Matt Schramer

My New Documentary

// March 10th, 2011 // No Comments » // Features

My new idea for a documentary actually approached me awhile a back. A friend of mine who is now one of the producers on the film, approached me with the idea to produce a documentary on addiction within the LDS faith. He wanted me to direct it since he had no filmmaking experience. At first I was hesitant because of touchy subject matter not to mention all the other TV programs and indie documentaries already produced. But after much deliberation, I agreed to direct the documentary.

Other friends and associates showed interest in being part of the documentary. Now we have 4-5 people as the core group of crew. Nothing really got accomplished for several weeks unless you count discussing it over Facebook as progress. With my wife’s prodding and motivation, I finally schedule our first planning meeting less than a week ago. So we are now officially in pre-production.

In the meeting we nailed down some specifics like the purpose of the documentary, the overall storyline, people to interview, content we want in the film, our roles, and a tentative schedule. The purpose of the documentary is to primarily promote awareness and educate people about an ever-growing problem of addiction within the LDS membership. We are going to cover drug addictions and porn addictions. The idea is to follow two-three people suffering from these addictions and provide them with a sponsor and possibly other treatment as a way to recover. But we also intend to capture footage of their struggles and relapses on the road to recovery. Expert interviews and group therapy sessions are additional footage we hope to make up the body of the documentary.

So right now we are on the lookout for our subjects who are LDS and addicted to one of these vile temptations. Then I plan on meeting with non-profit organizations to get financial support, treatment options, and expert opinions. I hope the film asks the difficult questions. Even if we don’t have an adequate answer it will promote an open dialogue between parents and their children, spouses, church leadership and it’s membership, and families in general. Making a documentary on this subject matter is a daunting task, but with a delicate approach, an open mind and heart, and with a little help from above, I believe this film has the potential to do some good in some small way.

Upcoming Men’s Psychology Shoot

// March 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // Mens Psychology

Today I scheduled an upcoming shoot for Men’s Psychology for a brand new DVD product we’re producing. It will be the DVD version of a live seminar called, “Depresculinity: Masculine Intelligence in Men’s Depression.”

The seminar will take place in April and I will be filming it live in Chicago in front of an audience or class members. Like all the other Men’s Psychology DVD products I’ve directed and edited, this will be a multi-camera production with Dr. Paul as the live speaker and audience participation on camera as well. There definitely is a need for a product like this that addresses male depression.

Here’s a blurb from the Men’s Pscyhology website about “Depresculinity:”

“This program is for any man who has ever sought self-help or dating programs and been disappointed with the content or the results in his life. It’s complete and thorough addressing of the most common, insidious, and underlying problem of most men’s dating, career, and personal struggles: DEPRESCULINITY.”

http://www.menspsychology.com/depression

I’ll be putting together a short ad to promote this seminar and will post it to my website once I have it completed. Also I hope my wife can come with me to Chicago, so we can see some sights together.

Men’s Psychology – The Second Step of Sexual Attraction

// March 4th, 2011 // No Comments » // Mens Psychology

Here’s the new Men’s Psychology video tip of the week. It comes from the Omega Male Program and it’s called “The Second Step of Sexual Attraction.”

[Videographer/Video Editor/Motion Graphic Artist]

Men’s Psychology – The First Step of Sexual Attraction

// March 4th, 2011 // No Comments » // Mens Psychology

Here’s the new Men’s Psychology video tip of the week. It comes from the Omega Male Program and it’s called “The First Step of Sexual Attraction.”

[Videographer/Video Editor/Motion Graphic Artist]

Men’s Psychology – Becoming More Masculine and Sexually Attractive

// February 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Mens Psychology

Here’s the new Men’s Psychology video tip of the week. It comes from the Omega Male Program and it’s called “Becoming More Masculine and Sexually Attractive.”

Men’s Psychology & Doctor Paul present the video tip of the week: “Becoming More Masculine and Sexually Attractive.” [Videographer/Video Editor/Motion Graphic Artist]

Men’s Psychology – How To Be in the Present Moment

// February 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Mens Psychology

Do you find it difficult to concentrate? Or focus on the present moment? Do you often not hear or remember people’s names when they introduce themselves. If you ever feel like your mind wanders for no particular reason, then check out Men’s Psychology video tip of the week. It comes from MindOS and it’s called “How To Be in the Present Moment.”

