Time to catch up? Shall we?- A Blog By Mark Antonious Richfield

Well, my lovelies, Ms Hauser is tied up...no, I don't mean literally- (she does the tying, mind) and asked if I would step in once again to write her blog. She knows she has been remiss, and for the few fans who actually read her ridiculous ramblings, Ms Hauser offers her apologies for not being on top of things. (yes, she is on top of many things)

Where to begin?

First I shall update you on the director/executive producer/writer/ and all around insane 100lb little package of dynamite:

For those of you who follow her on her social network, she is immersed in the editing process of a hot interracial gay romance feature film called NAKED DRAGON. For those of you who have never had the ...errr hummm...pleasure of constructing a film, one piece at a time, let me assure you it's bloody hard work.
At the present time Ms Hauser and her editor are splicing and dicing the 146 scenes of complex action, dialogue and sound effects onto a massive computer. When I tell you it is fun, yet not so fun, you may be confused.

Fun is seeing the work on the computer coming together - not so fun is missing audio and playing hide and seek whilst searching for missing video clips on a hard drive which rivals the NSA's data bank.

No need to go into too much detail, but shall we say both ladies, after working a full day, sometimes as long as 9 hours plus, need a drink. (or more than 'a' drink)

But the movie crawls to completion none-the-less, one bloody day at a time.

I would not want to be in her tiny, but militaristic shoes. She has her job cut out for her, not to mention, writing a book a month, and trying to please her fans whilst battling trolls.

Enough about the little lady with the big gun and bad attitude.

Okay, about me.
I am trying not to sigh too loudly.

Do you all miss me? I think a majority of you are sick to the flamin' back teeth of me. So when I said 'Goodbye' to Ms Hauser in the last novel, (for those of you who were astute enough to catch that sneaky scene) it was a fond farewell to the series.

But be assured I shall pop in and out, as all my men do to me constantly in every orifice I possess, and we will meet again.

That said, Cheers! to you all, and as the former cop always says,

'Be careful out there.'
And she means it. It's quite a jungle and haters and beasties abound.


Yours always,
Mark Antonious

PS, Steven says hello.
PSS....and no Mr F. No need to be jealous. Ms Hauser and I are only good friends, I assure you.

The Making of Naked Dragon (part 5) It's a WRAP!

Well, three weeks of working on the new film version of NAKED DRAGON flew by before I could even catch up and look back at it. All the scenes were shot, which each one of us thought at the time was doubtful considering the grueling schedule, the manic pace, the noise, the heat, the cold...well, you get the idea.

But it is done. Pre-production, production, and ready for 'post' production. Post production is not quite as frantic, luckily, but so very important. The most important phase of all. Putting the pieces together. Katiene, my editor, will work like a dog, fitting the scenes in order with the sound. How she does it? I have no clue, but she is an expert and her work, impeccable.

After she gets the rough cut, then my composer will begin the score, the music that is behind the scenes.
A slow process of timing, mood setting, and of course, me trying once again to locate a company that owns the rights and licensing for one song I would love to use in the film. Sadly, not even the bands themselves know who owns their works any longer, and I sent out a half dozen inquiries into figuring it out. But, like the last time, either my music composer will create a new song, or I will write one. These big music companies are impossible to deal with, and I was told last time, it is a full time job for the unlucky person who does the song obtaining, to wind through the maze of who owns what.

So, for all of you waiting for that instant DVD? uh, no. You have a long while before that. And, if this film looks half as good as Katiene says it does, I will try for a theater opening first. What the heck? Still can't find an interracial gay love story out there between an LAPD cop and an FBI profiler, can you?

So, maybe there's a market. One never knows.

Anyway, back here, home, out of the madness of LA, though I love it there, it is quite the brain drain...and physically I need a week to sleep, but books must be written, or there is no other way to fund these films.

All I can say is thank you.
Thank you to a crew who worked so hard, treated me well, and a cast who not only seemed to enjoy their roles, and our great team, but perhaps my little indie film will boost someone up to stardom. Heck, nothing is impossible.
After all, who knew a former patrol officer would be directing her own films one day?
And an even bigger thank you to my fans. You men and women who buy my work legally. Without you? I would not be able to do any of this. And believe me, these films are for you!


Be safe, and look for a new NAKED DRAGON website, twitter, and information soon when the photographer finishes the film poster and I can show off my gorgeous men to all of you.

