Pre-Production So this weekend there were a few contenders for the pick of the week. There
was Reign Over Me, Shooter, and The Hills Has Eyes 2.
However, when we heard Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was being released, we were
gitty like little school girls. We grew up watching TMNT, and it was my first
look into the world of the ninja’s and samurai’s as a kid. This
being a CGI continuation of the live action movies, it seemed to be an interesting
addition to the collection.
Day of Podcast I’ve been working on a project, so time was an issue when recording the
show. Mike and I saw it the morning of, while John saw it the night before.
We only had 3 hours to record the banter, which seemed impossible because usually
our days of recording take up an entire day. Though, Mike took it upon himself
to work on the intro on his own, so we can just focus on the banter. This was
the best idea because we finished recording within an hour. Another great news
was that Mike got the new mixer to work, so we were able to record our show
with better equipment.
Post Production Mike and John edited the show this week. John edited the banter down, while
Mike worked on the intro. The idea for the intro came from Mike, and basically
it is a theme song that goes perfect for this episode. You just might be surprised,
but if you love the original show, then you’ll love this theme too.
After watching horrible and so so films, we decided to treat ourselves to watching
Frank Miller’s 300. We knew this was the movie to podcast because the
style it was made and the creativity of the artwork that went into making this
movie looked phenomenal. Also, with the success of Sin City, another Frank Miller
film adaptation, the anticipation of this film stretched across the world. So
of course Movie Menu was there!
Day of Podcast
After a few scheduling problems, (mainly on my part because of work), we finally
met up to record the show. However, discussion was created over the fact that
one of us didn’t particularly enjoy the movie. The name will remain nameless
until you listen to the show; however, it raised some questions. So we recorded
the banter, of course checking out the levels prior to the recording, that way
everyone is evened out and not fighting to talk over one another, even though
it still happens. However, the first recording wasn’t enough. It seemed
like something was missing, so we ended up scraping the first recording and
doing another one. Then we figured what was missing, the gross comedic jokes
that Movie Menu is famous for!
Post Production
So we had three ideas for an intro. However, we couldn’t think of a correct
way to execute them. The first idea was of someone yelling “PODCASTERS!
TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!” And then cuts to us actually eating in hell
with the Devil. However, so many ideas were tossed and different variations
were created, that we shifted ideas to us actually dining either at norms, to
heaven, then us just burning. Then someone, I say someone because I can’t
remember who it was, and I know it was me, came up with doing a Richard Simmons
Parody of Sparta Work out Video, but didn’t translate too well with audio.
So we scrapped the whole Intro Idea. Figured the show was strong enough that
it really didn’t need one, since the first 5 minutes aren’t really
about the movie, we thought that it would speak for itself. SO ENJOY!
You might think that since this is our 27th episode, that the 27th Annual Razzie
Awards would be the perfect choice, right? Well that was just a coincidence.
We figure the Oscars get enough buzz, lets dedicate a show to something we know
very well, worst movies of 2006. Plus we didn’t want to review Norbit,
or at least I didn’t.
Day of Podcast
This format would be different because there are five movies nominated for
WORST FILM OF 2006. Luckily we had previously seen two of them (Lady in the
Water and Wickerman), so we didn’t have to watch them over again. However,
that left THREE movies (Bloodrayne, Little Man, and Basic Instinct 2), that
we’d have to watch before the show. Luckily they were all on DVD so we
ended up renting them on our own and watching them, except Basic Instinct 2,
which we saw at John’s place, (very awkward, we explain it during the
show). We recorded the show, and afterwards created the intro for the show,
which is the norm that we do for every episode. However, we also did the music
that day. Since we had limited use of instruments, we took advantage of the
recording and used what we had, which wasn’t much.
Post Production
It would be Movie Menu if we hadn’t recorded excess amount of audio footage
that would make my editing that much difficult. Thanks guys, jerks. The episode
of done fairly early, however of course the minor things needed to be added,
like effects, lowering/higher volumes, and cleaning up a few things. Luckily
we were able to shoot this episode out since it was the first episode of the
newest season. Hope you enjoy!
