Happy Holidays!

I'm teaching film editing at Columbia College this Fall

Now that I'm an Assistant Professor in the Department of Film & Video at Columbia College Chicago, I start teaching classes next week.

I'm teaching Editing 1 and Editing 2, and I couldn't be more excited. I always had such a great time teaching film production at UCLA and I can't wait to get started sharing my love of the filmmaking process with the next generation of filmmakers here in the Windy City.

Everyone that I've met at Columbia so far has been really amazing, and I'm just so humbled to be a part of such a talented and diverse group of people. Both the faculty and the student body at Columbia are really special, and I'm just honored to be a part. I can't wait to meet my students and get started!

Reducing Infant Mortality

I just finished Producing, Editing and doing Visual Effects for a new short documentary about how the United States has one of the worst infant mortality rates in the industrialized world, and ways that we can change birth for the better.

Created as part of the current debate on healthcare, Reducing Infant Mortality asks "What are we doing wrong? We're making it more technologically advanced in our country, and we're not doing better and we're actually getting worse."

Spread the word to your legislators, and visit the website to take action and find out more. Here's a link to the iPod/iPhone version of the video.

The film is released through a Creative Commons license.

We're moving to Chicago

After 14 years in Los Angeles, we're hitting the road and moving to Chicago.

I'm really honored that I've been hired as a full-time tenure-track Professor at Columbia College, where I'll be teaching film making. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to share what I know about film with the next generation. I'm going to keep producing my own work, and working on other people's projects, too.

Adria will continue to act, both in Chicago, as well as in film and television.

And Baby Hart will continue to be totally cute!

It's been an amazing experience living in Los Angeles, and I'm really excited about the next step of the journey.

I'm teaching "Making the Short Documentary" at UCLA Extension

After having such a great experience teaching "Producing Documentaries" last year, I'm teaching a new course at UCLA Extension that I've designed. We're going to be making making individual short non-fiction films over the course of the term, and I'm really very excited about it.

We're going to be spending a lot of time showing rough cuts and works-in-progress in class, and I'm hopeful that the students that enroll will end up producing some exceptional work. This is a fantastic chance to either make a stand-alone short documentary, or to make a piece that can be used (at least partially) as a promotional tool to raise funds for a feature-length documentary.

I can't wait for the term to begin. The class has open enrollment, so I encourage anyone interested in making documentaries to enroll. I'll be teaching all the fundamentals that go into making feature-length documentaries as well, so this class will be a great immersion into the whole process.

See you on Saturday, April 4th! You can enroll here.

_______________________________

Making the Short Documentary

Film & Television X 475.22 4.00 units

Create the short nonfiction film you've been dreaming about. Over the course of this workshop, develop, research, produce, direct, and edit a three-to-seven-minute documentary. At the first daylong meeting, participants bring in multiple documentary ideas, which are workshopped into a final concept for the documentary that they intend to make. Over the next several weeks, students shoot interviews and footage. In-class screenings of works-in-progress help students improve their work through instructor and peer feedback. The completed films are screened and discussed during the final class. Instruction focuses on an overview of the documentary process, including documentary form and style, preproduction, shooting, editing, and documentary structure. The course also covers opportunities for distribution and sale of the finished documentary, as well as the use of the short documentary as a promotional tool to help create a full-length version of the film.Prerequisite: Students must have access to a camera and editing equipment, and at least one idea ready for development. This "green" course provides course materials online to minimize paper waste; Internet access required.

UCLA: 2242 School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Saturday, April 4, 10am-5pm
Tuesdays, April 7 - May 26 7pm-10pm
Saturday, May 30 10am-5pm
10 meetings total

Happy Holidays to one and all!

We wish you peace and love this holiday season.

Shalom/Salaam

I'm a producer and editor on the upcoming feature documentary "Shalom/Salaam," a new film focusing on a revolution happening in the Middle East: where individuals on both sides of the conflict are being brought together through the ancient practice of yoga.

I recently finished editing a promotional trailer, and the very talented Jodie Livingston, the director, has built a really great website for the film.

I'm really very excited to be working on this project. We've started shooting, and are currently raising funds to go to the Middle East to really capture this amazing story of people striving for peace.

Were the World Mine Trailer

I recently finished producing and editing this trailer, for the upcoming indie film "Were The World Mine," which opens in theatres October 31st. Here they are on the Apple trailer site.

Here is a list of dates and theaters where it will be playing.

I had a great experience working with Tom, Cory and all the fantastic, talented individuals who made this film into something special. Go see this movie!

The Reel Truth

I had the privilege of being interviewed extensively for Reed Martin's new book, The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film, which comes out in January.

