The Octagonal Peg

Casting for "LEGACY"

2012-02-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I am shooting my short film for this competition:http://www.youtube.com/user/yourfilmfestival
I am planning to shoot Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, in the L.A. area. "LEGACY", is a non-dialogue, heartfelt story of an elderly man bestowing a gift to his beloved grandson.

Here are the character breakdowns:

OLD MAN: Eastern European/Gypsy Man, mid to late 70's. Tired, yet not frail, by any means. Must have great emotional depth. If possible, ability to cry, or tear on cue.

BABY BOY: 1yr old Baby Boy, any ethnicity, especially of mixed race.

BOY: Eastern European/Gypsy 10yr old boy. Medium build. Shy quality, with sweet eyes and smile.

GIRL: Gorgeous 10yr old Girl, any ethnicity. Must possess a natural strength and fearlessness about her.

HUSBAND: Eastern European/Gypsy Man in his mid 20's. He is the son of the old man, and father of the baby boy. He has the same shy quality as the 10yr old boy.

WIFE: Gorgeous Woman, Mid 20's, any ethnicity. Must have the same qualities as the 10yr old girl. Must possess a demure, yet sultry strength.

EXTRAS: 20 extras needed. All ages. Any ethnicity. Big party scene. Must have lots of fun, dancing and laughing. Wear your Sunday best.

This is a no-budget film, but copy, credit and meals will be provided.

Please send headshots, resumes and reels [if you have them] to me, Elena Muntean at: elenamuntean24@gmail.com THANK YOU!!!

Casting for "LEGACY"

2012-02-24T22:59:00.002-08:00

My 2012 Director Reel

2012-01-23T11:24:00.001-08:00

"I Dream I Die" Part 2

2011-12-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

"MALAK" Pitch Video

2011-12-19T17:46:00.001-08:00

"MALAK" Sizzle Reel

2011-11-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

"Dream I Die" Part 1

2011-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Aosom Elite Bike Trailer/Stroller Review

2011-04-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Comments on "I Dream I Die"

2011-01-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

"I Dream I Die" Promo Teaser

2011-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Crowdfunding for our film:"I Dream I Die"

"I Dream I Die" Promo Teaser

2011-01-11T20:15:00.001-08:00

"I Dream I Die" Promo Teaser

2011-01-11T20:12:00.001-08:00

Help My Dream Come to Fruition

2011-01-10T04:29:00.000-08:00

"I Dream I Die" Campaign

Help My Dream Come to Fruition

2011-01-10T04:23:00.001-08:00

http://vimeo.com/18417004

What I've Felt All Along

2011-01-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

via: http://stumbleupon.com

2010-12-28T19:06:00.001-08:00

"I Dream I Die"

2010-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Too Long

2010-12-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

I haven't brought myself to blog in a while, not because I didn't want to, but because I entered into an entirely new realm of entertainment. Modeling. YIKES!!! This will be a short blog, but just wanted to mention that this wasn't my idea at all. It was my husband's, and I'm glad he pushed me. I'm garnering a little success with it, too. It's so strange to struggle with the pursuit you love the most, and succeed in the one you think is highly unlikely. In my case, it was film. And, even before that it was acting, but realized my true passion lied in my writings and directing. Those two will be with me until I pass on. But modeling is a little fun for right now. You never know who I can meet. If you guys are interested in seeing my portfolio in progress, link here: http://www.modelmayhem.com/elenamuntean

Phew!

2010-11-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

My mother in Chicago just gave word that her CT scans have shown a great diminishing of her tumors in her lungs. She has Stage IV Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, that spread to her lungs. There were four huge ones there, and now, by the grace of all that's miraculous, have shrunk so small that the oncologist can barely see them anymore. She may just need a couple more rounds and some radiation, and she could be done. They say that she's such a rare and amazing case, that they're actually pulling for a cure. She doesn't react to chemo like all other patients. ALL of her doctors were in awe of how resilient my mother's system is, and now they want to make a case study to teach others in the future on how to treat such a rare cancer. It told her it was her strength and our love that is helping her defeat this calcified demon. She will win.

Halloween=Getae?!

2010-11-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

As we awaited trick-or-treaters, my lovely Tinkerbell, Tonia, grew weary. What a sad day when no one celebrates such a fun, kid-friendly tradition anymore. Needless to say, our giant bowl of wonderful hard candies and glorious chews, remained full. More for us, I guess.