Men’s Psychology & Doctor Paul present the video tip of the week: “How To Be in the Present Moment.” [Videographer/Video Editor/Motion Graphic Artist]

Men’s Psychology – How To Be a Cool Man or Woman

// February 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Mens Psychology

In January 2011, Dr. Paul of Men’s Psychology asked me to produce weekly video tips for his website – www.menspsychology.com. So I pulled out all of Dr. Paul’s live seminar footage and sorted through it with one goal in mind – to find clips that had useful tips for dating and relationships. The first video I put together was taken from MindOS – The Visual Self-Help System. It was called, “How To Be a Cool Man or Woman.”

I created an all new intro/title sequence for each of the video tips and might be creating others in the future. Also the video tips feature a new track of music each week. I am excited for the possibilities of these new videos. Dr. Paul was even recently interviewed on AskMen.com and gave them a few tips to pass on. You can view the video tips I produced on the MensPsychology website listed above or on YouTube. Check back for the upcoming video tips.

Mens Psychology & Doctor Paul present the video tip of the week: “How to Be a Cool Man or Woman.” [Videographer/Video Editor/Motion Graphic Artist]

DealerTrack DMS – Promo/Marketing Video

// January 24th, 2011 // No Comments » // DealerTrack

When I was first hired on by DealerTrack to produce advertising and marketing videos back in March 2010, I was faced with possibly the most challenging project I’ve completed for them to date. If not the most challenging and time consuming, then definitely the longest video. In the beginning I was hired on on a project by project basis, mainly filling in as a videographer. Then DealerTrack asked me to shoot and edit a promotional/marketing video for the entire DealerTrack DMS product.

At that point I came in to the DealerTrack office in Salt Lake City and began pre-production. I was their main go-to guy who did everything from lighting, videography, video editing, and more. Near the end of March I shot an interview with the now former General Manager and Vice-President of DealerTrack. I created animated sequences from scratch. I compiled graphics created by the previous video producer and created originals where necessary. Finally, I gathered additional B roll footage and interviews. Then I was ready to undertake the biggest phase of the project – the editing.

In two weeks I had a final cut of the video. Soon it was approved and uploaded to the DealerTrack website and YouTube channel. My first DealerTrack video was in the can and now part of my portfolio of DealerTrack work.

Balancing the Cosmos – Humanity Explored Online Film Festival

// January 19th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

For the first time ever Balancing the Cosmos is available to view in its entirety online. The film was accepted by the Humanity Explored Online Film Festival sponsored by Culture Unplugged. I’ve never been part of an online film festival, but I’m quite excited this time around, because the festival actually screens feature length documentary films like Balancing the Cosmos. The festival also specializes in cultural documentaries which is the exact genre Balancing the Cosmos fits into.

So far we’ve had positive feedback and results from Humanity Explored. We have over 1,500 views and a 5 out of 5 rating. The founders of the festival also have given us generous praise for the film and it currently is in competition. The other unique aspect to this festival is its networking capabilities. Unlike traditional festivals where distributors attend and buy films, and networking only exists at the festival location, Humanity Explored allows for networking world wide via the internet. People who enjoyed watching Balancing the Cosmos can contact me or Andrew Weeks (the director) for collaborations on new projects. Also, viewers can support the film by making an anonymous donation. There are awards for competing films, but now any film can receive support via charitable donations. It’s a truly unique concept for film festivals and one I would like to see more of.

If you are interested in viewing Balancing the Cosmos, to comment on it, to give it a rating, or contribution, please find the film at cultureunplugged.com or click on the following link. Thanks for the support!

http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/4695/Balancing-the-Cosmos

Balancing the Cosmos – Archaeology Channel

// January 19th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

As many of you know in 2010 I edited and produced a feature length documentary about the modern day Maya in Guatemala entitled, Balancing the Cosmos. Recently the film was chosen to be part of the Archaeology Channel’s TAC Marketplace Film Catalog. This means the Balancing the Cosmos DVD is available for sale from the Archaeology Channel’s online catalog. It’s a great new partnership for us, since many Maya enthusiasts may come in contact with the film via the catalog.

Also in May 2011, Balancing the Cosmos will be screening at the Eugene Oregon Public Library as part of the 2011 Archaeology Channel International Film & Video Festival. Though the film was not selected as part of the competition, it will be playing on the Video Bar the library. It’s very exciting news! For those of you who live in Oregon, please check it out on May 24-28, 2011. I might attend the festival and if possible be available for a Q&A.

http://www.archaeologychannel.org/content/TACfestival.shtml