Planning the Podcast
There was much anticipation for the film Stranger Than Fiction with us Movie Menu guys. Will Farrell playing a serious role? We had to be there! So much planning was created to not miss this movie. However, there were some twists and turn when we decided to have Russhelle on the show again. So all that planning went out the window. Luckily for us, we have no lives anymore, so we were able to change some things around so Russhelle could be a part of our show. So we actually saw the movie the day before the recording of the Podcast.
Day of Podcast
Since we saw the movie the day before, we decided to Podcast at night. Which was perfect for me because I was able to watch Volver, a Spanish film starring Penelope Cruz, which I will do a written review on soon. So after getting lost, Mike and I found Russhelle’s house and got to work. We went through the banter once, though the intro look longer than expected because we had some script issues…. Okay I couldn’t get it right. Though it was late, and our energy was low, we still were determined to provide an entertaining show, no matter what the cost.
Post Production
Things seemed to be going better for Mike’s computer since we used it to record the show, we could only hope that it would work while recording the music for the intro. The banter took a little longer to edit than expected but that’s Movie Menu for you. However of course we are successful at spitting out another episode that you’ll enjoy and wonder, what would I do without MOVIE MENU?!
HELP SPREAD THE WORD OF MOVIE MENU! HELP US ENTERTAIN YOU! CONTACT US AT MYSPACE.COM/MOVIEMENU TO LEAVE COMMENTS AND ADD AS FRIENDS! SPREAD THE WORD!
Planning the Podcast
So when word came out that Sacha Baron Cohen was making his famous character, Borat, into a feature film, Movie Menu knew they would have to be there to review it. Much anticipation of this film has been hyped because of the mockumentary styled film playing hoax to people all over America. Something Movie Menu does every week… okay maybe not. So with the original gangstas, Mike, John, and I (Danny) would reunite to create the best review around.
Day of Podcast
After a month or so of having special guests on, the original panelist were back, with a vengeance. Much anticipation for this show had fallen on us because this was our reunion show, so anything could happen. We sort of looked around the room and for once, knew what Borat felt when making his film. The pressure of on, however, like always, Movie Menu rises to the occasion (in more ways than one). After the recording of the show, a new intro was designed on a parody of a famous wrestlers anthem. After, we had a production meeting that last three hours. We discussed, ratings, advertising, domain, basically our future as a company in entertainment and let me tell ya, WE’RE HERE TO STAY! Oh yeah and then the night turned kinda gay after a group hug was given to Z for his birthday… I blame John.
Post Production
Well difficulties arose with Mikes computer not lending a helping hand with the editing, luckily for us my computer was still running okay. Made things difficult however, would be Movie Menu if there weren’t any obstacles involved. So the banter was trimmed and the intro was added and a new theme was created. SO SIT BACK and relax and enjoy the show!
Planning the Podcast
Originally we were going to review Saw 3 since we were going to have a Halloween episode. However, with reviewing The Grudge 2 recently, we thought that we had enough horror movies for the year. So Babel was a great choice to review this week with special guest Russhelle back on board. The story of different languages and races was just the niche Movie Menu needed to review because Babel is based on our real lives. Okay, maybe not based, but definitely inspired. Plus Movie Menu was ready to babble about Babel (sorry but pun was intended).
Day of Podcast
Well I actually wasn’t there during the production. I was helping out with another show, but I did get a first listen of the show raw and uncut and pretty sure this is how the production was done.
John: Oh yeah, we have to Podcast today, don’t we?
Mike: Yeah, um, what movie are we watching again?
John: I don’t know, let me call Dan.
Phone Rings
John: Dan, what movie are we suppose to watch today?
Dan: John, I’m busy helping running a show, I told you its BABEL with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
John: Oh, okay, what time does the movie start again?
Dan: 4:05 p.m.
John: Oh, what movie is it again?
Dan: Dammit John, let me talk to Mike.
Mike: Hello?
Dan: Mike? The movie is Babel and starts at 4:05p.m. make sure to watch it.
Mike: Oh ok, and its Babel?
Dan: Yes, Babel, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
Mike: Ohhhhh… Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett? Is that out already? Are you sure?
