In the Limelight



From Tales of The Frontier: The Ghosts



Recently J & L were invited once again to visit the set of one of Tino Luciano’s productions of the Tales of the Frontier. In a previous blog article, we introduced Mr. Luciano, the Big Dog himself, and now the sole-proprietor of Law Dog Productions, Film and Television, where we conducted a ‘behind the scenes’ moment for our readers and from the numerous comments we received, the research project seemed to have been a hit. Of course, being the folks we are, if there was a moment to return and report on the latest with the Law Dog crew, we were there.

Though we had been in the company of the cast before,  it was still another breath of fresh air to see something being filmed with a good old-fashioned message where the good guys win even when sometimes those ‘good guys’ have some faults of their own.

Many times in feature films or television series produced by the major studios most patrons have to burrow their heads when body parts fall off from ridiculous and nonsensical ‘zombies’ or aliens who have nothing better to do than travel a zillion light years to suck out the brains of ordinary humans on planet earth. Personally, this writer feels traveling that far would be quite a disappointment when the aliens actually make contact with modern humans and realize there is not that much to suck out. Then again, why are zombies always mad and vengeful? Being brought back to life should make them happy and thankful. That in a nutshell should show how far off the mark the big boys and girls of Hollywood really are.

But I digress. Back to Law Dogs.

The writing was crisp, the actors nothing but professional, the action developed and the overall take-away was one of superb professionalism from Luciano and his crew.

And speaking of the crew, it was like old home week for J & L when we saw Dale Noel, producer, Carole Schreiber, production supervisor, James Fuentez, 1^st A.D., Lloyd Noel, horse wrangler (he and Dale also are the owners of the ranch were the shooting took place on this visit), and of course all the rest of the crew affectionately known as Law Dogs and Ladies, and who made us feel right at home.

This time we had the opportunity to step in front of the camera as ‘extras’ for a scene in the latest episode. Both eager and trepidatious about our two seconds in the limelight, we headed for wardrobe where we were met by Garrett Sheeks, the usual gaffer but this day he was wearing two hats that being gaffer and wardrobe guru.

Sheeks looked me over after three maniacal wardrobe changes, Law Dogs (especially Luciano) are sticklers for authentic details, and finally allowed me to leave the wardrobe trailer after I had stood standing in the blazing sun for what seemed like hours. Sheeks, in my humble opinion, is a wardrobe Nazi. Sweating, I smiled weakly due to the sun, and wandered off after being dismissed by Herr Sheeks to sit and wait until my limited acting talents were called for.

Of course, Laureen of J & L managed to have one wardrobe change from the comfort of the air conditioned wardrobe trailer and came out looking beautiful in her finery including a large hat, which took up most of the ranch we were filming at. Stunning all the same. Sheeks stated; “She’s a natural.”

I didn’t like the Fuehrer at that point at all. Just a bit a humor since I believe this young man is very talented, very personable and has a great career ahead of him. All joking aside, he is what a production team needs and that is ‘get it right’ before it goes before the camera.

Then again, me versus my good-looking wife, there would be no choice in saying who is or was a ‘natural’. She got the benefit of a changing room with air conditioning whereas I was barely able to tug on period trousers in the desert heat while balancing on a multi-colored rug in front of a trailer.  Then again, one prefers a woman who smells sweet to a guy who smells likes sweat. But again, I digress.

Back to reality, which is hard, when you’re about to appear on screen. Since  we, as ‘actors,’ have been sworn to ‘secrecy’ and can't tell you the details about the plot, which is a shame because they are incredible. If only we could let out the plots of ‘Ghosts’ or those other episodes of ‘Tales of the Frontier’ then we know they would play anytime on the home televisions or the local neighborhood theatres. That is how good the writing, directing and acting is.You will definitely want to catch the trailers to taste the flavor of what the crew is putting together here.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TalesOfTheFrontier?feature=g-all

But, and I am just saying this as a generic person who has no business connection with Law Dog Productions, I will not be surprised to see this small and upcoming production company in the big times very soon.

Director Luciano truly inspires trust and friendship from all those he works with. He has a great sense of humor, a great sense of dedication, and one who will never rest until all the rest of the crew, actors and Production Company, have their chance to settle in for the evening.

In the bank for a withdrawal before the bad guys come.

But before he 'throws his hat' to wrap the night, there is no doubt who is in charge on the set. From wardrobe to set and everything in between, Tino knows what he wants and how to translate that to film. As J and L ambled over to the set, a late 1860s bank, for 'blocking' or as we laypeople would say, 'having the boss tell where to stand and what to do,'  we listened quietly to what we were to do and walked through the scene. Then, as we walked through the scene for second time, one of our fellows suggested a change and Tino, with a smile and firm voice answered, "How 'bout you let me be the director?" No more questions. No more suggestions. We got the message. And, we got the scene right.

We were there for several takes. All the angles, changes, laughs, and the serious work of film-making. It seemed like it took two hours to film three minutes. Quality takes time. And this is quality stuff.

