ABC NEWS Nightline Covers Bats Film

Here’s the link to the ABC NEWS Nightline story on one of the films I am working on, “The Extreme Nature of Bats” (announcement is below in previous blog entry).

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=8962985

“PassmoreLab’s New 3D Film Delves Deep Inside the Extreme Nature of Bats”

Studio’s Latest 3D Film Takes a Very Realistic and Often Stark Look at Bats in New Museum Science Film

San Diego, CA (Oct 22, 2009) – When Greg Passmore, president of San Diego-based 3D Production Studio PassmoreLab recently uttered the words ‘to the bat cave’, he wasn’t referring to atomic batteries to power, turbines to speed, Robin, The Dark Knight or Dracula. But all signs point to his bat cave being every bit as entertaining, creepy and biting.

Passmore was referring to a Texas bat cave where he was filming part of his latest science movie, “The Extreme Nature of Bats”, that has a resident population of 12 million of the little flying fanged mammals. These bats are as important to the surrounding ecosystem – and every single ecosystem in the world for that matter — as the clean air and water that support them. But as beneficial as they are to nature controlling pests, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, they can often be as deadly. Known carriers of the rabies virus — which can be fatal to humans and animals — bats’ dark reputation as nightstalkers is as much fact as it is fiction, and Passmore’s production is traveling the world filming bats in order to tell a balanced truth about them.

Now in production, “The Extreme Nature of Bats” is a new, 35 minute educational science film that will explore the myths and dark legends that have stalked the world’s only flying mammal for hundreds of years. Through the wonders of digital 3D technology, audiences will learn that bats are unique and interesting animals; but, because of fear and misconceptions associated with them throughout history, they also are some of the most misunderstood animals in the world.

The film is being shot in various locations around the world and will examine several species of bats, including free-tailed bats, fruit bats, and vampire bats. Texas was chosen as one location because the territory contains some of the largest bat caves in the world, including maternity caves that are winter homes for millions of Mexican free-tailed bats. Other locations are quite exotic, including Africa, chosen for the fruit bat population; Belize, chosen to illustrate ancient Mayan ceremonial practices and primitive bat cave etchings; Romania, to further illuminate the myths surrounding Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle); and the jungles of Mexico, to film the infamous vampire bats.

Only three of the world’s approximate 1,000 bat species are vampire bats that drink the blood of other animals — and occasionally humans. These rare species are only found in isolated parts of Central and South America. Once a vampire bat locates a host, such as a sleeping mammal, it lands and stealthily approaches it from the ground.

“Vampire bats are highly-evolved hunters. They have specialized thermoreceptors which help them locate areas where its preyʼs blood flows close to the skin. Their front teeth are specialized for cutting and removing skin and their saliva contains an anticoagulant which, when injected, prevents the prey’s blood from clotting,” says Greg Passmore. “Often they will return night after night to the same animal, so they simply just have to pull back the scab from previous visits to feed on more blood.”

Passmore’s objective from the start was to take viewers on a highly-memorable, realistic journey and expose them to a world they have never seen before – from deep inside active bat caves filmed from the inside out – giving viewers a realistic understanding of the risks and rewards associated with large bat populations.

“This film is not a tame depiction of bats as cute little cave kittens,” says Passmore. “It’s real — the good, the bad and the ugly. Millions of bats live in those caves, departing and returning, devouring tons of insects nightly. But they also die there.”

One sequence shows the bats as they die and fall from the roof of the cave into the muck of bat guano below, being quickly consumed by waiting Dermestid beetles and worms.

“That’s not your typical average bat movie fare, and I can attest to the fact that the circle of life inside a bat cave is actually quite bizarre and a little disturbing,” smiles Passmore.

The film will also explore the similarity between humans and bats. Interestingly, bats have the same basic arm and hand bones found in humans and most other mammals. However, the forelimbs of all bats developed as wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of sustained flight.

More than half of America’s bat species are considered in decline or are already listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Wildlife experts agree that ignorance about bats and their habitats has contributed to their demise. It was Passmore’s passion for conservation and edgy story-telling that led to this film.

“I think this is an important film. The world needs to better understand these creatures before they are gone,” continues Passmore. “We are seeing new diseases like White Nose Syndrome that are killing off entire bat colonies, and that is tragic. Our film will hopefully do much for educating people about the importance of these creatures and why we need to protect them.”

There are close to 1,000 species of bats worldwide and they comprise more than one-fifth of all mammals. The film takes a straight-ahead approach to telling the story of the plight and flight of the worlds’ bat population. “The visuals speak for themselves, and I will admit that the storyline can get a little startling at times,” says Steve Glum, PassmoreLab’s head of Branding & Distribution. “But sometimes a little shock makes people stop and think, and I believe this film’s relevance fits well with the ever-growing worldwide concern for the planet’s well being.”

PassmoreLab’s “The Extreme Nature of Bats” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ23ZMBcVMg) is scheduled for release to IMAX, Science Centers and Museums in March 2010.

