"HIPPIES"

GET YOUR COPY NOW!!!!!

2006-07-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is still kicking around on here...

Click here to obtain your own copy of the most awesome movie of all time..."Hippies"!

THE TRAILER

2006-03-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

THROUGH THE MAGIC OF YOUTUBE THE "HIPPIES" TRAILER IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THIS WEB PAGE. ENJOY!...AND COME TO THE MCDONALD THEATER IN EUGENE, OREGON FOR THE WORLD PRIMERE OF "HIPPIES" ON 4/20. THE SHOW STARTS AT 8PM.

"HIPPIES" ON DVD

2006-03-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for information on how to obtain your very own copy of "Hippies" on DVD. They will be available very soon!

Also...
Tickets for the 4/20 screening at the McDonald Theater are on sale, NOW!

You can purchase tickets online through Tickets West or the McDonald Theater.

Be there!

X

LOCAL PREMIERE!!!!!

2006-02-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

Good day, freedom lovers!

After months and months of work, the independent film sensation "Hippies" is finished and slated for release. The film will make it's local debut at the McDonald Theater in Eugene on April 20th at 8pm. It will also run at the Bijou Theater in Eugene on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 11:30pm.

All tickets can be purchased at the door for either event. Tickets can be purchased in advance for the McDonald screening at Tickets West.

The cast and crew will be present at all of the local screenings...AND an after party is scheduled at Eugene Pub Latitude 21, in Downtown Eugene after the April 20th premiere.
For more information, contact No Points Productions at our website. Meantime...Keep fighting freedom lovers. Peace.
X

...AND...WE'RE BACK

2005-11-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Odelay, freedom fighters! We're back on line after an extensive sabbatical. Of course, being gone so long, it would be wrong of me to not return bearing gifts. I have something HUGE for you all! The trailer for the feature film "Hippies" has been edited, and is available to view on the internet.

Click here to view 90 seconds of absolute brilliance. Stay tuned fanatics! There's plenty more to come as "Hippies" director S. Michael Phillips is deeply involved in the editing process. We're back! The revolution WILL be televised. See you soon.
Peace.

A LETTER FROM S.

2005-08-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

I received a letter from Director S. Michael Phillips this morning. He asked me to post it on this blog for you all to read. Enjoy. -YX

Dear Friends:

We received an exciting piece of news at No Points Productions this morning. We've won an award!

The Rebel International Film Festival has given our short film "Slay Bottle" an award for best editing. This is an exciting piece of news, during an exciting time at No Points. As artists, we work hard to produce meaningful, entertaining films. Receiving an award like this confirms that all of our hard work is paying off. It also serves as inspiration on future projects.

"Hippies" is the next step for our little production company, and I look forward to completing the film for all of you to enjoy. While we still have a lot of work left on the film, we're just a few months away from our Eugene premiere.

We'll see you all there.
Thanks for your support,
S.

Congrats to S and the No Points Production team!
-YX

A BRIEF REPRIEVE

2005-08-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

I, Yancy X, and the rest of the "Hippies" crew will be on vacation for the next few weeks.

Please check this blog regularly beginning mid September, for surely there will be some sort of update or revolution to speak of by then.

Fight the good fight, my brothers.
YX

THAT'S A WRAP

2005-08-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

No Points Productions wrapped the principal photo-graphy phase of the feature film "Hippies."

The cast and crew celebrated the end of this giant portion of production by popping bottles of champange at Director S. Michael Phillips' Northern Estate.

Stay tuned to this blog for updates on the production of the feature film "Hippies." There's still much work to be done including 2nd and 3rd unit production, the creation of the "Hippies" soundtrack, and a lot of editing.

For now, we celebrate. And I, Yancy X, will not rest until the "Hippies" premiere on April 20th. However, for now...I must take a break. I'm off to the Big Easy for a week for R & R. I will return soon.
Stay tuned.
Fight the good fight, my brothers.
YX.

HOME STRETCH

2005-08-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

The No Points Production Crew has made it through "hell week" and are one night away from wrapping principal photography.

"It's about friggin' time!"
-Kurt R. "Hippies" Screenwriter

After launching a one week shooting assault, the cast and crew are one scene away from completing phase one of production.

"It was a busy week, and a chaotic weekend...
but the cast and crew pulled it together and we got the work done. It'll pay off in the end. The finished product should sparkle."
-S. Michael Phillips, "Hippies" Director

Wednesday night will mark the last night of shooting for the No Points team, and producers say they've saved the most dramatic moment for the end of production.