After three visits to the set with Law Dogs, we at J & L have grown to believe these folks  are truly our friends. They share our same beliefs that hard work with strong dedication is the way to success. That if you have a story to tell you must tell it no matter how many people will read or view it. Do not worry about the criticism since the positive accolades will outnumber those of the nay-sayers.

And, finally, if you believe you are doing the right thing, then you must keep at it.

In our opinion, Law Dogs Production stands for what made America the country it is today and no matter the trash Hollywood flushes past the masses there will always be plenty of room for people like Tino Luciano to produce a series about what is good in people and in the country.

It's a family affair.



Let's Rodeo!

The concept of attending a rodeo was never in the forefront of this writer but when invited, we had to go.

It was the right thing to do!

I have seen numerous bull fights in Spain and Mexico but have never agreed that these are 'macho' events but more acts of human barbarism (a topic for a later date). On the other hand, having ridden horses for years as a teenager I knew that taking a full grown horse at a high speed in a small dirt arena and then throwing a rope from saddle to steer horns and jumping off was something only a few could do. I wanted to see it. So, given the chance we went.

At J & L we believe being a cowboy and participating in a rodeo is an old and honorable profession. We respect the hard work, dedication, and plain old 'go get 'em' attitude these guys and gals in tall hats have within them.

So, that chance came when the team were invited for an evening in Devore, California to witness the last night of the 2012 season of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) being sponsored by the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. It was the thirteenth annual event and the grandstands were jam-packed with roping loving spectators.

The weather was amazing for this last bout of the season with the modern day knights ready to do battle in the oval arena to entertain the cheering crowds while trying for themselves to earn a spot for the finals being held in Las Vegas later in the year. This was the last chance for these athletes to enter into the cherished top 15 positions available so they could saunter into the never sleeping city in Nevada and possibly walk away (or limp) with trophies and prize money in the hands.

It should be noted that no animals were injured and we believe after walking around the pens all those creatures are very well taken care of and looked after as though they themselves were just as much an athlete as were the cowboys partaking in the rodeo. In fact, numerous times during the evening the famous rodeo announcer, Jody Carper, would have the crowds give a round of applause to the animals in the arena. We are not sure the horses and cows understood the adoration from the clapping and cheering but the spectators knew and that is what counted on this rather warm but clear fall night.

An exciting evening where cowboys would leap off their galloping horses after lassoing a sprinting calf and within seconds throw the animal to the ground while all the time getting the rope looped around three legs of the bovine trying to beat the next contestant. Moments later another rider would emerge from the chute with dirt flying behind his steed trying his hardest to defeat his opponent by mere tenths of a second. And we are discussing seconds here which means the difference between going to those nationals in Las Vegas or going home with a sore bum and ego to boot.

The opening ceremony included thundering horses being ridden by colorfully outfitted girls carrying tall flags attached to long wooden poles as if the riders were making haste to do battle. It was awe-inspiring to watch as nearly a dozen riders atop their steeds tore up the dirt while circling the arena time and again to the loud applause of the audience. These flags were in dedication to all the sponsors who had donated time and money to the rodeo including the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, Burrtec Waste Industries, Matich Corporation, and many more individuals and corporations.

One rich and touching moment was when, after the first galloping horses had left the arena, ten year old Brice Lore casually and calmly made his way into the west end of the field of glory and belted out the National Anthem which brought tears to the thousands of spectators watching. This young boy with a golden voice knocked the notes out into the early evening with uncanny professionalism. Our readers should remember Brice's name since we at J & L don't believe we've heard the last of this young singer.

The night was full of cowboys riding bucking horses and bulls, this is where the great 'eight seconds' to glory originated which is the time it takes a rider to have 'broken' the ride. Very few of the cowboys were able to stay mounted that long and it was easy to understand why when the metal gate swung open and the grimacing riders held on with one had for dear life while what appeared to be a pretty angry animal below them did their best to be rid of the offensive human on their back. Rider after rider spilled off the saddle sideways, over the head of the animal, or narrowly missed getting their head splintered by the rear hooves of the animal of their choice while being tossed to the rear as unwanted garbage. The rodeo clowns came to the rescue distracting the frantic animals allowing the cowboy to walk or more than once limp away from where they had eaten dirt in their attempt to best the beast.

Speaking of clowns, one of the greats in the rodeo circuit, Robbie Hodges, was on hand to stimulate the crowd with his running comedic routine when the action dimmed a bit within the arena, usually as the events changed, and he would walk the area discussing this and that to the entertainment of the crowd. His actual title is a 'barrelman' who takes shelter within a huge barrel placed within the arena during the most dangerous cowboy events so as to, like the other clowns, take the attention of the animals off of the fallen cowboys. Standing in or on a barrel while two thousands pounds of angry bovine stomp by looking for something to impale is either pretty brave or pretty dumb. In Robbie's world it's just his job and because of that dedication the cowboys can at least leave the arena physically attached if not emotionally.

