The Woodlands, TX. Some promotional snapshots from the upcoming release of BIANCA 2029 are presented in no particular order. Starring Rachel Wilder as MSG Bianca Wolfe. Directed by D. R. Quintana. Music by Lora Mao. This film is a MICRO Entertainment production.
38 Pages
ON THE COVER - GKar-Gkar Magic
MAIN ARTICLES
Why Indie Viking Films are never Completed - You've seen the advertisements, the film trailers, even some of the prepared wardrobe, but where are all of the completed indie viking films?
Were you promised success in indie films? - Read the story of four indie actors who were promised huge success in indie circles and were dumped shortly after the indie film they helped produce left town.
Second Chance Filmmakers
- A filmmaker completes his/her first film, what now?
The word on the Indie streets is that networks are looking for original works? - Houston has at least three professional projects that are currently streaming online. We chatted with the producers of these shows to get the inside scoop on what to expect for 2025 and beyond!
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QSE.357 ISSUE 29 dtd 2/1/2024
38 Pages
ON THE COVER - Lissa Moore, Actress.
Photos by Paul H. K. & Mary K.
MAIN ARTICLES
Texas Indie Film Madness - The top 2024 Austin indie slasher film "RHIANNON" is winning awards and getting rave reviews from some of the best filmmakers in the state.
Raking the Coals - Legends are being born with new talented actors taking leading roles. Stage actors are the top choice for casting directors; learn about what casting managers look for in casting films.
Films that deliver to fans
- The top 20 list of Texas indie films that have proven with Meta Data to have the biggest followings in the state! - Is your film on the certified list?
Dead Reckoning - Western indie films are all but non-existent in Texas, however, one studio is attempting to change that. Meet the new indie film guys in West Texas!
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These narcissists will also tell you that it takes real contacts in the movie industry to see your film prevail in the “vast movie culture” that is only privileged to a few people who “know the ropes” of the most successful movie infrastructures. But do these idiots really know what happens from the time an idea is created, to the time the pre-film is scripted, pre-produced, and screenwriting comes into play before the camera rolls? Probably not.
Before you drop your idea down to some local indie movie studio under some name like “Clownwork Pictures LLC” or “Run Down Doublewide Pictures” for assistance in getting funding or equipment for your film project, be sure your idea is somewhat realistically thought out. Don’t just sell yourself short to the idea that this thing you have will make enough cash to cure cancer or buy that big yacht to travel around the world to help share your film to a larger audience. Sometimes it’s just a good idea to keep things small and leave the bigger films to real professionals. At this point your only into a hobby, and in the indie film scenes, sometimes that’s the safest (and best) place to be.
Being successful in the independent film industry is a huge dream. There have been so many stories of how a local independent film broke into Hollywood, and had huge success with just a simple idea. Those ideas have even sometimes turned into classic themes that are accepted widely into the fandom of world success; you know the indie films I speak of?…The Blair Witch, The Wraith, El Mariachi, Superbad, just to name a few. These films had low budgets - most were considered ultra-low budget films - but were able to garner a lot of attention through some fantastic advertising schemes that were fresh and not heard of at the time. Even though more of the attention went to these indie films directors, several of the leading actors gained world-wide attention for their performances.
These films didn’t have big names at the time, just an idea that caught people off guard and sold a new brand of film to movie goers and brought in great success over time. Each new indie film that has broke through into fame status, has had production teams with little skill levels, but brought an idea that was uncontested and perfect in its delivery. These teams worked with talented creators that knew how to deliver their film with some training and foresight to lead their production team in the right direction.
What these famous indie films didn’t have were scam producers or wanna-be film executives who were dropping cash on a project because “that’s how it’s really done.” Nope, most of the time, these films launched because one member of the team knew how to bring a dream (or idea) to life with very little in their possession, having the clarity to stay focused and not add too much detail to the simple idea. These were good, honest people who exposed themselves to trial and error countless times, adjusting themselves, growing towards the maturity of a good film maker, and not clinging to the idealism of an amateur nobody.
