completed scripts that are seeking funding, what I have found is that it's definitely easier to write movies then it is to raise funds for them.

One is the animated project (about the MOB) and the others is about a female serial killer (this has also been getting great reviews from peers so if you know a Producer looking for slate content then get them to contact me). I have three other scripts in various stages of writing development in different genre's that keeps my writing fresh (I hope).

While the funding has been taking place it has been a challenge over the last four months to . I have been working to find the "best film Producer" to work with on the animated project and I think that I have one of the most capable people in the Australian movie industry to now work with so that is moving along slowly - but it's moving.

Having been so close earlier this year to raise the funds with our budget of AUD$40M ... then sadly the Global Financial Crisis happened and as a result - I'm now still looking ... looking ... looking ... but hope to have good news in the near future.

So as a result I then had to adjust my "life compass direction" as all my movie contacts in the United States "went quiet" and I was told to be patient as this happens in the movie business all the time but there is no doubt that I have at times felt disappointed that having been so close to raising the money then now feel that I am back at the start line.

Luckily there has been wide spread support for my animated movie project with industry professionals all aware and advising me that this project is worth continuing as it has global audience appeal. Of course that doesn't help me right now so I have had to make drastic living changes to "follow my dreams".

My passion for health is as strong as it ever was but reality is that in a recession filled world it is harder to encourage others to part with their limited income to get healthier and so while I am still teaching my cycle classes this doesn't allow me enough money to focus 100% on my writing so I am now also looking at undertaking some part time Navy Reserve as a Physical Trainer. I was in the Navy some years ago in this role and have applied so hope for news soon.

In the meantime while I wait for that process to happen, it has involved me moving out of my apartment in Sydney and down to Wollongong (an hour south for those who haven't heard of it) to be closer to the family who have been an amazing support network and also will be rewarded when the movie side of my life takes off. Without them and Brooke it would have been so much harder to deal with all the changes.

Now that I'm settling in here and waiting for the Navy to advise me of a "join up date" I will be doing some filming of my Afterburner Workouts and also adding Nutrient Stategies from the Human ECO System Program so keep an eye out for that.

It will also allow me time to focus on writing two of the next scripts - one is a comedy that could be termed a "chick flick" and the other is a co-write of an animated adaption of a published children's short story that seems to be growing all on it's own.

Stay tuned for more updates and information on life changing health strategies.

Tuesday 19th May 2009 - Follow YOUR dream ??

I am constantly hearing those words spoken by motivational leaders and TV experts and to be fair it's mostly by people who are not facing any current life or financial challenges. Personally I think this applies to all of us when times are going well. You see most people who work hard and find "success" either personal, professional or financial are then in a position to be able "to make a choice" about how they spend their time and so advocate following your passion for "inner peace". I support this but also temper that with a strong dose of reality about "needing to pay your bills and support your family".

One of the best examples of this explanation comes from a book titled "The One Minute Millionaire" and it was this book that inspired me to try a variety of life passion pursuits for elements of my career over the last ten years which has been varied and fulfilling for my soul. In the book it states that there are five (5) Freedoms

1. Financial Freedom - the ability to not only meet all your financial commitments but also save and spend it on your leisure pursuits
2. Time Freedom - now you have the first one covered you can choose how you wish to spend your time and with whom as there is no reason to be anywhere you don'w want or have to be
3. Relationship Freedom - now you are meeting all your financial commitments and spending your time the way you wish, there is no outside stress and your time and energy can be devoted to your loved ones
4. Spiritual Freedom - with the other three met you spend time exploring who you are and what you want your life to be about adding context
5. Ultimate Freedom - now that you have met the first four then it is a fulfilling life you are now leading that makes you a whole person.

It is definitely a life I would "choose" and plan to work towards.