"The climax of this film is quite dramatic...we wanted to save this scene for the last night of shooting. This scene is so dramatic, the actors may not be able to continue their careers after filming the final sequence. Material like this makes or breaks careers."
Sean Matthew S., "Hippies" Executive Producer

A wrap party is scheduled to begin shortly after filming concludes.

RECENT IMAGES

2005-08-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

The set of the feature film "Hippies" has been so busy lately, that I (Yancy X) have not had time to document production. For this, I apologize.

In place of my usual articles, I bring you some images from the last few days and nights.

This was a chaotic shoot. The No Points Crew was shooting one of the many night scenes. Here, the character Tre attempts to save some fish from the brutal clutches of the man.

This group of meditative activists were brought together to participate as extras in "Hippies."

Finally, we have one of the newest arrivals on the set of "Hippies." A man named Jose, who was brought in to portray one of the many colorful side characters in the feature film.

"Hippies" is slated to wrap principal photography later this week. The cast and crew seem excited to be finished with the project.

"It's time to put this puppy to bed. We'll have a lot of pick-up shots for the 2nd Unit to work on. But we'll be able to wrap our main actors by Wednesday night. There's been a lot of tears, sweat, and (most recently) blood...put into this film. We're certain the finished product will reflect that."
-S. Michael Phillips, "Hippies" Director

--sidenote from Yancy--
Sorry about the nose, MK.

INTO THE NIGHT

2005-08-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

Look out "Hippies" fans, the No Points Productions team has taken to the streets of Eugene. Under the cover of darkness, the crew rolled cameras on a high-octane chase sequence that Producers are calling "maniacal."

This Monday night kicked off what will be seven consecutive nights of shooting.

"We've wrapped all of the daytime scenes. All we have left is what takes place at night. We have many late nights of shooting in the dark to look forward to. This week should separate the men from the boys."
-Sean Matthew S., "Hippies" Executive Producer

The "Hippies" cast and crew have moved into the final stages of principal photography. There seems to be mixed emotions on the set as phase two of production draws to a close.

"I think we're ready to wrap this project. What we've captured so many precious and important moments...It's time to put all of the pieces together."
-S. Michael Phillips, "Hippies" Director

"I'm really tired."
-Kurt R., "Hippies" Screenwriter

"I'll have no life when we finish shooting this movie. It is my life. It's all I have. I guess I'll have to go back to drywall."
-Lawrence, "Hippies" Crew Member

"This is great, man. If S asked me to start shooting a sequel tomorrow, I'd be ready. 'Hippies' rule...'Hippies' will live forever."
-Kevin P., "Hippies" Ian

Cast and crew will resume production tomorrow night at sun down.

A CONVERSATION WITH S.

2005-08-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

An an attempt to avoid cast and crew burnout, No Points Productions took the weekend off. This gave me an opportunity to sit down with Director S. Michael Phillips, for our first full conversation.

Here is the transcript from my interview with S:

Yancy X: THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO SPEAK WITH ME, S.

S: No problem. Can I get a glass of water?

YX: SURE, THAT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM. SO, TELL ME...S...SUM UP THE FILM "HIPPIES" FOR ME IN ONE SHORT SENTENCE.

S: Alright. It's a Cinderella story, really. Imagine a world where all of the conventions of society are broken down and destroyed. Imagine no government, no possessions, no religion too. Imagine all the people...wait. What was the question?

YX: INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS FACE MANY CHALLENGES THROUGHOUT PRODUCTION. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE LARGEST CHALLENGES YOU'VE FACED?

S: Pesky reporters. Other than that...this shoot hasn't been plagued by too many disasters. 'Kosmic Freedum' has had some mechanical problems. But, we expected that. After all, it was designed and built by Germans. So, you know...

YX: RIGHT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT YOU'RE IMPLYING THERE. MOVING ON...HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THIS PICTURES TARGET AUDIENCE?

S: I think everyone can enjoy this film because it's held together by a solid story. Everyone likes to see a good story. As far as relating to the movie...I'd say it's the social and political left that will get the most out of it. 'Hippies' is their story. We chronicle their lives in this picture. It's an homage to them. Who wouldn't like to see a story about themselves? No one. They'll be the audience members who stand up and cheer at the end of this movie. Hell, they might even burn the theater down.

YX: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SCREENWRITER.

S: He's a genius.

YX: WHAT ABOUT ACTORS? HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THEM? AND, HOW WOULD YOU RATE PERFORMANCES UP TO THIS POINT?

