Scott Gratton – Des Moines version of DangerMouse

Howdy,

I just wanted to give props to my brother Scott, a member of Finn Miles and producer extraordinaire. He’s taken a rag-tag collection of songs and put them together with precision and excellence, playing many of the instruments himself. Listen to our EP “Telltale” for his latest brilliant work.

P. Gratton

Producer Scott Gratton

Thank You. Telltale Heart EP.

Since we’re releasing our EP “Telltale Heart” this coming Monday, Aug. 3rd at the Mars Cafe (party starts at 7pm) I thought it would be a good opportunity to thank all of the talented and hardworking people who helped make this EP happen. Listed below are the phenomenal list of friends, cast and crew, and family members who made this amazing album.

Finn Miles thanks:

Aaron Webb – Choir on Looper

Steph Schmaltz – Choir on Looper

Tina Findlay – Choir and gospel solo on Looper

Ryan Meier – Cello on Metamorphosis

Jon Pearson – Art and Design

Matt Shwery – Design and Packaging

Produced by Scott Gratton at Napkin Sketch studios

All songs written by Paul Gratton

Mastering by Jon Locker – Sonic Factory Studios

Show Posters by Joey Leaming of Arise Design

Thank you to our live band, including: Laura Gratton, Sam Carlson, Wayde Stover…also featuring Paul Gratton and Scott Gratton

Countdown: 4 hours

The past 28 hours since the last post have been a crazed blur. Starting bright and early at eight in the morning the first scene was set and shooting. Take after take after take until satisfaction before moving on to the next scene. It’s a never-ending process. I think we can all appreciate full-length movies more after realizing how much time our five minute video takes to create. Given the amount of time we’re taking on each shot, we’re still rushing to make sure we have time for everything else.

We had a few extras volunteer their time last night for one of the scenes. They came prepared with all types of clothing and added a nice change of pace. By the end of the night we each fell over onto the nearest couch or chair.

Now we take what we’ve got and figure out what to do with it. Some shots had mistakes, we didn’t always get what we wanted, but regardless – we’re going to have to work with it from this point. We are just in the process of tying it all together. Pairing the music, the animation, and hopefully soon a title to the film and before you know it, we’ll be turning it in!

Countdown: 32 hours

It was a long night. Some were able to catch a little sleep and others had too much caffeine to really be able to appreciate the sparse hours of the night curled up with a pillow and blanket. But now a working script has been developed, props have been listed, and we are shooting this thing as we speak.

We wanted classic and timeless and I must say, this is all out sophisticated. Think garden party – the one your grandma went to before she was married. Think George Clooney without Brad Pitt trying to be funny . We’re talking pearls and kitten heels without the flapper hat. So vintage you don’t even know the actual time period, but whenever it was- it was classy.

If this describes your childhood or what you wish was your childhood, you should probably consider gussying up and come on over for our “elegant vintage garden party” scene later today. Sadly, we won’t be playing croquet, but we will be having a good time indoors. Just let us know if you want to be involved by contacting one of us or commenting below. We’re thinking of shooting the scene late afternoon if you’re interested.

Countdown: 40 hours

Writing a plot is difficult, especially when your character and genre has already been chosen for you. The past several hours we’ve done our best to hammer out a story board with characters and scenes. We are often hung up on small details that would be so cool to include but don’t always fit into the story. Our favorite fall back when we run out of tangents and ideas is the answer to the phrase, “I’ve got three words for you…”

“I’m ordering pizza”

“I quit you”

“I love you”

“I have baby”

“I need caffeine”

Countdown: 45 hours

Putting together a futon, sweating like crazy, and brainstorming anyway we know how.  We’ve been given the genre – drama. At first we looked at each other and took in a nervous breath, but by the time Erin and Paul returned we were spitting out story ideas. The character everyone must use is an architect named Greg or Greta depending on gender. We must also include a can opener and the line “I’ve got three words for you.”

We’re still in the brainstorming phase, but we want something timeless, something classic.

Countdown: 48 hours …Starting: now!

That’s all the time that’s left, and coincidentally, all the time we’ve been given total to make a short film. For those of you who are unaware, this weekend is the kickoff of the 48-Hour Film Project here in Des Moines. Which means, Napkin Sketch is in full swing assembling computer stations, setting up camera equipment, sending out twitter updates, searching for food for the long weekend, and stocking up on caffeine.

Erin Stover and Paul Gratton are down at the Art Center representing the team right now to find out our genre. Each team in the competition randomly draws a genre which could be almost anything. We are anxiously waiting to hear if we are the lucky team that gets a horror film or a musical. All of the 41 teams from the area are then given a character, prop, and line that has to be incorporated in the four to seven minute film.

We are completely unsure of what this weekend may hold, but will be updating on a regular basis to keep you informed on some of the ongoing activities as we scurry to turn in the best film yet! Make sure to check out our photos or last year’s video.

Album Artist – Jon Pearson

As many of you know, I’ve been collaborating with a great number of local heroes on the Finn Miles Telltale EP. One of those heroes is Jon Pearson. Jon provided the artwork for the cover as well as a special insert for the album.

As we near the EP release I’ll continue to share background and insight into the great Des Moines crew that have collaborated to make “Telltale” happen. Stay tuned!

Hello Des Moines. Hello World. We’re releasing an album!

G’day,

It’s just about time! We’re in the finishing stages of mixing out album “Telltale” and it’s time to get it out there! If anyone has any suggestions as to where to do a press release, or if anyone of you, dear friends, would like to review our album and blog about it we’d be happy to get you an early copy.

Also, we’ll be holding our EP release at Mars Cafe, Monday Aug. 3rd at 7pm. Come on out to hear acoustic version of some of the songs, hear the new album, and hear an interview with the band.

Help us get the word out; enjoy our music!

Love,

Finn Miles

Television Head Remix- Streaming to your ears!

I guess you’d call it a”freemix”
Download tv-head-remix

Let us know what you think about our new music! Comment or email us at finnmiles@finnmiles.com