Funny enough, Johnny and I started looking up random videos from my native country of Romania, watching and toying with the idea of someday contributing to the ever burgeoning economy there. We'd be a hot, American entertainment couple, ready to brand our mark on my birth country, with film and music ideas of grandeur. This all led to the unanswerable question of the origin of my true heritage. Romanian is my primary heritage, but since there are a few mysteries to my birth, which I'll delve in future posts, that I may be part Macedonian. Being the voracious researchers we are, my husband and I took to good 'ol Wiki to trace back all the possibilities. After hours of countless reads, we've narrowed down the more than likely chance of my links to the ancient tribe Getae, before the Dacian and Thracian tribes conquered us. And eventually, even before the Romans came in, forever staining the fabric of or culture. The Getae have some Greek origins, and believed in a entirely different deity, Zalmoxis, than the mythological gods of the time. Mind you, I come from a bloodline before the established religions. We were a raw, courageous lot of fighters, who incidentally survived some of Alexander the Great's violent conquests. Fuck 300!!! We were fucking fearless! Yet unfortunately, like all small tribes of the past, we were outnumbered, and almost erased from history. Thank goodness for poets and scholars of the time, with their written praises. They adored our balls.

Living the Dream

2010-10-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Above is Tonia, my exotic jewel. Then, another video I've written, directed, shot and edited. This was my directorial debut, and was my husband's first music video. We kinda went backwards on the idea. We executed the concept first, then Johnny created the music to it. Unconventional, no?

Terrible

2010-10-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today has been really rough, physically. After nursing my husband and daughter through their colds, I, inevitably, have caught the runaway train of all sinus colds. I don't mind it much, yet I realized how much I actually do in a day. My husband's right, I never do sit still. Tonia has me running around all day, which is awesome. Who needs a gym? I research the web all day, keep up with my web presence, and when the baby wakes up from her nap, I run around some more.

I cherish the moments I can steal to watch some great foreign or indie films. They're an unending source of inspiration. I do, of course, write from experience, and envision my life play out on screen, scene by every cringing scene. I've led an awkward life, but an exciting one. Days when I'm incapacitated, like today, I tend to reflect on the paths I've chosen in my life. They've all led me to what I've dreamed of my whole life, just wrapped in a delightfully different package. I'm grateful for all my blessings, even when I'm all sickies and can't muster up any strength. My beautiful family makes sure I rest and relax, even though I don't want to. They love me, despite my being stubborn. And that, my friends, is true love.

Butterfinger Spec

2010-10-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

This was written and directed by me. Scored and shot by my husband Johnny Burt, aka Amatsu (Twitter: @AmatsuMusic) Co-Starring our good friend, James Shanahan. This was originally an official submission for their competition last year, but made a novice mistake by wearing logos on our t-shirts, DUH!!! Needless to say, we were disqualified. But despite the slip-up, I think we had a fighting chance. Oh, well.

A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood

2010-10-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Shot this a couple of weeks ago. I felt as if the sky split open and poured itself unto me. Those clouds belonged to me. I've immortalized you, my frail, nurturing beauty.

Hell To the Mutha'fuckin' Yeah!

2010-10-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

2010-10-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

Yes, I'm a fucking dork. So what.

The Address

2010-10-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. I'm a fucking dork. So what.

Reflection

2010-10-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just taking some time out today to figure out a strategy to ensure my daughter's future. It feels a bit ridiculous at times to continue pursuing a dream that bears no fruit, as I raise a child. Yet, I want her to grow up confident in the pursuit of her passions, despite the very tall and wide hurdles. It's too easy to join the masses, with the collective idea that mundane vocation is acceptable. Not to say many don't find those vocations fulfilling. For me, I accepted this path, and will follow it through to my grave. I want my daughter to find that. Whatever that pull is, her father and I will make sure she is clear headed, surefooted and fearless, just like we are, and more. I love you, my precious angel.

Thanks Eddie Burns

2010-10-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched an amazing video on a panel discussion held at the Woodstock Film Festival, with many many notable distributors, and god bless 'im, Edward Burns. He not only was there for the screening of his new indie film, "Nice Guy Johnny", he went on to proudly discuss the costs of his films to date, and the new multi-platform of film distribution. As an up and coming filmmaker myself, I was inspired by his independent spirit. Like him, I write, produce and direct my own projects. In the future, I may even star in them. I even go a bit further with editing them, like a madwoman. Budget permitting, I will hire an editor for my feature length endeavors; I don't have the heart to subject my audience to a half-bit slice job. As long as I can find the right investors with a passion for my movie, I too, can make a film for $30,000. Thanks again, Mr. Burns, for furthering my strength to carry on. I will get my film made, damnit!

Crayons Over Candy

2010-10-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

I guess eating a bunch of crayons may not prove nutritionally substantial, yet I guess it's better than rotting out her baby teeth. See, my daughter, Tonia, prefers the ever clay-like-tasting-crayon to the conventional lollipop. During this trying time, I guess I should relish her tendency toward unconventionality. Shit, she gets it from me, after all. I actually admire how headstrong she's turning out to be. In fact, I hope she goes on to challenge all forms of convention, as the ever growing evolution of society retains the constant, irrational view on how everyone should conduct themselves. Soldier on, my beautiful seed!