Dan: Yes! I gotta go, Sorry, but good luck with the show!
Hangs up
Mike: Dan? You there? I think we lost reception.
John: Oh really? Did he tell you what movie?
Mike: Yeah, but not sure if it’s out yet.
John: Oh well, lets go get Russhelle, she’ll know.
Mike: Yeah, Russhelle knows everything.
John: Everything about nothing.
True Story, however the names of the actors were changed to protect them in real life. Though I did help edit it, and they record ridiculously amount of audio footage.
Post Production
So editing this show was going to be difficult because originally the show is suppose to be 20 minutes altogether. That includes the Intro, theme song, Banter, and Outro Theme Song. However they recorded 40 minutes of Banter a lone. So my true skills as an editor came into play, and hopefully you guys enjoy it. I also altered some of the things that were said to make the panelist make more sense, something not easy to do, but someone has to do it. ENJOY!
Planning the Podcast
So when The Prestige came out, my friend Stephen was interested in being a special guest. And with such success from our previous special guests, we figured why not take a chance on an unknown kid. So Stephen came onboard to review the movie with us. However with John not having a computer, things got more interesting on place where to record. So we made arrangements to go back to the place where we first started, and record at Z’s place.
Day of Podcast
So after the movie we headed over to start recording. Of course we had to initiate Stephen into Movie Menu so we shaved his head and made him wear a chicken suit through out the Podcast. Okay so that didn’t happen, but now we know what to do when our next “special” guest comes on… yes… (evil laugh). So of course we record the Banter before anything and we have some technical difficulties. Funny thing is that this time we actually had a sound guy while the past episodes we didn’t. Ironic, we know.
So after a long discussion about nothing, we decide on creating the intro that would be fitting for this show. So after we recorded all was good and rest was needed.
Post Production
After a long rest, work was needed to be done. We recorded A LOT of material and had too take out at least half of it, so this was going to be more difficult than expected. Of course the impossible became possible and we edited the show the way we saw fit. Added some cool effects and tried covering our mistakes (which we didn’t do a good job on heh). Hopefully this show is enjoyed by many because this took a lot more work than anticipated.
Planning the Podcast
We planned last week that Phillip was going to be our special guest for this episode. Since Phillip loves martial art films, Movie Menu thought The Protector would be a fitting movie for Phillip to review. We also all wanted to watch the kick ass action scenes because there were no wires used for this film. We made our arrangements and we began the first episode with a special guest panelist.
Day of Podcast
We schedule our day pretty tightly so we can show Phillip how professional we are. However, having a schedule wasn’t enough for us to look professional, so we decided on our intro. We wanted to dedicate our intro to a special man so hopefully you enjoy it. Another thing, we kind of ended up with a four man show, but I was afraid that too many voices would be confusing, I sat back and let the others rant on more, (plus they had more interesting things to say than I…or did they?) Also, Phil was kind enough to work on some drum beats for our intro, which in my opinion can out great. So this was a very productive, yet fun day to podcast.
Post-Production
Since we had so much fun recording, we didn’t realize we recorded so much material. So we had to trim this sucka down in order for our audience not to fall asleep during the show, (not that they don’t already). We did however add some more music in the intro and added tracks of Summit Core, Phillip’s band as our background music during the podcast and as our outro song. Hope you enjoy!
We figured we saw the worst movie ever last week, which was GIGLI, so its only going up from there, until we saw the previews of The Wickerman, starring Nicolas Cage. We decided to give this movie a chance and pray for dear life that it would be better than anticipated. We were skeptical but had hopes, I mean Nicolas Cage doing a bad film? What are the odds... ::cough cough:: Don't miss Nicolas Cage in GHOSTRIDER coming out next year...::cough cough:: Though the director has done some hits and misses, I would have liked to see this movie as a hit, but with Nicolas Cage rounding up the cast, expectations were set so low, MOVIE MENU was trippin'!