“Thousands of Rockers & Film Fans Join Hollywood Celebrities at Premiere of “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” at Legendary Rocker Johnny Ramone’s Memorial Tribute”

PassmoreLab & The Johnny Ramone Army  Confirm Event was Largest Turnout Ever

Los Angeles, CA (Oct 14, 2009) - San Diego-based 3D producer PassmoreLab, in conjunction with the Johnny Ramone Army, has confirmed that the iconic rocker’s memorial tribute was the largest ever, with approximately 3,000 fans showing up to pay homage to the guitarist and witness the World Premiere of “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” during the 5th Annual Johnny Ramone Tribute, which took place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Ramones’ guitarist Johnny Ramone created the enduring template for punk rock guitar.  With his blazing power chords and brutal licks energizing Ramones’ classics like “Blitzkrieg Bop”, “Rockaway Beach” and “Sheena is a Punk Rocker”, Johnny inspired generations of punk bands until his untimely death from prostate cancer in 2004.  His annual tribute, now in its fifth year, takes place at the foot of his 8 ft. memorial bronze statue inside the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Attending Hollywood celebrities and rockstars included actress Rose McGowan, actress Rosanna Arquette, actress PJ Soles, actress Virginia Madsen, actors David Arquette and Vincent Gallo, Sex Pistol’s Steve Jones, musician Pete Yorn, X’s Billy Zoom, radio personality Joe Escalante of the Vandals, Stan Lee of The Dickies, the Ramones’ Tommy Ramone,  CJ Ramone and many more.

“This year’s event was spectacular and turned out to be everything we’d hoped for,” said John Cafiero, Chief of Staff of the Johnny Ramone Army.  “It was just a great night all around. The event was rich and diverse as a whole and so was the crowd. Commandos assembled from all over the world and it was the biggest turnout we’ve ever seen at the annual Tribute. I think Johnny would be proud.”

The event was a fundraiser with net proceeds benefiting the Johnny Ramone research fund at USC Westside Prostate Cancer Center lead by Dr. David Agus.

Fans enjoyed a full evening of Rock ‘N Roll and movie magic in both 2D and 3D with a vintage 1977 Ramone’s concert film “It’s Alive”; the rarely-seen “Rock ‘N Roll High School” original theatrical trailer, which was introduced by special guest PJ Soles, the original Riff Randall from the film; “Night of the Living Pinheads”, a unique clip from the “Ramones RAW” DVD where the band is seen in South America and their van is being mobbed by adoring fans fittingly intercut with shots from “Night of the Living Dead”; a rare memorabilia exhibit; an art show of original paintings by the legendary Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone; opening featurettes of animated music videos from the Johnny Ramone Army and the world premiere of Osaka Popstar’s “Wicked World” 3D video; NVIDIA’s new 3D Vision presentation of the horror game “Resident Evil 5”; and never-before-seen 3D photos of Johnny Ramone himself.

The evening concluded with the 3D World Premiere of George Romero’s original 1968 cult classic “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!”, produced by PassmoreLab, and was superbly introduced by actress and JRA affiliate Rose McGowan, a close friend of Ramone for many years.

“We had a huge turnout! What can I say? It was for the love of Johnny Ramone, a great cause and fantastic entertainment,” reflects McGowan.  “Johnny would’ve been thrilled that so many people love & respect The Ramones.”

“The movie looked great in 3D,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab.  “We took great care restoring and converting it, and I am very pleased with the outcome.”

“Night of the Living Dead”, one of the greatest low budget cult movies ever made and originally shot in black and white over 40 years ago, was painstakingly restored, colorized and converted, frame by frame into full 3D using Passmorelab’s proprietary technology.

“It was great to see this all come together,” said James Humann, producer at PassmoreLab. “We are fans ourselves, and were happy to be a part of such an amazing event!”

The World Premiere of  “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” and the Johnny Ramone Tribute event was open to the public for a $10 donation to the foundation.  Attendees all received free 3D commemorative Johnny Ramone Army/“Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” glasses upon entering.

“I think Johnny would have been very proud.  He loved horror movies, and would have been thrilled that “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” had its world premiere at his tribute, in front of so many fans,” said Linda Ramone, wife of the legendary guitarist.

“It had a very cool vibe,” said Steve Glum, Head of Branding & Distribution for PassmoreLab. “All the young rockers, influenced by the Ramones, were out on full-force, and the movie buffs were just as excited to see ‘Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!”

“Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” can now be seen in selected US theatres and in wide release in 3D theaters in Europe. “Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” will be available in anaglyph DVD on Amazon.com by Christmas, and a 3D TV version will be available when 3D BluRay becomes commercially available.

About PassmoreLab: Passmorelab, the “World’s Largest 3D Content Provider”, is a San Diego-based multi-media production studio that specializes in 3D production.  The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions, shooting everything from feature films, television and science documentaries, to underwater diving, extreme sports and cave exploration.  State-of-the-art facilities include a full 3D production studio, video/film post-production, optical development lab, and a software development environment.  Production includes 2D, 3D, high dynamic range time lapse, stereoscopic microscopy and cutting-edge simulation technologies for real time SFX.  PassmoreLab has additional offices in Russia and the Philippines.  For more information, visit www.passmorelab.com.

About Johnny Ramone Army: For more information about the Johnny Ramone Army and tribute, visit http://www.johnnyramone.com

Photos by Paul Redmond. Under license to JRA LLC. Used with permission.

Marketing By Jury

Is a recipe for disaster.

Vision is required.  And that doesn’t come from a committee, a board, a council or jury.

Let me guess.  You report to somebody who doesn’t get it, can’t make a decision, and is clueless about marketing.  So…jury time!  Suddenly, you have a vote on your hands, and the quickest road to ruin is to try to please everybody.

Now, active participation in brainstorming is encouraged, and yes, debate can be fruitful.  But marketing requires a leader.  A unique perspective.  Imagination.  Innovation.  Inventiveness.  A dream.  A hope.  And yes, some fantasy.

Don’t fall for it.  Don’t stand for it.  It will ruin you and dilute your plans.  And when that happens, you won’t have anyone to blame but yourself.

~ Steve Glum