How To Not Give a Shit Anymore

2010-10-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

I gotta give it to designer Leah Piepgras for really pushing the limit with this statement. It says, "I can now show the world how much of a whore I really am"! Fucking ridiculous. Keep you cumshots where they belong; either on your bed, or in your mouth. "Pearl Necklace", please, get the fuck outta here with that bullshit!

Source: nymag.com

Ooh, beam me up, Scottie!

2010-10-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

I want these new tattoos!
Source: dvice.com

I thought I had something insightful to say...

2010-10-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

Yet, today was pretty boring on the news front. Or rather, nothing sparked my interest enough to go on at length on how profound this and that was, to what should have been a a boredom-free Monday.

I do have a few honorable mentions, though. Yay, Angelina Jolie, for getting your Bosnian permits back, despite your twisted subject matter; no worries, I likies. YAY!!! Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, for your upcoming, "Paul". I've loved you guys since, "Spaced". Not to mention, my 20 month old is tickled by Brit humor. Smartie! YAAAY, Obama, for appearing on one of my and my husband's favorite shows, "MythBusters", in December, even though they've busted your myth twice before.

Last, and so not least, "Black Swan". Turns me on every time I see the trailer. December looks to be an exciting month.

2010-10-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Source: www.afterellen.com

Tonia Calliope Burt... my gorgeous daughter!

2010-10-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome me back, son!

2010-10-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

'Ello, loves! I can't believe that I haven't posted any blogs in over a year. As of late, I've been feeling stifled. And, of course, entirely of my own doing. I am at a point where I feel compelled to comment on the current state of society, as we know it. Fair warning, my future posts will be filled with ravenous rants, and vlogs documenting the steam emitted from my ears.

To that end, I will close out by saying, buckle up folks; there's no speed limit here.

2009-07-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

I have never understood envy. I can honestly say I have never possessed this useless emotion. I get playfully jealous when men/women check out my husband, but envy is a entirely different animal. How can anyone wish ill on another, simply for the fact that they lack something they desire; what another has, or exudes naturally?

As of now, I am being punished for being happy in my life. I may not be rich, but I truly love my life with my husband and beautiful new daughter.

God love him, my husband was trying to tell me my family felt this way about me from waaaaaaay back! Now, it's rearing it's ugly fucking head! I have to learn how to forgive & move on, but they keep reminding me every fucking day!

I need to meditate, or do some yoga now.

Peace and love to you all. HONESTLY!!! Pass it on, folks! True positivity_ we all need each other.

Ya' see?!

2009-07-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

We have control over this, folks, or it becomes chemical!

2009-07-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

Today hasn't been very eventful, except for the ginormous argument I had with my mom. It always sucks to realize family will never change, even if we've matured and moved on from our old selves. They still treat us like the doormat geeks with really low self esteem.

What-the-fuck-ever, man! I'll get over this shit soon! I'm just fuming right now! They say, never go to bed angry_ well, tough tittie! I am!

Night all. ;*

2009-07-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

So...

I'm trying my damnedest to work out a strategy, a P.O.A., if you will; a life change! I've been at this pursuit for nearly a decade, and one begins to ask, (or repeat at nauseam, like me), whether or not this shit is even worth it anymore. The uber optimist within screams, "hell yes, never give up!!!", yet the realist is reminding me of the beaten, possibly dead horse way in my deep dark cranial corner! This is a constant, mind you, which lends itself to a plethora of self destructive behavior. So again, nauseatingly, I ask myself, "what the fuck to do?"! Do I leave this godforsaken city and raise my daughter in a more low key environment, or do I remain to fight, in a beautifully chaotic realm that may prove successful; it'll only take a little while.

So...

I end this seemingly endless battle with even more fight than befaore. I have lived to fight another day!

Familia Mea!

2009-07-01T13:37:00.001-07:00

My gorgeous daughter, Tonia Calliope Burt, and my fine-ass husband, Johnny.

They're my reason for living and creating. Who needs religion when you got these two?!

More stuff to come, promise!

Welcome to my world...

2009-07-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hey-llo's, which is just another way of saying hello by way of sibling adlibbing. I wanted to start this blog to reintroduce myself to the beauty of writing. Now that I'm a new mommy, and aspiring film director, I need to get my screenwriting wheels tuned and oiled. I'll be posting film clips, photographs and whatever else I seem to come up with, to keep you guys posted. Speaking of which, check out my debut directing project. Lemme know what you guys think.

Peace, love & elbow grease, y'all!!!