S: Well, the Pacific-Northwest is a hot-bed for talented actors. It's kind of become the LA of the northern end of the West coast. You know, like LA...except further North. Anyway, talent isn't hard find. What I've discovered is that you don't have to find the talent, the talent will find you. Our core group of actors have magnificent careers ahead of them, no doubt. Many of the side characters are showing promise as well. They have the talent to make it in the entertainment industry as long as they meet the right people, move to LA, get agents, work for a couple of decades in commercials, catch a lucky break, and sell out.

YX: INSPRIRING. SIMPLY INSPIRING. S, I HAVE ONE FINAL QUESTION. IT WAS WRITTEN BY SOME FRENCH GUY NAMED BERNARD. SINCE, IT'S BECOME QUITE THE CHIC QUESTION TO ASK ARTISTS OF THE FILM INDUSTRY. S...IF HEAVEN EXISTS, WHAT WILL GOD SAY TO YOU WHEN YOU ARRIVE?

S: Go see "Hippies" at the Eugene premire, April 20th!

YX: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME S.

S: My pleasure. Thanks for the water.

MUSICAL CROSSOVER

2005-07-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

While the filmmakers of No Points Productions are fairly unconventional in nature, they can occasionally conform to trends. One new trend in Hollywood is the casting of famous musicians in supporting movie roles.

"We've seen this trend for some time now...rappers and rock stars in supporting movie roles. We figured it was a great idea to capitalize on. When Aaron became available to us...we made the decision to cast him as our fast food manager."
-S. Michael, "Hippies" Director

Many consider Aaron to be a bit of a local celebrity. He's performed with a number of musical acts in the Eugene area for several years now. A renowned singer, song writer, and guitarist...Aaron is also co-writing, performing, and producing the "Hippies" soundtrack.

Now Aaron is expanding his creative horizons, by portraying one of the more 'colorful' side characters in the feature film "Hippies." Producers say adding him to the cast only furthers the credibility of the project.

"We were lucky to find the right part for Aaron. Sharing a scene with him was one of the highlights of my career."
-Kevin P., "Hippies" Ian

"He's alright I guess. A bit full of 'em self if you ask me...but talent's talent. Ya' can't deny that. I thought the same thing about 'ol Dwight Yokam the first time I worked with 'em."
Lawrence, "Hippies" crew member.

The No Points crew will be back on the set later this week, shooting several key night scenes.
Peace.

NEW CHARACTERS & A TREE

2005-07-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Four new characters were on the set of "Hippies" today, as No Points Productions continues working on the feature project.

Producers say "you can't have a movie about hippies and activism without a couple of cops showing up to spoil the fun." Enter officers Butch Pedicini and Hank Kertowski, two members of the fascist regime that makes up the police state that our society has become.

"These officers of the law are our antagonists. They are the catalyst that fuels the political fires within our central characters. These characters are driven to spoil the quest for freedom that our hippies so desperately search for. In this film, they are the root of all that is evil."
-S. Michael, "Hippies" Director

Two lumberjacks were also called to the set today.

No Points Productions will not comment on how these characters into the film, stating an extreme need for secrecy.
"If we disclose too many of the movies plot-points and secrets, it will spoil many of the twists that unfold throughout the course of the film."
-Sean Matthew S., "Hippies" Executive Producer

One thing that Producers can say is that a tree was the center of the conflict in the scene.

"Hippies lives revolve around things like trees. To them, it's where life begins and ends. These characters are willing to die for even the smallest of trees...or shrubs. As an actor, I have to convey that idea. If that means chaining myself to a tree, tasting a tree, or sleeping along-side a tree...I'm willing to do it. Realism is the key to any believable performance. I will not rest until that realism is achieved. I believe we achieved it today."
-Amy R., "Hippies" Moonbeam

The No Points crew is scheduled to shoot more activism and protests tomorrow, as one of the movies most intense scenes appears on the horizon. Stay tuned.

HIPPIE-MART

2005-07-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

No Points Productions wrapped one of the films freshest scenes last night, which is set in an organic food market.

"These characters live in an earthy world. A world free from pesticides, chemicals, and other unnatural entities. Last nights scene thrusts two of the characters into that world to explore its deep dark secrets."
-Sean Matthew S., "Hippies" Executive Producer

Renowned method actor Steven H. was brought in to portray the character of "Market Man." His character is a bit surly, with an under-current of subtle charm. Many of the other actors seemed to feed off of the energy the great method actor brought to the set.
"We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with an actor who's skills are as refined as Mr. H's. The man is truly a genius."
Kevin P., "Hippies" Ian

Producers say the organic market scene will be the one 'the public will talk about and the media will write about.' Meanwhile, director S. Michael and the rest of the "Hippies" crew have began prepping for another full weekend of filming.