The Makng of Naked Dragon (Part 4) Winding down production

Well!!! Here I am at the final week of filming, and my cast and crew are still powering through monster days of hard shooting. Though we have had some hiccups (a hit and run to our rental van, a huge police incident which created helicopter noise all day over our outside shooting venue) everyone, and I mean the entire group of fabulous cast and crew, have put up with the heat the noise the trash and chaos of some of the seediest areas of LA, and I mean, really seedy.

But as the 6 day weeks and 12 hour days go by, its beginning to sink in that we are nearly there. By Sunday we will have this film 'wrapped' and it will be on its way to my wonderful editor, get its background sound track and well...the finished product will be 'born'. Yesterday and one day inside the studio I had an incredibly talented still photographer show up, and the photos he took of my top 4 leads were amazing- all for the poster and promos. I can only say that my first film Capital Games taught me so much, so much, that this time around, I knew. I knew what I needed, what I wanted, and hopefully the end result will be so wonderful that all my fans and fans to come, will enjoy this film.

I can't express enough, how difficult this process is, and the sheer power and hard work of a talented cast and crew are the machine behind making these movies. My respect for the industry, though tough at times, is enormous. The amount of details, and keeping it real, keeping it consistent and dealing with environments that are not conducive to recording or filming, is overwhelming.

But without the support of my crew, the talent of my stars and the luck of getting it all done and dusted in the end, there would be a void. And I can't thank enough the men and women in front and behind the camera for how hard they are working for me, yes, lil ole me, to get this masculine gay romance to the big screen.

They are my heroes. And I hope they know how much I appreciate every one of them.
Be safe out there, and look for more news soon during edits as to when we can get this baby released.

The Making of Naked Dragon (Part 3)

OMG
And I truly mean that with capital letters, and probably should add a few exclamation points-
After this first week of shooting, and seeing not only the progress of my Cinematographers' work, the impeccable Peter Borosh- but being able to actually direct it- to explain exactly the way I see this story (er hum... I did write the book) but- then- to give the actors one take to 'play' to have fun with their roles, wow. They make me laugh and get me hot all at the same time.

My producer and I keep shaking our heads and saying we have the most beautiful men in Hollywood all in one place. Ladies and my gay gentlemen fans, you are in for quite the treat- Extras who are showing up are as beautiful as our leading men- so we are happy to add them where you can be delighted to see them- and I think you will be very happy with the diversity of gorgeousness.

There is no doubt this film will outshine Capital Games in so many ways- the studio is a plethora of sets- pure movie magic- and the intensity of the serial killing behind the passionate interracial love story is pure sensuality.
This, however, is not a gore fest- the killings are going to be created in your head- (I personally hate slasher films) but- like a Hitchcock suspense film you will know enough about the murders to make your own images in your mind.

And teaching police tactics to actors who have never even held a gun? First of all, I think they have found a new respect for my old profession- and secondly, none of these men will EVER want to be a cop! Ha! But my producer said to me, the actors learning this from a real cop is priceless to them- and they are just as priceless to me.

One more thing I forgot about filming- the utter exhaustion- I think writing for 8 hours is hard? Ha- standing on my feet directing my gorgeous men, running around a building (which I just found out is one of the most haunted in Hollywood) Love it! for 12 hours a day- 6 days a week? I don't know how these guys do it every month- but for me- film is becoming a love affair- (damn it) and I have got the bug even more with having the right men for the jobs- the work, behind and in front of the camera astounds me- these men and women are committed to doing their best for themselves and me- and it is such an honor to be working with them-

1st week wrapped-
Naked Dragon-

Interracial love between an LAPD cop and an FBI profiler- you are going to fall in love with them too, mark my word.

Be safe out there.

The making of NAKED DRAGON - (part 2)

I suppose these blogs become sort of a diary for those who write them- some use them for guest spots, but I am such a non-geek, I don't even know how to do a blog tour, let alone host one.

So for those of you who follow this, it's usually my ramblings, and God love ya for reading them.
But it's also a way for me to keep track of what is happening in my life, good and bad, and especially a great way to get things down as I am feeling them about making the leap from writing to film. And let me tell ya, it ain't no tiny step, it's pole-vaulting the Grand Canyon.

But I learned valuable lessons in making Capital Games. Trust. Trusting people and using people you can trust. Without naming names, in the first film, I learned that knowing nothing made me a target and victim of crime. Yes, crime, from people I trusted. Uh uh. Not gonna happen this time. I wasn't an SPD cop for nothing, I get it now.

It's all about contracts, and I have written in a few 'clauses' to stop the Crime element from running over me. But enough negative BS.