I've read excerpts, and it's an excellent guide for aspiring independent filmmakers. It is full of first hand examples of how to survive in the film business from people who've lived it.

The book started as a series of articles that Reed wrote for Filmmaker Magazine, which have been expanded into 512 pages. Quotes of my advice to first-time filmmakers are sprinkled throughout the guide, along with interviews with some real industry heavy-hitters.

Reed and I worked on a film together a few years ago, and I'm really glad to see him doing so well, and I think he's written a great first book.

Pre-order it on Amazon today!

"Producing Documentaries" at UCLA is back!

I'm doing it again!

After such a great experience in the Spring, I'm going to be teaching "Producing Documentaries" at UCLA Extension again! My students were really inspiring to me last term, and I can't wait to meet more of the next generation of documentarians this Fall.

I invite anyone who really wants to find out about how to make great documentaries to enroll. We meet Wednesday evenings at 7-10pm, from September 24th to December 10th.

Check it out and enroll here.

I hope to see you there!
_________________________________

Producing Documentaries
X 478.733 Film & Television 4 units

Learn about the opportunities available to the independent documentary producer in this overview of the entire documentary production process from idea through distribution. Emphasis is placed on today's market for both television and theatrical one-to-two-hour programs through screening and discussing examples of documentary genres. Lectures emphasize story, structure, and style and address related budget, financial, and technical aspects of television documentaries. Each participant conceives and drafts a written synopsis for a one-hour television documentary with the option to independently produce a presentation tape. Specialists with expertise in archival footage, interview techniques, location shooting, editing, and other areas are invited as guest lecturers, subject to availability.

UCLA: 1209B Bunche Hall
Wednesday , 7-10pm
September 24 - December 10
Saturday , 10am-1pm
November 15 , 12 mtgs.
(no mtg. 11/26)

Dorkumentary Episode 2: Deadly Moves

In episode 2 of Dorkumentary, Adria Dawn is visited by her neighborhood door-to-door kung-fu salesman, guest star Pat Kilbane (Mad TV, Semi-Pro).

See more episodes at dorkumentarytv.com!

Download the ipod version of the video [640x360].

Dorkumentary

From producer/director/editor David Tarleton and superstar character actress Adria Dawn comes Dorkumentary - the newest, craziest short comedy series to hit the Internet!

Each webisode is a comedic improv inspired loosely by the lives of its creators.

Come dork out with Adria and her hysterical guest stars as they hilariously improvise their way into your heart.

Dorkumentary. Being a dork has never been this cool.

In the premiere episode of Dorkumentary, join Adria Dawn (Nip/Tuck, Popular, etc.) as she interacts with the offbeat regulars at Uncle Jers - the landmark retail store in Silverlake, California.

Created improvisationally in seven hours, and shot by a crew of one, Adria plays six different characters in a scenario loosely inspired by real events.

See more episodes at dorkumentarytv.com!

Download the ipod version of the video [640x360].

Subscribe to the podcast here:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/Dorkumentary

I'm teaching "Producing Documentaries" at UCLA Extension

Starting April 1st, I'm going to be teaching "Producing Documentaries," at UCLA Extension. I'm very excited about this new opportunity to share what I've learned about documentary film making with the next generation of film makers.

Everyone interested is invited to enroll in my class. It meets Tuesday evenings at 7-10pm, from April 1st to June 17th.

You can check out the course description and enroll here.

I hope to see you there!

_________________________________

FILMTV X 478.733 Producing Documentaries

Learn about the opportunities available to the independent documentary producer. Emphasis is placed on today's market for one-hour factual programs through screening and discussing examples of biography, history, social issues, science/technology, natural history, travel, and entertainment genres. Lectures emphasize story, structure, and style and also address related budget, financial, and technical aspects of television documentaries. Each participant conceives and drafts a written synopsis for a one-hour television documentary with the option to independently produce a presentation tape. Specialists with expertise in archival footage, interview techniques, location shooting, editing, and other areas are invited as guest lecturers, subject to availability.

Course Open Reg# T7524U

No Textbook Required

UCLA: 1234 School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Tuesday , 7-10pm
April 1 - June 17 , 12 mtgs.

David Tarleton, producer, director, and editor who has created programs for such companies as Universal, Walt Disney Pictures, Fox, The Muppets, Comedy Central, Sci Fi Channel, Showtime, and Warner Brothers. Mr. Tarleton also produced and edited the award-winning documentary What Babies Want, as well as a series of "Making of" documentaries for Sony Pictures. He currently is in production on two new feature documentaries.

Happy Holidays!

We wish everyone out there a happy and blessed Holiday season, and a fantastic New Year!

A Call to Fatherhood

I've just begun shooting a new documentary with Debby Takikawa, with whom I made What Babies Want, the award-winning feature documentary about birth and babies.