"We're near the home stretch. We have more than 3 hours of tape shot so far...and our presence in the community is already starting to create a bit of local buzz. If all goes as planned, we'll be a national sensation by autumn."
-S. Michael, "Hippies" Director

THE BURBS

2005-07-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

No Points Productions created a buzz in a south Eugene neighborhood this weekend. The crew continues to work diligently on the feature film "Hippies."

"We're in Eugene, and you'd think folks would be used to seeing hippies roaming about. But today, we got a lot of funny looks. This cast is so authentic looking, it makes people uncomfortable."
-S. Michael, "Hippies" Director

Producers say they're nearly half way through the principal photography stage of the film, and the crew has only five weeks left on the shooting schedule.

"We're bustin' our asses on this project. S runs a tight ship and these actors can be kinda moody. They call it 'stayin' in character' or something, it's startin' to get on my nerves. But hell, it sure beats doing drywall."
-Lawrence, "Hippies" crew member

There is little time to rest as the No Points crew heads into the home stretch on this project. Aside from filming the movie, the team still has to record some original music and edit the entire film.

"Shoot movies or die, man! That's what I say. We'll just keep shooting and shooting, man. Day or night, rain or shine. This movie won't stop, man. We will not back down. We will not relent."
-Michael "the original", "Hippies" Cinder

HITTIN' IT HARD!

2005-07-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

"We just keep shooting and shooting. Eventually you'd expect the cast and crew to need a break, but this group won't stop. They're movie making machines!"
-S. Michael, "Hippies" Director

Producers are calling it 'guerilla filmmaking' and the crew of No Points Productions have taken the city of Eugene by storm. Production of the feature film "Hippies" is in full swing.

"We've rolled hours and hours of tape. We've captured many thought provoking and entertaining moments. We haven't skipped a beat. This film has surpassed 'high potential.'"
-Sean Matthew S., "Hippies" Executive Producer

With shooting locations ranging from the forest, to local parks, to Eugene rivers; the drive of the No Points team neither falters, nor stalls.

"This film has a clearly defined goal. It has a purpose. When this movie is released, it will send a message to this country. While satirical in nature, the film makes a bold statement on the condition of our nation. America won't be the same after "Hippies."
-Kurt R., "Hippies" Screenwriter

Director S. Michael has increased the consistency and intensity of the shooting schedule. The cast and crew seem unfazed by the eccentric methods of the fervent director.

"It can be hard to please a man like S. He has high expectations of his actors. However, his methods are effective. He brings things out of me, as an actor, that continue to baffle me and my agent."
-Kevin P., "Hippies" Ian

As an actor in this film, I echo the sentiments of my cast member Kevin. In fact, every member of the cast seems to find this particular project to be a benchmark in their careers. Short of Matt K., that is...

He was locked in his trailer and unavailable for comment.

BACK ON THE SET

2005-07-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

No Points Productions returned to the set of the feature film "Hippies" today, shooting scenes for the movie insiders are calling "a sensation."

Producers would not disclose the contents of the shoot, but were able to confirm that two rising stars from Portland were brought in for a scene No Points Productions describes as "a knockout."

"We're always on the lookout for new talent. When we were given the opportunity to work with two of Portland's most brilliant, young actors...Well...You just don't turn something like that down." -S. Michael Phillips, "Hippies" Director

"They brought a lot of energy and integrity to the set." -Kevin P., "Hippies" Ian

"This is really the tip of the iceberg. We've been scouring the nation, searching for the most talented actors for each role. There are dozens of smaller roles in this movie. We don't want to fill those roles with household names. We want to fill them with the next Brando or Olivier...The talent of tomorrow."
-Sean Matthew S., "Hippies" Executive Producer

The No Points crew has planned several shooting days over the next week, including several key scenes with the bus 'Kosmic Freedum.'

INTO THE WOODS

2005-07-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

No Points Productions was back on location today, shooting scenes for the upcoming film "Hippies."

Michael "the original" was the only actor called to the set. His character (Cinder) is isolated from the rest of the hippies throughout most of the movie. Cinder wanders through the woods on (what producers are calling) a mission, sans pants.

"It's crucial for Cinders character to be without pants. The loss of his pants represents his free-spirited nature. Cinder wouldn't be Cinder with pants...He'd be Dan...Or Fred. We need him to be Cinder, and only Cinder." -Kurt R., "Hippies" Screenwriter

The set was closed for much of the 'on-location' shoot, in the woods of Spencer Butte Park in south Eugene. No Points Productions hiked in with a minimal crew, citing an extreme need for privacy when shooting Cinders scenes.

