(10/21/2004)

"Whistling" -- written by Zach Delmont and co-directed with Jesse Gomez -- is perhaps the Marmot's most straightforward story yet. An exploration of disenchantment and superstition, "Whistling" marks Zach's entrance into both screenwriting and directing. The rest of the marmots wish him well as he heads off to Marine Boot Camp.

Be well and think of large marmots, Zach .

(10/01/2004)

Fog machines, like gas cans, work better with an air vent. While working on "Louche," Darin and Jesse made some modifications to the machine. The end result was fog -- lots of fog ... all at once. Of course, we captured the test on camera, so take a look and laugh at Jesse.

(9/22/2004)

Every legend begins with a kernel of truth -- the myths surrounding the Black Marmot are no different. At last the errant texts have been collated. The Marmots have donned their mortarboards and agreed upon an edition that most accurately represents the authorial intentions of the ancient scholars who penned the legend's earliest incarnations. Read the full text here.

(9/06/2004)

The Black Marmot track dolly has been an adventure unto itself. Darin took the plans offered by Ron Dexter and altered the design. Why, you ask? Partially to improve upon the plans to better suit Marmot needs and partially to save money by using what we had available. The dolly itself is sturdy enough to support most any camera as well as the cinematographer needed to operate one. It is still awaiting its paintjob (which is only partially a vain indulgence -- a coat of black paint will help prevent the dolly and its tracks from reflecting unwanted light up into the lens), and we plan to permanently mount a power-strip and a "cord management system" (i.e. clamps) for those opportunities that offer us outlets. Also in the works for the dolly is a monitor platform and, eventually, an articulated boom arm. Yeah, we know -- don't hold your breath for that one.

Admittedly, we have yet to solve the problem of the slight bumping that attacks the platform when the wheels roll over the seams in the pipe (1" aluminum conduit, if you're interested), but it is first on the list of things to do. Right now, the dolly and its tracking is functioning as the lamest roller coaster ever, but it is in our living room, which makes any roller coaster cool.