Val's Rants - Writer, Director, Filmmaker (Austin, Texas)

Archive for December, 2009

Filmmaking,Free Stuff,Writing

12/30/2009

A Simple Random Name Generator (in Excel)

Here’s a simple tool I developed to create random characters (great when you’re in the middle of writing down an idea and don’t want to stop to figure out a good name for a character). It has quite a large variety of first and last names, along with character traits and professions. It’s written in [...]

Celtx,Filmmaking,Free Stuff,Writing

My favorite writing tool (Celtx) and my mods

(NB: I have updated my mods for Celtx 2.9 here) I can’t rave enough about this tool! I used to use Final Draft until I chanced upon Celtx by accident one day. I use it not only for screenplays (and the pre-production that goes with filming your own stuff), but for short stories, storyboards (an [...]

Filmmaking,Personal,Writing

12/16/2009

Why do I write film?

Because I have to! I know it’s not too original, but that’s the honest to goodness truth. I was just watching The Brothers Warner by Cass Warner Sperling of Warner Sisters, and I got a bit teary eyed. Back when the film industry began, people got into film because they loved it… and if you [...]

Activism

12/08/2009

Perry afraid of Debra Medina!!

Why is Rick Perry refusing to attend a debate with Debra Medina? Is he afraid of being called on all his violations of the public trust? I think so! Perry and Hutchison are both run by big money… not We the People. ——————– Medina calls Perry Arrogant Aristocracy – “Allow Texans to hear all candidates” [...]