We're making a follow-up, about fathers and fatherhood, tentatively entitled "A Call to Fatherhood." We started shooting last week, and, I would suspect we'll be shooting into the Spring.

I'm the Producer/Director of Photography/Editor of the project. It's fantastically exciting for me to work with Debby again, and I think we have the potential to make something that can really change people's lives for the better. Even the little bit we've shot so far gets me really excited.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!

Neptune: King of Fire

I directed and shot the incredibly talented painter and fire-spinner David Wilson, when we used to live in the same apartment complex. Here's his myspace.

More recently, I edited the footage together into this short piece, entitled "Neptune: King of Fire." (note: ipod version)



You can watch more of my films here.

Enjoy!

Statler and Waldorf WON the Webby!

Thanks to everyone who voted!

The Muppets series Statler and Waldorf From the Balcony won the 2007 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Comedy Series!

As many of you know, I was the editor of this groundbreaking web series for almost two years, and couldn't be any more proud of everyone who worked on the show with me!

In addition, since we won the award, the series will be archived forever as part of the permanent collection of the Museum of the Moving Image.

The ceremony is in New York next month!

Rock N Roll Sex Machine

Tarleton / Dawn Productions presents
The Adria Dawn experience
Rock N Roll Sex Machine

written and performed by Adria Dawn
directed by Che'Rae Adams
executive produced by David Tarleton

Can You Dig It?

This is Adria and my new show. She wrote the script based around her family and growing up, and is performing it as a one woman show.

I'm executive producer and made the poster. Che'Rae Adams is the director.

We open in just a couple of weeks, so we're in the midst of frantic activity. But we're really excited about putting this on.

It's a really funny and poignant play, and she's been working on this for a couple of years now. I'm so proud of her.

Break a leg, honey!

Statler and Waldorf nominated for a Webby!

The Muppets series Statler and Waldorf From the Balcony, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Comedy: Long Form or Series category!

I'm very proud of the work we did on this show, and congratulations to everyone who was involved!

The competition has a "People's Voice" competition, and you can have the opportunity to vote for us! You have to register (sorry about that), but you have to opportunity to have your voice heard!

Winners will be announced on May 1, 2007 and honored at The 11th Annual Webby Awards in New York City on June 5th. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian and actor Rob Corddry, star of Fox's new sitcom "The Winner" and a former correspondent for "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Interactive Advertising, Online Film & Video, and Mobile Websites. The awards are judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization that includes David Bowie, Harvey Weinstein, Arianna Huffington, Matt Groening, Jamie Oliver, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, and RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser.

The Birth of the Demiurge by the Aeon Sophia at the Beginning of Creation

The Aeon Sophia at the Birth of the Demiurge, by David Tarleton.

This is the story of the creation myth of the Gnostics, who were a type of early Christian. They believed that the Aeon Sophia, who was the 12th emanation of God, gave birth without the help of her male half.

Because of this, when she gave birth, it was to a monstrous beast, the Demiurge Yaldaboath. He was born with the head of a lion and the body of a serpent. He was cast down from the pleroma, their heaven, and created the first shadows in a realm of eternal light.

A blind, mad god, Yaldaboath, in his pride, believed himself to be the supreme God, to have created himself.

In his hubris, he, this mad deity, created the material universe, where we live and go about our business, within this region of shadow.

Adria Dawn, Kelly Carlson and Xenu on Nip/Tuck

Here's a clip of my wife, the lovely Adria Dawn, from her recent appearance on FX's Nip/Tuck.

She's playing Parker, a Scientologist, in a scene with Kelly Carlson, playing Kimber; and Xenu, the evil galactic emperor and enslaver of all mankind in the Scientology mythos.

Enjoy!

Adria Dawn on Nip/Tuck again tomorrow

This Tuesday, December 5th, my beautiful wife Adria Dawn will be appearing on Nip/Tuck yet again as Parker, a Scientologist. This time she has a scene with Xenu, so I'm very excited to see it.

Set those Tivos now!

The Metafilter Compilation Album is done!

Download "Wicked" as MP3

The compilation album that I'm on is coming out any day now!

Order yours today!

Adria Dawn on Nip/Tuck again this Tuesday

Adria is going to be appearing again as Parker, a Scientologist on Nip/Tuck on FX this upcoming Tuesday, November 7th.

She's already filmed a third episode which will be airing soon.

Set those Tivos!

Clip of Adria Dawn on Nip/Tuck

Here's a clip of my lovely wife, Adria Dawn's appearance last night on Nip/Tuck, playing a Scientologist.

Way to go Adria!