Event after event sped by and the hours clicked by like minutes with the Norco Cowgirls doing a half-time show dancing and cavorting with their horses in routines which marveled even some of us older cowboys who had not ridden a horse in over twenty years let alone having horses follow trained orders. It was enough to stay on a well traveled path at a slow trot let alone tearing around a dirt arena with a dozen other riders close enough to reach out and touch one another. It was a sight to behold.

The female barrel racing showed the precision in which these young women trained as they brought their mounts dangerously close to three barrels while maintaining a speed most people would not want to ride in a straight line. Around and around beating the seconds on the clock was what called for and these gals never lost stride as they delicately but firmly made their way from start to finish to thundering applause.

As the rodeo wore down through the evening the excitement of the spectators did not as we all yelled for more speed, more danger, and more events but all good things must end as did this rodeo in Devore on this cooling Fall night.

One particularly momentous thing did arise from this visit to the rodeo and that is this writer now can proudly and honestly state:

"This ain't my first rodeo!"

Visit Africa Without Leaving the U.S.

The Serengeti Resort

The Heart of Africa in the Hill Country of Texas

As darkness slowly surrendered to the early morning light the silhouette of a tall giraffe came clear behind the tall honey mesquite covering the dew moistened savanna. The dramatic backdrop of stands of trees partially hid the majesty of the long necked beast. Straining and twisting its neck the species known as camelopardalis carefully stepped over the knotted roots of the nearby foliage making sure as not to stumble in the dawn. Not to be forgotten were the herds of gazelles ever so alert for approaching danger as the males darted back and forth in a seemingly frenzied state keeping a watchful eye on the females and their young.

Never have visited the Serengeti before we marveled how so many animals seemed to naturally co-exist in relative peace. This was Africa at its best but not the great dark continent over eight thousand miles across the Atlantic but a small secluded piece of Africa in the hill country of Texas just a short drive north of San Antonio near the small city of Bergheim. This is a piece of wild nature waiting for the adventurer to investigate all from an incredibly lavish resort.

The Serengeti Resort is a one stop destination where daily stress seems to melt away while one sits on the many beautifully designed verandas watching the great variety of exotic creatures interacting with each other. The sounds of animals breaking through the underbrush is almost unnerving but yet comforting knowing you are witnessing sights many people only dream of.  The elands and zebras blend in so well it comes as a pleasant surprise to see these large four legged beasts emerge from the forest of trees across the plains heading to take water from the troughs laid across the land

Visiting the resort means spending time in a very magical place. It is where a person can sit back and take in the beauty of what Africa truly looks like or simply take a walk around the acreage smelling the semi-arid lands where the Serengeti is located.

Spending  time in the Zafara Lodge while sipping a glass of wine from any of the seventy-five different varieties of  grapes from the southern hemisphere or something just as inviting from the large well-stocked bar in the lodge lets the traveler know why they came to this spot in south-west Texas. The lodge is home to everything an exclusive resort would be made of in the deepest reaches of Africa itself. Thick wooden planked exterior and interior walls, heads of game lining the room, comfortable and soft leather chairs and sofas in which to rest, slowly winding fans attached in the ceiling to move the air, and rustic but highly polished tables to enjoy a midday meal or evening faire while looking through expansive floor to ceiling glass walls taking in the wildlife strolling the savanna beyond the lodge.

On the weekends enjoy a wonderful breakfast buffet or order something just as tasty from the more than generous hosts who go out of their way to ensure your visit is truly a once in a lifetime experience. The food is fabulous and more than enough to make the palate satisfied.

Plan to spend an evening or two in the various accommodations available at the Serengeti from large plush bungalows that sleep eight which directly look over the grasslands to the more modest but equally well appointed pool side suites which sleep four. All accommodations are unique in their individual designs and decorations but each gives the visitor a true feeling of having spent the night on safari.

While staying at the resort, ensure there is plenty of time in which to travel among the animals themselves in the nearly one hundred acres where they are fenced. Golf carts are available to rent so the guests can patrol the resort unguided to take in the marvels of the Serengeti and to possibly hand feed the giraffe, the elands, the ostriches, and the other such animals making up the resort’s inhabitants. The favorite is a young camel by the name of ‘Clyde’ who will come when called and faster if he knows there is food held in a hand.

The total experience of the Serengeti Resort is that of relaxation, exhilaration, and the thrill of being in the Heart of Africa but with never leaving the comfort of the United States.

Contact Information:

The Serengeti Resort

Phone – 830.816.3600

Fax -      207.226.5280

Email -   serengetiresort@gmail.com

Also found on ‘Facebook’

Location:

408 Fuller Dr, Bergheim, TX 78004 (the Hill Country)

Accommodations:

Prices for resort range from $149 to $495, depending on the outfitter tent, bungalow or suite available.

Hours:

Open to the Public for wine tasting on Saturdays from 12 – 5 p.m.

 Resort may also be rented for special events.

Resort guests have lodging available 7 days per week/24 hours per day