Here we go---- We start actual filming on Weds, yes, next Weds. I am directing. Me. Well, yes, it makes sense, I know the book, the characters, and believe me although directors are masters (some of the greats of the world) Still, it ain't rocket science. I may look like a dumb former cop, but I can do anything if I put my mind to it. It's about trust. About getting the actors who have scads more experience than I do to trust that I know what I am doing. And as far as the crew? I know a bit more this time than last, but still, when they start tech talk? I feel like Charlie Brown listening to his teacher, 'Waaa wahhh waaaa' and a blank stare comes over my face.

But my goal this time, is creativity. Ahhhhh, after 6 years of art school, and 20 years of writing over 100 novels, THAT I can do.

A friend who stopped by my place recently had a look at the headshots of my gorgeous stars. She of course, loved them, all stunningly beautiful men. But, she asked a question. "No women?"

Huh. I hadn't thought about it. But when the book was transformed into a screenplay, of course as you all know from Capital Games, scenes had to be cut, and budgets had to be met. So, hmmmm....where are the ladies??

Well, to be honest, my movies are for straight-bi women and gay men, so who cares? If you expect T&A watch something else, ANYTHING else, there is no shortage of nude women in movies and TV. They would stick tits in commercials if they could.

Yes, there will be a lady extra here or there in the background, but heck, Its cops!!! FBI MEN! (oh, and a female dispatcher, yes, me. had to cut corners somewhere.)

So here we have it. A cast of strikingly gorgeous men in uniform, and a love story between men. Am I ready to dive in? Yes and no. Yes! I want to do it, experience it, make my second film and see how much better it can be than my fist attempt. But am I intimidated to direct??

OY VEY!

I know whatever happens, this time? I have a loving, wonderful crew who will be there for me. Of course sleep is out. 6 day work weeks, long 12 plus hour days, don't expect me on the 'net too much. But buy my books! You, my lovelies, are funding these films, and if you want more of them, help me out. Buy one book. Heck, any little bit helps.

Will let you know how directing goes! Until then, stay safe, and stay tuned.

THE MAKING OF NAKED DRAGON (Part 1)

Naked Dragon

For three days this week I sat in a studio in West Hollywood and listened to men, (only men? What a surprise!) read from the script of Naked Dragon.

Was it any wonder that all the handsome straight males wanted to read for the roles of the two straight FBI agents? No. We had so many of them, nearly 80 men, all wanting to be a straight G-man. But! Ask them if they will play Agent Robbie Taylor? A gay FBI psychic?
The petrified expressions appeared.

History has begun repeating itself.
Perhaps not so much with a gay role, but a gay role, kissing another man and OH! gasp! Let’s not forget the full frontal nudity.

Any of you that read my blogs on the making of Capital Games will see, this is the same issue over and over.
But, I did find all of you a handsome Mark Richfield, and yes, we did have full frontal and kisses.

Here comes the rub.
A man who will play a black LAPD cop who is gay. I thought finding Mark was going to be a challenge. HA!

I have several roles for African American men in my film, LAPD straight cops. A sergeant, a co-worker, other cops of all ethnicities… all of them were very happy to read for the macho role, but, we simply had to ask… would you? Could you? Be our Dave Harris?
No one was coming in for my role of LAPD black gay cop, Dave Harris.
So as tactfully as we could, we asked these fabulous men of color, if by chance…they could…pretty please- try to read for Dave.
One brave soul thought long and hard. He is gorgeous, fit, and can act- very well. We gave him the lines to prepare and he returned. I was shocked he did return. Not only did he read Dave’s part with several ‘Robbie’s to perfection, but he simply is my man for the role.

Now comes the scary wait. He reads the entire script, discusses it with his girlfriend, family, the whole works, and my guess is they say, What??? kiss a man? are you insane?
And remember, this is interracial.

Just how many gay interracial romance movies between cops and FBI agents who kiss and show their man stuff have you seen? If you count all the ones I’ve seen? That’s nil. Zero. Nope, not one.

Know why? There aren’t any! unless you can find me one…maybe there is- if you know one, I’d love to see it.

So, contract offers have been made, filling all the non-gay roles, easy as pie, but here we go. My pretty Robbie and my gorgeous Dave…will they sign or not?

Stay tuned. This is only the beginning of a very long hard process. And don’t forget, errr, I have to write books to earn money to actually make these films. Why am I doing this again? Because film is like heroin. Yup. I found out why all these crazy people work 16 hour days 7 days a week and stress out worse than I do (imagine Mark Richfield without three minders!) yeah, that kind of stress.