For example over the last 10 years my career path has been :

Fitness Instructor - which has been my passion for over 25 years. I have tried to always learn more about the human body and the net result is that over time my body has reflected what I have learned to the point where I still teach Spin classes in Sydney and train nearly every day as it is part of my lifestyle habits now. Life is about constant evolution of both the body and the mind so I believe. This morning I had blood work taken by my Doctor of 12 years who commented I had never looked fitter or healthier. NOTE - he asked for my latest program content about The Human ECO System :-)

TV Show Creator, Producer and Host - in response to the childhood obesity issue back in 1999 a fitness instructor colleague and I created a lifestyle show for kids on Saturday mornings in Australia on the national network which rated very well called The GYM JAM Club. So good was the concept that the network created a similar program to ours and we were dropped after our initial 13 week series .... is there karma in that ? Regardless I continued to believe that solutions need to include education for change so I went back to the drawing board continuing to plot adventures.

Author of two healthy lifestyle books dedicated to changing your life in 8 week plans - there were two as I am constantly striving to find more effective ways to lose bodyfat and improve health. With time and knowledge you find steps change so I am always learning and sharing that knowledge and the last one Human ECO System moved from macro-nutrients such as Fat Protein and Carbs to more important nutrients that get the body to function more efficiently. It also was the genesis of this ongoing Blog.

Nutrition Supplement Consultant - with so many different health issues plaguing us it began to be clear that our nutrient profiles from food were seriously lacking. In response to this I also was aware that I had a profound interest in ways to assist with my own nutritional support. The most obvious and easy was to take nutrition supplements. I spent nearly researching what would work and what was just "marketing hype" and it become clear I needed to be taking a broad spectrum Multi Vitamin and Mineral compound. I contacted the US company Twinlab and sought their assistance to bring a limited range to Australia. They had just partnered with the IRONMAN brand to launch a new series of products specifically for Joe and Jill Average or better known as the Weekend Warriors. This partnership led me to be invited to compete in the 2000 IRONMAN World Triathlon Championships in Hawaii which I contested with only 12 weeks of training and completed (no easy feat let me tell you haha) in 15 hours 36 minutes 24 seconds and it seemed longer.

Epiphany - While I was disappointed for sure that the TV network had excluded us from the new venture and adopted most of our ideas and concepts I never felt that they had approached the children in a way that would do anything for most of them once they reached school age as these programs were more aimed at the "under 5 market". One market I thought the Wiggles had a pretty good strangle hold on :-)

However due to the ongoing issue of childhood obesity I occured to me that most fitness professionals sought to get children more active (which I fully support), with programs either in school or after school and the education experts tried to provide nutritional knowledge in ways such as the 5-a-Day Programs of Vegetables and Fruit or just expecting Parents to cope with the barrage of Marketing that multi-billion dollar food and drink companies spent to over-ride the best choices.

There seemed little cohesive steps to marry these two elements of fitness and nutrition together in a way that would "engage the children". I was always a fan of cartoons, comic books, video games, the internet and of course with technology moving at lightspeed the cool animated movies and their "instant adoption by children to imitate their heroes" so in this "space" is where I chose to develop my content using my A.K.A. principles of Awareness / Knowledge / Action.

Writer / Producer / Director Animated Movie and Interactive DVD Game (http://www.bodymechanics.tv/) - Study of these key elements mentioned above led me to realize that a TV show only had the power to engage children if they saw it, and took action but more importantly only if the networks replayed the key messages. You see what I learned during my journey of discovery during 2003/4/5 in my development of my animated movie and interactive game from childhood learning cognitative professionals is that we try to repeat a key message three (3) times consecutively for it to be remembered. I recalled and it was explained to me in easy to get examples - learning my maths times tables or tying up my shoelaces - long before velcro :-)

From my original concept for the Body Mechanics I was lucky to work with some of the world's leading medical, health and fitness professionals who eagerly wished to participate and be part of the Body Mechanics Advisory Board and included the calibre of Dr Mehmet Oz (Oprah Show and America's Favorite Doctor), Dr Francine Kaufman (worlds leading Diabetes professional) plus many others who all saw the value in this innovative concept.

They all had some light to shed on this aspect that allowed me to finish with two products that I still think is way ahead of it's time and will surely get to be a part of changing and possibly improving the health of children globally. Yes it has won 11 awards in the United States from Parenting and Children's Advocacy Groups and had me interviewed in New York by Dr Oz on the Oprah Radio Show which was a very surreal experience, one I loved and will value.