Yes, unfortunately a large majority of amateur nobody indie film productions and producers exist; be aware that they are out there, and probably a whole lot more than you might think. I have been working in the independent film industry circuit for a little over 25 years, working with so many no-talent people who claim to know the insides and outs of how movies are produced, how they are sold, how they are distributed, and even claimed to have marketed some for big money purposes. A lot of these clowns believed the project could make millions of dollars and that everyone in town would eventually come calling to them for the next big film.
Unfortunately, most of the time, and I mean like 5% of the time, some of these talent-less individuals are able to actually get their film into a position to where marketing became a somewhat lucrative success, but none ever turned out real money or success. These self proclaimed professionals try everything to look the part of an industry specialist; registering studio names, certifying trademarks, claiming to have the best advice, but in reality they can only flash a paper trail to look the part, but what have they truly accomplished? At any point of their short career in indie films, NOTHING.
Narcissistic film producers (or Jimmies) love to claim the knowledge of the business of making films, but truly know nothing about it at all. You can usually check their registries online - because they truly want you to - and see what they’re all about. Most claim to have extensive knowledge in honing services such as filming, editing of film, film production, distribution of completed film, rental of film making equipment; i.e. cameras, steady cam, gimbals, lighting, drones, editing computer use, production guidance, supporting through any and all of the film making process. These wannabe's can't tell you what type camera is best for your film, except for the camera equipment they may already have in their possession.
Breaking their resumes down easily, any real film producer or film maker will tell you that camera's upgrade yearly and can tell you what cameras they prefer to film with; steady cams are a thing of the past and most are now shot with hand rigs; gimbals are only used with cell phones - not even sure why this is listed, except that it might sound technical; lighting rigs can be inexpensively bought at Walmart; drones are only good if you train yourself on how to use them proficiently; having a computer to edit your film isn't required these days; and as for production guidance[?] - doesn't one have to actually create, write, direct or produce several films to be filled with this type of wisdom? and what is "support through the process of the film making process?"...these all sound like suggestions from some guy who sat back and listened to what was happening on a film set, remembered a few tricks of the trade, and now thinks he's a professional film maker. Silly shit, isn't it?
What I like best is when one of these narcissistic producers or exec's claim they are licensed to educate anyone in the field of film making, whether it be sports or cultural activities, entertainment, and providing training in these areas. If your not smart enough to vet these idiots and learn that they never attended real college courses, or check that they completed a myriad of film projects, I recommend you quickly step away and distance yourself from any of their useless bravado. In reality, they have nothing genuine to offer you, except to get into your business and try to push you around for their enjoyment. Being in Indie film teams is only a glorified hobby; it shouldn't be taken too serious and everyone is still required to have a full time job to the pay the bills when the filming shuts down for the night, so why deal with the grief of exposing yourself to a Jimmie who is out to feel important in his own mind?
Honestly, just because a Jimmie can claim to provide an impressive long list of attributes for making films, definitely doesn’t necessarily mean they have "hands-on experience." Be sure to always ask for receipts; that’s ask for legitimate contact with known local indie film makers who have recently worked with this person or impressive group. You might be surprised what you find with just a simple search. Most of the time you’ll learn who is legitimately talented, who can truly help, and more importantly, those you need to steer clear away from. There are amateur loonies out there and they love to be in control of your idea…shit, just about anyone’s idea.
These Jimmies are amateur bozos who are born from a desire to feel important, be in charge, or have a narcissistic taste for absolute “instant fame” which empowers them to grow quickly like a weed and ride off the success of someone else’s efforts; becoming an offshoot of excitement that eventually runs wildly in a direction that serves no purpose, gives no sanctity to the reassurance of true potential, that most actors exposed to the idiocy can become damaged by the bombardment of imaginary success that is tossed at them on a daily basis. Jimmies love to express "how big this film can be!" and "the things we can build on with just this one film with you in it!"
And all of this is very true. So many bad indie films have imploded on themselves due to some person, sometimes even a small group, that run on a bad idea being the next big thing since sliced bread. Narcissistic indie film producers and execs are far even worse. They tend to believe the bad idea is the next big thing because they either paid into the project or because they claim they can elevate the success of the bad idea because they think they have that “big connection” that can change everything and bring the project to a whole new level. Most of a Jimmies connection is making random searches on the internet or trying something they learned from someone else. Part of their scam is playing the part, but not actually not knowing what the part is actually about.
