This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of being a camera operator for the new music video for Hardcore/Metal band “By Blood” entitled “From Insanity to Bloodshed” produced by up and coming directors, Travis Brown and David Lopez. The young artists and local Hardcore contributors, make up the production partnership Jama Productions. The duo is probably better known in their circle as “those guys” that show up to your live gig with a couple of cameras and documents the throw downs… aka the mosh pit. Travis Brown, currently attending the University of Guam and David, only a senior in high school are both highly determined young doers trying to take local production to the next level. It’s hard to believe these cats are able to juggle their education, music and their most recent found passion, screen writing and directing.

7:34am – The day of the video shoot, I met with Travis and David at Charles Megino’s crib (By Blood’s lead guitarist) and I finally had the balls to ask the guys how they maintain balance at home and school while keeping focus on production? DM-It’s easy to say f*ck it when you have to wear so many different hats huh? You ever feel like quitting? “Not this time” said David Lopez, “I can’t wait to get this one done. So many people have their doubts about us and now is our time to prove them wrong.” I have to admit… the Jama crew got me fired up for the shoot. Now it’s on!

8:42am – Me, Travis, David, and Charles jumped in my truck and headed to the location to build the stage. We picked up old pallets from whoever was willing to donate to the cause. We managed to gather up 30 to 40 some odd pallets. We worked our arses off and we’re a whole bunch of sweaty dogs!

11:00am – Band member and other lead guitarist Jonah Posadas arrives on location to check in with the crew. We were all a little sour because he showed up the moment the last nail was hammered into the stage. Yeah, we gave him crap… but it was all in good fun.

11:15am – Got a bite to eat at airport 76 Circle K. We all ate hot dogs and Travis had some kind of preserved breakfast Cheese Burger… it looked good but it was expensive… he was kind of pissed he spent over $7 bucks for a gas station breakfast. Good eats.

11:32am – We split the scene and all had our own tasks to gear up for the shoot at 2:00pm. Me and David had to prep the cameras and equipment and I had to switch cars because I was borrowing my GF’s dad’s truck. Travis had to mow his lawn in exchange for his pop’s generator. Jonah had to pick up several amps to use as props for the shoot. And Charles… I don’t know what Charles did. Hey Megino! What were you doing? LOL

12:10pm – Me and David prepared and loaded the equipment and posted a reminder on myspace about the shoot.

1:15pm – Me and David met back at Charles’ house up north to find out that Charles was on his way to help Travis load up the generator. To avoid further miscommunication we all drive down together.

1:58pm – We’re late! I get a call from my friend Nick Baza, he wants to go to the shoot but he drives a lowrider and our location is definitely not lowrider friendly. So we pick him up on the way back from Travis’ house. Nick takes like 15 minutes to come out of the house. Damn you celebrities!

2:30pm – Me and David arrive on location and to our surprise all is well set up… Guam Musician’s Initiative founder Jayton Okada has set up the PA and guitarist, Jonah is back and has all his props in place, Travis and Charles have the generator ready to fire up and all the band members are there, Peter Guerrero-Cruz on bass and lead vocalist Brandon Boots… now all we’re missing is our wardrobe from Soldier for Life clothing and drummer Nate Taitano.

3:00pm – The extras start rolling in, including a special guest appearance from local super star, Julius “Caesar” Santos and graphic design extraordinare, Damian Leon Guererro but no sign of Nate the drummer. We’re a little concerned.

3:15pm – We’re losing light fast and still no drummer. Travis and David consider alternative direction for the shoot. I don’t blame them. We get our wardrobe goodies, free shirts for the guys courtesy of Soldier for Life Clothing.

3:45pm – Lead singer, Brandon gets a hold of Nate their drummer… he’s wrapping up at a gig and he’s on his way. Did anyone tell him the call time was at 2:00pm? Travis and David are shi**ing bricks.

3:50pm – The guys decide to get everything prepped up for Nate’s arrival… the generator can’t start… so we don’t have any use for the PA system. How will the guys play?

4:00pm – We’re all getting restless. Nate finally rolls in… very apologetic and ready for business… we should be apologizing to him, he just broke away from a paying gig… what a trooper. We still have about an hour and a half of light. We can do it!

4:08pm – The drums are set up thanks to the help from the band and some of the extras just sitting around. Travis explains to Nate that the we have no power and the directors would like to use his vehicle’s bumpin’ system to replace the PA system. Nate gives the thumbs up and saves the day.

4:12pm – First shot, everything looks great and momentum is up… the band plays for about 30 seconds and already our first real obstacle… the band can’t hear a thing. The acoustics in the warehouse echos like the Grand Canyon, now we really need that PA system. The band continues to play regardless of the poor acoustics and we get our master shot.

4:35pm – Little did we know, Julius Santos uses his cell phone to call our neighboring warehouse that has power. How did he get the number? Off of the tow truck’s decal on their door. Everybody loves Julius.

4:46pm – Back in business. Jayton runs his 2-fifty foot extension cords next door for some free power and we juice up the PA system.

4:50pm – Less than 40 minutes of light to shoot an entire music video performance… but we got it done. The mosh pit thrashers got their chance to throw down. (I heard someone got a butterfly kick to the back of the head. Owch!)

5:40pm – Travis and David call it a wrap. Clean up and load up… and we were out.

For the record, I had an awesome time with the Jama crew. Great guys, funny as heck and so much to offer the local production scene. But I think what I enjoyed most was experiencing how serious they were with their craft and seeing that they actually felt the pressure of having to push forward to the next level in their own game. I told Lopez, “What’s so crazy is that you guys are so young and way ahead of the game” He nods his head as a humble acceptace to the compliment. These guys have so much skill and experience and so much room for growth. Now I really can’t wait for By Blood’s music video to drop – “From Insanity to Bloodshed.” Be sure to keep your ear to the streets ’cause new directors, Travis and David are running ‘em.