A personal "Hello" from Spencer

This is a special post for all of you whom I've personally told about the website, ponderpictures.com, during the last few weeks!
I've really enjoyed the many opportunities I've had to have conversations with all of you!
And today, as I was thinking, I thought it would be fun to put an intentional welcome on my website to you personally.

Many of you asked about what I've been up to lately and I explained how I make movies and how I want to get more into filmmaking and so on. And I often mentioned my website, ponderpictures.com.

So, if you are one those whom I have talked to, let me just say, "Hello, and thank you for stopping by!"

Here on the website you can click on the FILMS button to your left and watch several or our movies, especially the Clay Animation films.

After you have a had look around, feel free to click the CONTACT button, also on your left, and let me know if you have any questions or comments. You can also e-mail me at Director@ponderpictures.com

Thanks a lot everybody! I look forward to seeing you and talking with you more down the road! And thanks again for checking out our website, ponderpictures.com!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!


Spencer

Watch 10 minutes of "Out-Takes" from our Silent Film

Now, you can watch the Out-Takes from our silent film, "Better Luck Next Time"

Click here to watch the Out-Takes on YouTube


(Veteran actor and a Ponder Pictures favorite, Chris Anderson, runs after Spencer Weaver at the Train Station.)

Go "behind the scenes" with us in the "Out-Takes" and once again laugh with us, as you watch some of what was originally left on the cutting room floor... the humorous mishaps, funny business, and much, much more, from the making of "Better Luck Next Time!"

To read more about the film "Better Luck Next Time" or to purchase the DVD Click here.

Better Luck Next Time - DVD release!

In 2005 we produced a 34 minute silent film entitled, "Better Luck Next Time"

Reminiscent of the works of Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin, "Better Luck Next Time" is a black and white silent film about a boy who goes to any and every length to try and return a case to its rightful owner. Constantly encountering opposition on every side - he is determined to stop at nothing.

This is a fun family movie with a lot of slapstick physical comedy - think Keystone Cops.

The concept of the film was largely inspired by silent film actor and star, Harold Lloyd.
This film was actually shot over a seven month period and in all four seasons of the year!!!
And with nearly 40 people acting in close to 200 differnet rolls, "Better Luck Next Time" marked our largest production to date!
Accompanying the slapstick comedy you'll enjoy a full musical score by famed ragtime muscian, Scott Joplin.

One of the highlights of the film was showcasing the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive!

Built in 1944, we filmed the restored locomotive in 2004 during the "Grad Excursion" as it passed through our town.
It was a historical event and also inspired the making of "Better Luck Next Time."



(Famous shot from the Police Force chase scene.)


(Prodution still of the chase scene with the Model-T Ford and an ancient Scwhinn Bicycle. We almost weren't able to shoot these scenes at all. For it rained all morning on the only day we could film with the Model-T Ford. But then, by the afternoon, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day!)

During the production of the film, we had a lot of fun, and laughed a lot!

Now, you can purchase and enjoy "Better Luck Next Time" in crisp full DVD quality! Along with Special features including all the extras!

Go "behind the scenes" with us in the "Out-Takes" and once again laugh with us, as you watch some of what was originally left on the cutting room floor... the humorous mishaps, funny business, and much, much more, from the making of "Better Luck Next Time!"

Total the DVD is aprrox. 50 minutes long!

Are the Rumors True???

Traveling around have been many rumors that Ponder Pictures was working on a new movie production. The rumors are indeed true!
A rough script has already been drafted and pre-production is well underway!

Ponder Pictures has made the decision to invest time and money into a short film featuring stop-motion animation. As of the now the theme and subject of the film is still "under wraps" and will be released in the upcoming weeks.

This morning I had the opportunity of interviewing myself so I asked a few questions about this new project.


ME
So, what does the schedule look like for this new film and when will we find out more?


MY RESPONSE
Currently, the project is in pre-production and animation is scheduled to begin within the first two weeks of September. Throughout the whole process we'll have tons of pictures posted on our website at www.ponderpictures.com
Also, you'll want to check there for all the latest information on the film.


ME
Okay, you say "short film" how long are you thinking?


MY RESPONSE
Right now, its shaping up to be about 3 minutes long. And with our schedule the film should be ready for release by the end of this September.


ME
When the film is "released" what is your plan for distribution?


MY RESPONSE
We are planing an initial web only release. You'll be able to watch the movie online on YouTube or on our website, ponderpictures.com
And there will be more information on the release as well as sneak peeks available on our website all this month.


ME
Your website mentions that this new short film is going to be made using stop-motion animation. Can you tell us what medium you'll be using... i.e. clay animation?


MY RESPONSE
Although many of our films have been made by animating clay puppets this production is going to utilize Lego bricks to tell the story.


ME
Have you made lego brick films before?


MY RESPONSE
Yes. In fact, years ago, some of my earliest animation tests were done using Legos. Also, I recently animated a Lego test sequence for fun and practice which you can watch on our website.


ME
When will we hear more about the story and subject matter of the film?


MY RESPONSE
The themes and basic story plot - as well as other information - will all be released after animation begins.


ME
Alright, well thank you very much for allowing me to interview you today. We all look forward to seeing the new film later this month and well check back at PonderPictures.com for all the behind the scenes info!


MY RESPONSE
Yes, and thank you very much for having me. Have a great day.



During my interview with Spencer Weaver, he mentioned that there are also several other projects that are in the beginning phases of pre-production. I think we'll be able to expect a possible few other films even before Christmas of this year!