It now has a series of elements written and waiting for funding for development which include Comic and Cartoon adventures featuring the "good" characters such as Soolyn (Insulin), Gluke (Glucagon), Neuro (the Brain), Sara Bellum (Cerebellum) who are constantly battling the "evil" characters like Kortz (Cortisol), Betez II (Diabetes II), Col Esterol (Cholesterol), Free Radz (Free Radicals) who are led by their infamous titan - AG, which stands for Awesome Guy (the Fat Cell) who rules the uncared or unhealthy body where they battle in the movie titled "Escape from OBEEZ CITY".

Global Health Warrior + Writer / Producer (Warrior Media) - while the other media company is seeking to expand the potential exposure of the Body Mechanics brand with further funding I decided to explore other creative outlets. I have continued to promote healthy lifestyles and teach Cycle classes which I can't ever imagine not doing and always learning more about the Human ECO System which is my "PASSION" although it will not currently provide me for the lifestyle I have described above in the Five Freedoms.

I spend equal amounts of time writing new adventure story content for my movies. One is an animated adventure that is currently seeking funding of nearly $40M but has some very keen interest from Australian voice talent with it's unique storyline. It has already been gathering interest and then I have another script which is about a female serial killer that could be from today's gossip magazines which was fun to write - but don't upset this lady :-)

There are three other scripts and a few TV shows concepts I will continue to explore and in the mean time I am like most people. Working to pay for my lifestyle and in today's market place that is not easy but it is my belief in my passion for healthy lifestyles that keeps me both positive and focussed on achieving goals I set myself. That or I really am an undiagnosed ADD child.

Follow your dream but temper it with the reality that many talented people are doing things that they have to, in order to allow them to live. Also failure is not a bad thing and in fact Thomas Edison failed many, many times to achieve his goals but it took only one success to allow him to always be remembered (light goes off over Tony's head)

Sunday 17th May 2009 - LIFE can take you on a wild ride

For those that have been following along with my Twitter account you would have known that LIFE has a way of presenting a series of challenges and I'm not immune.

But I am nothing if not persistent in my pursuits and when I decide I want to do something - I do it. For example I competed in my first IRONMAN Triathlon with only 13 weeks of training and entered a Half IRONMAN at 6 weeks completing both. I also rode on a Spin Bike for 24 hours for Charity for Dr Oz and HEALTHCORPS after flying from Sydney to New York the night before.

I know that when you put your mind to it there is nothing we can't try. However, I strongly am a believer in the quote "have the courage to finish what you start" so don't give up just because it's going to be hard.

Back to the last 12 months.

The Overview:
I had left my last media company and had decided to further my creative opportunities and wanted to finish work on a NEW 8 week eating and activity which was the genesis of my Human ECO System plan. That completed I wanted then to continue to work on both movie and TV projects while I maintained my passion for changing the world's health issues.

I had five story outlines that I wanted to develop for movies. I wrote two fairly quickly, an animated story and a female serial killer movie plot. The others are still being written and re-written.

The story that I wished to turn into an animated movie I spent a year writing, re-writing and re-writing and then finally re-writing elements to make it stronger. For the unitiated this is standard practice for a movie script. I then had a close friend and very capable Script Doctor add his finesse and we felt we had both unique and compelling content for the movie.

I then attended and won the "Script Pitchfest" competition at the Australian Directors Guild Conference late last September (2008) for the animated feature. I received an amazing amount of support from movie industry people who all liked the project and felt it could be worth pursuing. I needed to gather some momentum to find ways to get the project into production.

Now as it is an animated family movie the budget for this is substantially higher than most movies that get made in Australia at anywhere between $40M and $65M so I was advised to look at the US first. The budget difference ranges from which country it is made in and by whom, who is cast as voice characters, applying and getting subsidies and grants etc, so the process is no easy or fast treatment. I was learning more and more about this as I went and finding out the movie business is alot about keeping things secret - don't ask me why cause that's another secret :-)

Having made my last animated feature for less than $2M and simultaneously making the Interactive DVD Game for another >$1M which all came from a private investor, for this feature having a larger budget and possibly being made as a Movie Studio picture demands that "known or Producers and Directors are required" so I sought to align with other Producers.