But, one baby step at a time. The beauty of the men who may agree to be in this crazy film will thrill you, the story ain’t half bad, and well, the crew? The best I can afford, and let me tell you, they are already blowing me away. But this is LA now, not New Mexico where we filmed Capital Games, and it’s a whole different animal. LA is like a high priced hooker. She wants you to pay and gives you very little, but she will do as you ask if you push her. (More like boot her in the ass with spiked heels)

Hello, LA, hello, straight boys…let’s see who’s got the balls to show their balls.
This ain’t no Capital Games love story, it’s a gritty, hard hitting police drama. So if it ever really comes to fruition, I will be amazed.
One step at a time….shhhh…let’s not scare our pretty boys away.

Be careful out there, it’s one crazy world. Take it from me. I thought being a cop was ruthless? Ha! Being an author nowadays with all the insanity of scams, illegal downloads and posses of trolls? It's nearly as dangerous. One of these days one of you will be where I am, and understand it. I hope all of you do one day. Movie magic? It’s make believe. It should be called Movie murder….

NAKED DRAGON BEGINS- (AND WHO THE HELL AM I?)

Do you know me?
Then tell me. What do you think I am?
An artist? A gemologist? An animal lover? A librarian? A police officer? An author? A race car enthusiast? An anarchist? A soldier? A pioneer?
A filmmaker? A director? A producer?
A human being?
A friend?
An enemy?
A lover?
Your fantasy or your nemesis?

I only dream of one thing. Pushing same sex love into the mainstream. Why I am so driven I do not know.
But it is my goal, my reason to wake each day.
On the cusp of beginning pre-production on Naked Dragon, beginning filming this March, I will bring a gay man of color and a gay white man into a love affair during their work on a serial killer case.
Has this been done before? I do not know. But I will do it.
I’ve been called many things. From friends and co-workers, ‘unstoppable’, a ‘mentor, ‘driven’, ‘a force to be reckoned with’, and an ‘ally’.
By my enemies, ‘hated’, ‘despised’, called every spiteful name one can think of, told I am talentless and worthless.
I’ve hit very low times, and struggled to maintain the sensation of the highs.
I have done this on my own. No one has handed me a thing. Not a family member or an employee in the film and publishing business. I have been battling demons since I was a child. And I will fight on until I can fight no longer.
I have no ambition to make millions on my work. I work to fulfill a dream. A dream that one day people will read my work, see my films, and come to a conclusion. Love is love. It is not just my goal. Hundreds, thousands are on the same journey.

Do you know me?
Do you love me?
Do you hate me?
Do you think what I do is easy? That I am content?
We live and die alone. No one knows me.
No one. You know why I know? Because I do not even know myself.
We are creatures of mystery. What drives us? Why do we have allies and haters?
But know this. I am destined not to live a long life. Why? I know enough to know that. So? I am a seer as well. Fate has already told me in dreams to grab it now, because time is slipping away.
All I ask is that you learn from my mistakes. Push beyond your comfort zone. Rise up from ashes to keep moving forward. Where do you see yourself in five years? In oblivion? Or living your dreams?

Here we go! Naked Dragon: Beginning pre-production with a team so powerful it makes Capital Games look like a college film. And perhaps that is all it was. A learning experience for me. Guess what? I learned. I learned the difference between a trusted ally and a thief. A professional and an egotist. I learned never to be used or taken advantage of again, and I learned to surround myself in gems, and throw away the drek.
So? Do you think you know me? Guess what people? You make or break me. Your support, you buying my work, creates these films, these visions of gay romance on the screen. YOU.
Do I know you?
I know that without you, I’d be nothing.
All I ask in return is remember me. Remember me in years to come when I am gone. Remember that I struggled to bring our genre to the mainstream, to make a pathway for all of us. Like I have done in writing.
102 books strong. Not an easy task. I have been crucified by my competitors, and held up in high esteem by those who I inspire.

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW WHO THE HELL I REALLY AM?

None of you. Until I know who I am- no one shall ever know me on any deep level. And I will keep it that way. You see what I allow you to see. A myth? A mystery? A woman on a journey, who will get it right in one life. Maybe the next.

Be careful out there. Life is filled with promise and disappointment, and one person can make all the difference in the world.
Who are you?
Are you that one person?
I am. I am that one fucked up person who will stop at nothing. But I will never run over people for my goals. I will only fight to attain them with an army. And this new army? Unstoppable.
Follow the journey with me as I share the vision of this film like I have done with Capital Games.
It’s all I have to give to you. My words, my sweat, and my blood.

And it’s time to bleed for you. I am ready.