"What most people don't understand, is that the scenes with Cinder contain some of the movies most precious and intense moments. We need Michael to be comfortable, so we can bring the performance we need out of him. "The original" is a very talented actor, but if we have too much crew around him...He may get distracted, and that could detract from his performance." S. Michael, "Hippies" Director

The No Points crew won't disclose the time, nor location of their next shoot. Producers say it's more important to keep a sense of spontaneity on the project.

"This is an important project, man. This film is going to change the world, man. It'll start a revolution, man. Mark my word, man!" Michael "the original", Cinder in "Hippies"

ACTION!!!

2005-06-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

Lights...Camera...Action!

Director S. Michael Phillips, and the 'No Points Productions' crew has wrapped its first day of shooting the feature film "Hippies."

"As the actors stood in the driveway, rehearsing the first scene, a group of kids sped past on their bikes yelling: 'HIPPIES!' Some would call that rude and offensive, I call it a good omen." -Sean Matthew S., Executive Producer of "Hippies"

The first day of shooting was contained to interior of "Kosmic Freedum."

And, while the actors got a bit squirmy between takes, the crew considered the day a smashing success.

"The dailies looked great! I was very pleased with my own performance, and I found the performances of my co-stars to be an inspiration." -A. Renner, "Moonbeam"

The No Points crew is scheduled to return to the set over 4th of July weekend.

"We're gonna keep plugging away on this project. The entire group is very motivated right now, and we have to capitalize on this intense creative energy."
S. Michael, Director of "Hippies"

THE PLAYERS

2005-06-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Now...introducing the cast of "Hippies."

From left to right...
Ian- played by Kevin P.
Tre- played by Matt K.
Yancy- played by himself
Moonbeam- played by Renner
Cinder- played by Michael "the original"

"We pulled the cast together for an initial read-through of the script. Only one word can describe how it went: Magic!" -S. Michael, Director of Hippies

The cast is set, the van is prepped, and the cameras are ready to roll. Stay tuned...the best is yet to come.

"We expect nothing short of a national sensation!" -Matt K., 'Tre' in "Hippies"

Principal photography is slated to begin this saturday, June 25th.
My next report will be filed from the "Hippies" set.
Stand up for your rights, my brothers. Damn the man. We'll see you on the set.
PEACE and LOVE world--

KOSMIC FREEDUM

2005-06-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

"We wouldn't settle for anything short of perfection. Rainbows, peace signs, mushrooms...we weren't stopping until we bled it all onto that bus." -C. Danek, Production Design Crew

No Points Productions has assembled a 'motley crew' of production designers to perfect the VW bus for the upcoming feature film "Hippies."
"When I design a bus, I don't think as Kash the production designer...I think as Joe Shmoe the radical activist. I become that person and realize their vision." -Kash, Production Design Crew

The No Points crew reports they're just days away from beginning principal photography, and producer Sean Matthew S. reports that the painting of the VW bus has wrapped the pre-production phase of "Hippies."
"We're ready to go. It's time to get the cameras rolling and make independent film history!" - Sean Matthew S., Executive Producer of 'Hippies'

The VW bus, which will serve the primary mode of transportation for the hippies in the film, has been given the name 'Kosmic Freedum.'
"Finding the right name for the bus was a daunting task. We spent weeks combing through thousands of names. The entire project was nearly shelved at one point, but then the words just flowed from S. Michaels lips: '"Kosmic Freedum."' It brought the entire No Points crew to tears. Now, with the right name for the bus, we're moving full steam ahead." -Kurt R, 'Hippies' Screenwriter

So, the sun has set on the pre-production phase of the film "Hippies." 'Kosmic Freedum' is set to roll, and the No Points crew is ready to make film history. Look out Eugene! Here's come the "Hippies!"

HERE WE GO

2005-06-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

"The script is finished and we are weeks away from shooting."
-S. Michael, Director of "Hippies"

An Oregon based production company has been given the greenlight to begin shooting its first feature length film.

No Points Productions is scheduled to begin production on "Hippies" in early July. No Points recieved critical acclaim for their last short film "Slay Bottle", which was an official selection for the 'New York International Film and Video Festival' and 'Forest Film Festival.'

'Hippies' is the story of five political activists misadventures in Eugene. The five hippies fight to overthrow social convention and save the earth from the heartless beast (corporate america.)

Stay tuned to this blog for images and updates on the production of "Hippies."
Peace, Man!