In early November the screenplay was forwarded on my behalf by a kind US Agent (as Studios will not accept unsolicited scripts) to two of the major studios (Paramount and Dreamworks) which was very exciting news for me. Then we had the first major credit crunch which slowed down all NEW projects that were currently being made and also stopped any other NEW ones from beginning.

I received my first "PASS" in the middle of December (which wasn't the XMAS present I was hoping for) but very very common in this business. Think of all the people writing and then trying to get movies made and how many actually do.

I had maintained contact with some fantastic Australian Producers who wanted me to meet with an Australian movie company as the Producer felt that this story was uniquely Australian but had worldwide global appeal. We met with them and they wanted to send it to the US Head Office for consideration.

I also had the script logged on an industry website and from that I was approached by a Canadian company looking to make an animated movie with the budget range we had decided upon so they contacted me and asked for the script. It was sent to them but that means it could be 6-12 months before they make a decision so we still wait.

Christmas came and went with no other news which I hoped was a good sign. Then I was contacted by a friend in the US who knew a Producer looking for an animated feature (again within our budget) that wanted to know more about my work. We had a series of emails and phone calls before she asked to read the script and permission to show her contacts.

This happened about six months ago and my animated feature movie was "pretty close to being funded". They had a contact who wished to invest in my movie and certain steps were required to make this happen. The US Producer sought industry guidance from her contacts and felt very strongly that we could get this into production which meant that I was going to be able to live the life that I chose. Buy the home that I had been waiting for and start a famile and then write at my pleasure with other life aspirations.

Then credit crisis part 2 arrived.

The investor was unable to meet the financial obligations and so we went back to the financial blackboard seeking other investors. I was told this was normal and not to worry but this did nothing to alleviate the reality of being an unemployed movie writer / producer who has to face his commitments to living such as eating and living and paying bills.

For the movie I knew was doing everything that I should. I researched the genre to see what was and wasn't getting made and how each was faring at the box office, I then reread the script many times to see if there was anyway to make it more appealing (a constant process until you go into production), I met with other industry contacts to see if there was anyone who could move this onto the next step. I had key Australian voices read the script and guage their interest and all wanted to be involved although none were A-list talent which is another way to get your movie interested by Studios.

After a few months of sporadic communication with my US contacts mostly at my request I decided to again take the initiative and move the project back here to Australia to see if there was anyone or anyway to realize this project. We have an amazing industry pool of talent for making animated feature and if only the budget pool was a large it would be beneficial.

Again two key Australian Producers who had shown interest were very helpful to me on this journey. If and when this project gets made I'm sure it will be in no small part to the roles they both played in assisting me with "movement" so thanks Naomi and Lisa.

With a growing surplus of "bills" mounting I decided to explore all options of being able to provide a "living income" while furthering the movie project for a "life outcome". I met with some friends who had seen me on this journey and knowing my passion for health asked me had I considered undertaking some part-time Defence work. I used to be in the Navy as a Physical Trainer so I began this process. It would provide me income yet still allow me to explore all my creative goals.

I now have two "completed" scripts - well are they ever really complete :-))

The animated one is currently being assessed by a "known Australian Producer" who I believe is possibly the only person capable of getting the necessary funding and also doing the project storyline justice. We are planning on working together on this we her company in the lead role of Producing.

My other script (female serial killer) is being read by two Producers currently but has a much smaller budget of less than $10M so I am hopeful that it will find a Studio or Independent home in the near future but nothing is set in stone. I will continue to write content for the other movie projects that I have planned over the next six months as you never know what will be liked.

In the meantime while I wait for word on the movie projects, over the next few days I hope to be informed of a successful application for re-entering the Navy as a Physical Trainer which I am sure will be an adventure in itself. This will be blogged about as I go so stay tuned for more exciting developments (I hope) that I can share with you.

Yours in Health and Reality .....