Day of Podcast
After watching the movie, the whole cast was depressed, not because the movie was sad and tragic, but because we lost two hours of our lives that we will NEVER EVER get back! Though I must admit, I did snooze in the middle of the movie, but Mike Stand assured me I didn't miss anything.... ANYTHING! John pretended to go to the restroom, which left Mike Stand, the lone Wickerman watcher. After, our spirits got high because of the appearance of CosmicMint a.k.a. Diana who was able to make a shout out or two on the show! Though thinking of an intro to top the last two weeks were really hard, but again figured that our aim is not to repeat the success of our previous intros, but make our intros successful in their own ways!
However, something told me that this day was going to be a LONG DAY!
Post-Production
Editing this one would be a difficult one because we really had one day to do it. Though what seemed to be the LONGEST day EVER! We were happy to know when we finished. Only had to add the music to the intro and it was set to be posted. Though this movie was not what we expect (or was it?) we still had to move forward with the project. WISH US LUCK!
Planning the Podcast
For this week, Movie Menu decided to do a DVD. Most would do a newly released DVD, not Movie Menu! We decide on movie’s we would not want to watch, and it was a toss up between Catwoman and Gigli, and we picked Gigli. We figured that Bennfier alone would give us enough material for the show, and trust me, this movie delivered.
Day of Podcast
Since we decided to do a DVD, we felt we deserved a weekend off and chose Thursday as our day to Podcast. With no sound guy, we test the microphones ourselves and had the show on autopilot. Anyone need a job (that doesn’t pay)? After the banter, w tried to think of ways to top the intros of snakes, but we figured this intro fitted this movie perfectly.
Post Production
Since we want our intro to be a success, we divided the editing. Movie Menu: it’s a TEAM EFFORT was the quote heard around the world. Though with Gigli, not much is needed to edit the opinions, however we produce the best stuff for our audience. So hopefully you enjoy.
Planning the Podcast Snakes on a Plane was an easy choice when deciding what movie to podcast next. With Samuel L. Jackson starring in this anticipated action “B” film, Movie Menu knew we had to be there opening night. Knowing that this film shouldn’t be taken seriously, we went in expecting it to be god awful. However, the audience alone made the theatre experience that much more fun.
Day of Podcast With Z unavailable this week, (suffered a snake bite in his private flower) the Dan and Mike show was back in business. Forcing John to do sound, it was up to Dan and Mike to make a new twist on the intro that would show off our talent, or lack thereof. Though we did record a lot of material, we all agreed it would be a success.
Post-Production
With two people doing the major editing, this show was expected to be a hard one to finish. Our own little preview of Snakes on a Plane: The Musical was going to bring a funnier twist on an awesomely bad film. However, our hard work paid off and we were able to finish this podcast for your listening pleasure. Enjoy , MothaFuckers!
Planning the Podcast
So this week we couldn’t agree on what movie to podcast, so we decided to review them all. This week choices were the tear jerking World Trade Center which paid homage to the events of September 11th, starring Nicholas Cage and Michael Pena. Zoom, this weeks family film also came out and decided that this one was worth mentioning because it starred Tim Allen, who’s still making films, some how. Also starring Courtney Cox, (life after friends), and Chevy Chase, (life after death). And the Japanese horror turned American, Pulse, starring Kristen Bell and Christina Milian. So it was going to be an interesting show, since we didn’t see each movie together. Only one of us saw one of the three movies so we had to be creative in meshing these three bad movies into ONE.
Day of Podcast
We had to come up with an interesting intro and format since we all saw different movies. We went back to Movie Menu since everyone was back and the Dan and Mike show didn’t get the respect it deserved! Or did it? After a few debates, the intro was down, and we were ready to create a different kind of show. With Z back in the sound chair, John was promoted back to Host (though we tried to get him fired, anyone need a job?) we were able to have a completed show with everyone in tact.
Post Production
We took one take, (thank God), so editing would be easier. With a new way of logging, (making Z the sound guy actually does some work), made things a bit easier to capture what was memorable and what wasn’t. After a few snips and cuts, the show is ready to be released. Though three out of the four member’s computers are without internet all of a sudden, this show is going to be difficult to post. So wish us luck, we’re going to need it.
Planning the Podcast
The movie chosen for this week was The Descent. We felt like shitting our pants, so this movie was just right. John suggested reviewing a horror film, a tough genre to review; only because the acting is typically awful, effects are lame, dialogue is cheesy, and most are not scary. However this one looked promising. A combination of suspense, horror, and gore is exactly what Movie Menu needed.