Adria Dawn to appear on Nip/Tuck

My wonderful wife, Adria Dawn recently got a recurring role on Nip/Tuck, playing Parker, a Scientologist.

She's filmed two episodes so far.

Her first episode is October 3rd, "Dawn Budge."

As far as we know right now, her second episode is November 7th.

Nip/Tuck was created by Ryan Murphy, who also created the hit show Popular that Adria was on for two years, playing April Tuna.

She said it was like a homecoming, because so many of the same people from Popular also work on Nip/Tuck.

Way to go, honey!

So set those Tivos today for next Tuesday, October 3rd!

Update: Adria got a mention in TV Guide!

Enlightened (beta)

Download as MP3

Here's another work in progress, which I'm currently calling Enlightened.

Right now it's just the instrumental part, but it'll have voices when I'm all done.

I think this one's pretty good. I'm getting structure down better, I think.

You can find more of my music here.

Time Magazine gives "Statler and Waldorf" a shout out!

Time Magazine just named the Muppets series Statler and Waldorf From The Balcony, as one of the "25 Sites We Can't Live Without," along with ebay and Amazon and Google!

Congratulations everyone!

Ozymandeus (beta)

Download as MP3

I've been working on Ozymandeus, my newest song. I've got the instrumental part mostly done, but I still want to lay down voices on top.

I'm going to keep working on it, but I thought you might like to check out what I'm working on right now.

Enjoy!

Wedding Photo

This is a picture of Adria and I at our wedding.

Our wedding photographer, Gary Ingersoll, did a fantastic job shooting, and I'm going through now and doing color correction, effects, and cropping.

Army of One

The Army of One
by
David Tarleton

He ran across the plain.

And they followed him, The Army of One.

They moved as a whole, their electrocoated exoskeletons buzzing with faint electricity.

They chased him into an alleyway. Against the green-blue tint of the overhead neon, they fanned out, around the entrance to the underground bunker.

He had no choice really. He knew they'd kill him if they got their hands on him.

He crawled through the heavily leaded hatchway.

Klang!

Climbing down a ladder, he stopped at the bottom, where he was bathed in a yellow spotlight.

"Who are you?" asked a voice in the milky blackness.

"Who do you think?" asked our protagonist.

"I don't know, I haven't decided yet."

"Haven't decided what?"

I said, "haven't decided what kind of a thing you are. Sometimes I think maybe you should be some kind of bushman, sometimes I think you should be a baboon."

He looked flummoxed, "a baboon?"

"Yeah," says I, "a baboon. You know, with the bright red butts? You'd be great as one of those."

"What's your name, anyway?"

"David. What's yours?"

"Ezekial. Like in the Bible."

"Were your parents religious?"

"Oh my God, you've never seen such a thing."

"What were they like?"

"Well, I remember this one time that we had the Archangel Michael over to the house for dinner."

"What?"

"Michael, you know, with the sword. Angel of the south."

"Really?"

"Tall fellow. Had a faint glow about him. Real nice, too."

"What did you all talk about?"

"Oh, I don't know. The end of the world, things like that."

"Mm Hm."

Just then, the Army of One returned.

They all moved together.

Our protagonist turned around,
one of the figures stepped forward,
a mechanical voice eminated from a speaker on its face.

"It's time to go."

And it was.

David Tarleton and Adria Dawn Tarleton are married!

Adria and I have returned from our honeymoon in Hawaii, and I just wanted to let everybody know we're back in town.

Thanks so much everyone who came to the wedding and also everyone who expressed kind words and lovely sentiments. We're happily settling down into married life.

These pictures are from our wedding at Allerton House, in Montecello, Illinois.

I feel inspired by all of it, and have all kinds of ideas for new films/music/art in the works, so stay tuned!

Photography by Gary Ingersoll.

Gettin' Married - Be Back Soon!

We're off to get married!

There'll be a hiatus on Creative Mythology for the next few weeks as the lovely Adria Dawn and I get hitched, and then run off for our Honeymoon to an undisclosed tropical location!

Feel free to look around the site while we're gone.

You can start with my music, or films or pictures I've made. Or just wander around at your own pace.

I'll see you all in a few weeks!

Statler and Waldorf wins 2006 Silver Telly Award

"Statler and Waldorf From The Balcony" has won a Silver Telly, the highest award given, at the 2006 Telly Awards, for best use of comedy!

Congratulations all!

David Tarleton's song "Wicked" to be included on the Metafilter Compilation Album

Download as MP3

My song "Wicked" was selected to be included on the Metafilter Compilation Album, a CD of songs by members of the Metafilter weblog (my username on Metafilter is MythMaker.)

They are already taking preorders, with all proceeds from the album sales going to charity.

Order your copy today!