And there’s never any proof of real success; just excuses of what could have been. There’s never that one real indie film project that ever made the real stir in the entertainment field either locally or outside of the small circle of the projects own production team. "Blame" is the constant tool of a fool and the only reward for following a fool is the realization that the infatuation all started because someone else was blamed for not being the right tool for the small idea.
Well, there you have it. Everything you need to know about spotting a know-it-all Jimmie trying to be something he's not. It's okay to dream big, but do it on your own dime and with the full control of the project you've decided to bring to life. The Quantum Storm .357 E-Magazine [QSE.357] actually lists names of some of the most notorious scammers in the indie film circuit who proudly parade as Jimmies in Texas. Be sure to reach out and become a subscriber to learn more about how to protect yourself in this field of film making we all enjoy partaking in.
Don't become another statistic in the wild world of Indie films, be only a film maker!
Ride Easy,
D. R. Quintana
Proven Director/Producer/Professional Photographer
QSE .357 ISSUE 16 FOR JAN 1, 2023
155 Pages
ON THE COVER - Megan Riser
MAKEUP BY - Terri Taylor
PHOTO BY D. R. Quintana
MAIN ARTICLES
Making The Challenge - Things a camera can do that a cell phone camera lens cannot.
This Years SCAM Alert - Head Shot Scams are starting up for Spring. Don't pay too much for taking a snap of your own image.
Special Look - Winter modeling is here. What you need to know about winter apparel, makeup, and lighting.
Stunt Work - Special stunts require certain protection while on set. An interview with some local Texas Stunt professionals.
Acting Courses - Who to see if you need acting classes and at what level.
Studio Movie Reviews - The studio has
pushed forward with detailed film reviews for
the last few months.
Indie Film News - At what point does your
film need or require a copyright?
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR SUBSCRIBERS AND INTERNET SURFURS!
TEXAS VETERANS ARE STEPPING UP FOR THIS YEARS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS HOLIDAYS! THIS ISSUE PRESENTS SOME OF THE BEST HOLIDAY EVENTS AND CHRISTMAS SHOWS IN THE TEXAS LANDSCAPE; STRETCHING FROM SAN SABA TO HOUSTON. BE SURE TO ALSO CHECK OUT THE NEW LIST OF INDIE FILMS TO WATCH IN 2023!
GHOSTIES – The Witches Spell [Ghosties] is a 2014 paranormal, dark comedy short film written and directed by David Quintana-Lujan. It is the first film produced by Quintana-Lujan, and the first feature film produced under the studio name, Quantum Storm Productions. In the present time, a group of teenaged ghost hunters have struck out seeking ghosts during the summer. After they are introduced to a real black witch, who gives them a spell in passing, do the young team of ghost hunters begin to actually see the paranormal images of people who passed away. But are the ghosts truly real or a joke laid out by the local graveyard lawn keeper who’s tired of kids breaking into the property looking for ghosts? GHOSTIES features Jessica Yanker, Alan Berkowitz, Fabritzia Faustinella, Matthew Jasso, Kacey Kelley, Robin Galley, Travis Coker, Mary King, Angelica Grayson, Daniel Erik and Warren Lightsey.
Screenplay by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Story by D. R. Quintana
Based on Characters by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Produced by D. R. Quintana
Darla Redwine
Starring Anisah Khan, Ashlyne Redwine,
Katelyn Merricks,
Haley Coker,
Emily Thompson, Tanner Fontana
Cinematography by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Edited by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Set Assistant Joan Yanker
Music by ASIA
Randal Behan
Zeca Mahoney
Production Company Quantum Storm
Productions
Running Time 48 minutes
Countries United States
Language English
Budget $8,500
GHOSTIES – The Witches Spell [Ghosties] is an ultra-low independent film directed and produced by David Quintana-Lujan in May of 2014. It was entirely filmed in Montgomery County, in the state of Texas with a soft budget of $8,500. Most of the cast were young teenagers [or "tweens"] and their mothers all helped with the production requirements behind the camera.