Day of Podcast
With Z, our resident sound guy unable to participate in this weeks special, John stepped up as sound guy (actually, we demoted him) and Mike stepped in as the new host. This slightly altered show would be titled: The Dan and Mike Show. A slightly different format, the bar was set for a new successful show…or at least we hoped.
Post Production
This show had to have been our most difficult show to edit. First time we actually recorded two takes, one being 13 minutes, second being 21 minutes. The decision was made that both tracks were worth keeping. With clever editing, we managed to make sense of the chaos. With a new theme song, we expect The Descent podcast to be a huge hit or a miserably failed endeavor. YOU DECIDE!
Planning the Podcast
So this week we planned on doing a review on a DVD instead of a theatrical release. What could go wrong we thought? Then we realized our only OPTION was From Justin to Kelly and we regretted ever mentioning DVD review. Though finally we got a break and didn't have to pinch our pennies to review a movie in the theaters, though the drawback being the movie is From Justin To Kelly. So finally after long deliberation, we sat down and watched the movie that we would have no problem coming up with material. Though this movie had a reputation of SUCKING, we didn't want other sources to influence on what we thought, though it was very VERY hard.
Day of Podcast
So judgment day came and we had to podcast the deliciously unique movie, From Justin To Kelly. We were hoping for the best, because Kelly's career has grown, but then Justin is holding Kelly back, and this movie was clearly the proof of that. We have to pick one tagline out of a possible 5 or 6 to make the cut for the show and design a possible intro for the show. Though as stated in earlier production notes, the show is done on one take, so we have to make sure certain topics are covered, which is hard when three opinionated guys that want to talk about nonsense, but we somehow we do. Though the movie itself was a mess, the podcast itself came across as going well.
Post Production
With clever editing, or maybe not so clever editing, special effects and sounds are added to dress up the podcast and words are twisted to make us sound like we know what we are talking about. A few hours or days after we finished recording, we have a final product. Hopefully our message got across, because clearly the message of From Justin to Kelly got lost in the mail.
Podcasting is a community and there is no one we love more in the neighborhood than Los Angeles Podcasters: Ask a Ninja. We couldn't top this review- so why challenge a ninja...dude, they got skills...chicks did guys with skills. This is what podcasting is all about!
Superman Returns
Planning for the podcast
Usually the movie will be picked on Monday, so that we can plan and
research all week and podcast that weekend. However, for Superman
Returns, that podcast was discussed very early on. It was anticipated
to be one difficult show, because it was expected that this would be a
movie everyone would like, which would cause less discussion. So
information and facts were a necessity in order to keep momentum high.
Day of Podcast
With the return of Mike Stand (he�s not Superman� or is he?) We were
all set for this show. It is important to run tests when recording to
make sure everything sounds right, and no background noise can be
heard. Most of the time, the funniest test run will be part of our
outro, which is the ending of our show. We usually try to think of
unique intros and have about five or six taglines, and the best one
will make it on the show. Sound guy Z gives us a 5 second countdown and
the banter begins.
Post Production
Since the show is unscripted, we usually only go on one take, which
takes about a half an hour or so. Once we finish, we almost immediately
start the editing process and as well as getting the website ready for
production. Whatever we don�t finish on Saturday, we will finish on
Sunday in order to have it on the website Sunday night or Monday
morning.
The movie for this week will be THE OH IN OHIOdirected by Billy Kent and written by Adam Wierzbianski. It has a promising cast starring Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, Mischa Barton, Danny DeVito, and Liza Minnelli. The movie is about this woman who is happily married but has never had an orgasm. She embarks to find an orgasm while her husband searches to prove his manhood.
I decided to pick this movie for our next Podcast because the cast alone is amazing. Though I go into movies with no expectations, this movie seems like a movie that we will have no problem discussing. Parker Posey a lone we can chitchat for hours, but add Danny Devito and Paul Rudd in the mix, and chaos ensues. So look for THE OH IN OHIO to be the NEXT podcast.