With the films huge success came a little bad news as one mother, Kaylyn Merrick and her daughter chose not to be part of the films premiere as her teen child was cast in a 48 Hour Film Festival and didn’t want to associate with the rest of the cast’s success at the premiere. Even though some of the cast members were heartbroken that one of the co-actors didn’t make the premier to complete a team photo, the reception following the premiere removed all doubt as the young cast was welcome with wave upon wave of cheering fans and instant local stardom. This one premiere proved that Ghosties was a big hit with the teen genre and, if proper measures were taken to promote a solid production, that there was a large potential for children’s movie productions within the independent film scene in Texas.
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THE SECRET OF ANGELIKA5 [ANGELIKA5] is a 2009 SciFi, dramatic web series written and directed by David Quintana-Lujan. It is the second web series produced by Quintana-Lujan, this series was the first produced under the studio name, Quantum Storm Productions. In the near future, a young girl, Angelika McAdams [Brittany Clark], awakens after having an aneurysm [or stroke] and is raised by two adoptive parents who took care of the young girl, keeping a close eye on her recovery. Along her new life start, she makes new friends, centering her juvenile tendencies with a close neighbor, Brianna Fuller, who introduces to nothing but constant trouble, drama and teenage concerns. Angelika is frequently visited by a ghost-like woman, who calls herself “Ms. Rachael,“ who is a harbinger of the future, or maybe just a figment of her imagination. With each new visitation of this “harbinger” a coincidental set of migraines occur that eventually end up giving Angelika incredible super power abilities. Her best friend, Brianna [Angelica Grayson],has the reverse effect and she too begins to have visitations from a paranormal group of beings called “the Vapor People.” As the two girls begin to grow with their abilities, it becomes a struggle for power between good and evil. The powers from the future are then introduced, but we learn that they have hid themselves in the deep past, hiding from a powerful foe. Can Angelika unite with her friends to help unlock the secret of her abilities and defeat the evil plans of the “Vapor People?” ANGELIKA5 features Angelica Grayson, Jessica Yanker, Maque Garcia, Saira Ramos, John St. Germain, Eddie Enriquez, Alan Berkowitz, Patrice Kentimenos, Kacey Kelley, Mary King, Larry Carrell, Matthew Jasso, Shelley Boozer, Caterra McAlexander, and Rainey Beaumier.
Screenplay by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Brittany Clark
Angelica Grayson
Story by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
John St. German
Based on Characters by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Produced by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
John St. Germain
Jennifer Lightsey
Executive Producers Barbara Johnston
D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Barbara Clark
Starring Brittany Clark & Angelica Grayson
Cinematography by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Edited by D. R. Quintana-Lujan
Andrew Quintana
Music by ASIA
Randal Behan
Zeca Mahoney
Production Company Quantum Storm Productions
Running Time 22 minutes per episode
Countries United States
Language English
Budget $45,000 (52 episodes)
THE SECRET OF ANGELIKA5 is an ultra-low independent web series directed and produced by David Quintana-Lujan from March 2009 to December 2014. The entire web series was developed and filmed in the county of Montgomery in Texas. A large casting call was made to find every actor in the show, over 100 teens tried out for the series and only three were picked; those being Brittany Clark, Angelica Grayson, and Rainey Beaumier. A casting call for the parents in the show was even tougher, eventually landing spots in the series were Maque Garcia [picked because of her deep Spanish accent], Saira Ramos [for her approachability], and Eddie Enriquez [for his soap opera good looks]. Because the series was being developed in south Texas, the director wanted a heavy cast of Latino talent in key roles.
SEASON 1
Because the director-producer was stationed overseas for most of his Navy career, promotional advertising was produced by spreading the work through contacts made across Europe and western pacific locations during his military career which helped bolster the existence of the low budget show worldwide. What also helped was that the sultry, Maque Garcia, was also a local celebrity in Houston, Texas; as she was recognized as the weather and traffic correspondent on the local Latin network stations. Her popularity brought in higher numbers of views from the local community which helped bolster a new line of fans who followed newly released episodes to the series every weekend.
Helping to bring in new fans to the show, the opening credits for the first season used the music track of “Ride Easy” from the world known rock band, ASIA. The director-producer was able to legally procure the use of the track for the cost of $150, which was a complete surprise to the lead singer of ASIA, John Wetton, who absolutely thought the track was perfect for the opening credits of the show and wrote a letter to the studio about using the track. Search engines for the title track from ASIA’s song helped boost the existence of the show at every turn and the studio considered the first season a complete hit with over 85,000 in the first year of the show. 
Season two [2010] introduced new characters and actors to the show. The director-producer was so impressed with the minor success of the first season, he began to expand the writing in of new characters and bending story arcs into several different directions; but said that all of the story arcs were required to build solid character development and bring the show to one final confrontation at the end. This new season saw the departure of John St. Germain as Arthur McAdams and the studio hired the talented Larry Carrell to fill the void. Another new actor, Daniel Gallehugh was brought in to play villain in the series, which brought a lot of heated opinions towards the potential violence in the series. The studio lost the rights to use the ASIA track from the first season, due to a shift in the policies from the bands distribution rights and their publisher. The director-producer immediately commissioned a new track from an indie music source to fill the void. Season two was well received, but was not as successful as season one. Season two ended the series in a wild, but very strange manner which left many of the shows fans in a proverbial lurch. 
Even though season five were written and planned for production, the series final season was never completed. The director-producer has a movie script which he has been trying to pitch for production. He has contacted many of the main actors from the series to help complete one full feature film to complete the series, but no movement to start production has occurred since 2016. Over 88 various local actors performed parts in the series and at least one episode was filmed in Midland, Texas, with an all new cast, far outside the production locations, cast and crew in Montgomery, Texas.
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There's been a saying within the first time film maker community that "directors are a dime a dozen" and that "many film teams exist that can produce better quality films" with better effort, with better production teams, or even better actors. The realization is that if it were that easy, everyone would be doing it and not just as a glorified hobby. Keep in mind that these first Indie filmmakers absolutely have no prior film making experience nor are they apt to following an established format for producing or arranging film teams. They often claim to have all the answers but have nothing to show from prior experience. There is a pattern that most believe they can "fake it until they make it" with nothing but hype, useless independent film award stamps, and a production effort that is anything but professional and entertaining to anyone outside of their own little circle. - That's the price for NOT learning the film making system or making solid contacts within the filming community.
But just how good is a first timers premiere film production? - I guess that all depends on who you ask. If you ask the first time filmmaker and his team, they'll tell you that their first attempt at making their film "...was a huge success;" made to a standard that blows any competition away. The biased film teams friends and family will tell you that they'd "...buy a DVD or pay a ticket" to watch it again. Asking someone not affiliated and unbiased to the film team will often tell you that "the film blows..." and that they "...wasted an hour and a half of their lives" watching it. I know that these groups of people will make you feel uneasy to spend the time to watch the first time film; you'll remember right off that first time filmmakers have no experience in doing anything to produce and promote their films when they premiere. They often just rent a room or auditorium and try to fill it up with people that they know and who will be supportive. These amateur teams usually get updates from their "first time director," who will post something on their Facebook page and try to get people to be part of their following. But in the end, these newbies will end up calling their family and close friends, begging them to come to the premiere and watch their show - That's the price of NOT actually knowing how to market or produce a proper trailer for your first film.
It isn't a crime to seek out to go make your first film. Just don't wind up believing your own hype and try to garner a successful career through fictitious means. I mean seriously, awarding yourself a trophy or bragging about indie film awards that you won after you nominated them yourself and paid money to receive...that's real success? Besides there are real and more professional indie film teams out there producing top quality films with sensational scripts, fabulous actors and crews.
Below are a few things to remember should you be bold enough to get your film reviewed or critiqued by people who actually knows what to look for in the local Indie film scene
****SIMPLE FILM REVIEW NOTES TO REMEMBER****
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