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princemilo

Feb 12, 2008 Apr 03, 2012 43 342

I am an independent filmmaker who got to take the trip of a lifetime with my dad in the summer of 2004, going roadie for 20,000 miles over two months and seeing a game at each of the 30 Major League Ballparks. The documentary, "Boys of Summer", is at http://www.baseballdoc.com.

a fan of

Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball Team

Oklahoma City Thunder National Basketball Association Team

Denver Broncos National Football League Team

UCLA Bruins NCAA Men's Football Division 1A Team

Duke Blue Devils NCAA Men's Basketball Division 1 Team

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Camden Chat award-winning independent baseball documentary released



Greetings,


My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release.


100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there.


Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website.


My best to you,



Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo)

Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer"


0 comments  | 

Twinkie Town award-winning indepedent baseball documentary released



Greetings,


My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release.


100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there.


Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website.


My best to you,



Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo) Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer"

3 comments  | 

Bless You Boys award-winning indepedent baseball documentary released




Greetings,


My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release.


100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there.


Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website.


My best to you,

Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo)

Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer"

0 comments  | 

Royals Review award-winning independent baseball documentary released


Greetings,


My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release.


100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there.


Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website.


My best to you,

Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo)

Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer"

0 comments  | 

Let's Go Tribe award-winning independent baseball documentary released



Greetings, 


My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release. 


100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there. 
Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website. 
My best to you, 

Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo)

Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer" 

0 comments  | 

Lone Star Ball award-winning independent baseball documentary released

Greetings, 


My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release. 
100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there. 
Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website. 
My best to you, 

Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo) Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer" 


0 comments  | 

Lookout Landing award-winning independent baseball documentary released

Greetings,
My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  However, it is finally getting a limited release.
100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there.
Please feel free to email me with any questions via the website.
My best to you,

Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo) Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer"

12 comments  |  4 recs | 

Halos Heaven Award-winning independent baseball documentary released



Greetings,
My dad (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I went on a 20,000 mile road trip to all 30 MLB parks over two months in the summer of '04. The journey the ensuing award-winning documentary, "Boys of Summer", has been on has felt much longer.  I'm happy to report it is finally getting a limited release.
100% of the proceeds from this sale of the film are going to the Michael J Fox Foundation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the film, please take a look at the site: http://www.bosmovie.com. You'll find all the info, letters of recommendation, news articles a trailer and how to order it there.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions: bromack@mac.com.
My best to you,

Robert Cochrane (a.k.a. princemilo) Director, Writer, Producer "Boys of Summer"

9 comments  |  1 recs | 

Mile High Report You're welcome

Late Thanksgiving afternoon, a few hours before game time and just before posting my Denver Bronco flag in it’s holder above my garage (which I have done before every game this season), I did something momentous and I truly believe to be game- (and perhaps, season-) changing: I fixed the green twisty that holds on the lower half of the flag in place. You see, it had begun to fray over the bye week after the Broncos galloped to their 6-0 start. I noticed the flaw, but hardly thought twice about it. After all, why fix what ain’t broke? The flag could dangle by one string and still wield its magical powers, assisting the Broncos to victory after victory without hardly another thought.

Then came the Baltimore game. Oh well. A loss was bound to happen. As a matter of fact, thank you, Baltimore for taking that albatross of an “undefeated record” off of us so we can just concentrate on winning a Super Bowl. Coach McDaniels knows all too well how ominous those 1974 Dolphins are when their sacred mark is tested. Let us leave well enough alone and merely take the Lombardi Trophy home for—

Oh. Okay, Pittsburgh. I see. You have something to say, too, eh? Alright. 7-2 and a little spanking juice will be brought to the hapless Redskins where ---

What the flip? Is my flag upside down or something? No. But I do see the tattered edges of the lower green twisty more clearly than ever. Now I really should do something about it…except, it’s the Chargers and this game is for first place. A season-sweeping win puts the Broncos squarely in the driver’s seat. Why should I have to do anything? There’s no way a team that started out 6-0, then dropped three straight would come unprepared for a division rivalry game like—

Now…now I see my foolishness from the beginning. I somehow believed that what I was doing (or not doing) didn’t make a difference. How selfish could I be?! The frayed green twisty was but a metaphor for my beloved Broncos. I quickly switched out the old twisty for a new one and reposted the corrected, magical flag.

Ah yes. Now, that is something to behold. Just a few hours before the New York Football Giants make their way to Mile High to show off their east coast superiority complex, I have brought in a secret weapon the G-men cannot thwart (can’t very well thwart what you don’t know about).

As the game results showed, clearly it was my care of the flag that made all the difference. In the immediate sense, I’ll humbly accept all your thanks. It is my pleasure to use my awesome powers for all things orange and blue.

And now, with that slice of ridiculum past, I ask you to share your favorite rituals. I especially treasure those which you certainly did the first week, mysteriously forgot or overlooked the following four games, then miraculously rediscovered for the Thanksgiving feast against the Giants.

My best to you all. Happy Chiefs week.

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7 comments  | 

Mile High Report So What?

Please allow me a few paragraphs of a baseball story from a few years back to demonstrate the value of two little words I think the Broncos could benefit from hearing right now.

 

 

A few years ago, when Lou Pinella was managing the then-dominant (at least in the regular season) Seattle Mariners, he displayed, with the smallest of gestures, one of the greatest signs of leadership in a pressure situation I’ve ever seen.

The Oakland A’s were pushing against the Mariners – a few games back heading into the late days of September. It was a tie ball game, in the bottom of the eighth inning. The A’s had managed a decent crowd this evening and they were cheering on the green and gold.  Mariners reliever Arthur Rhodes was on the mound and A’s third baseman Eric Chavez was at the plate. There was one out and runners at first and third.

Rhodes dealt and Chavez hit a hot grounder right back at him. Rhodes instinctively turned to fire the ball to third…only to realize that was the one bag no one was at. He looked home only to see the runner crossing the plate. Everyone was safe. The go ahead run had just gone ahead. The game wasn’t over, but what a bonehead play!

As an A’s fan, I was delighted. The A’s had finally broken through. They were going to now take Sweet Lou’s Seattle boys down. Rhodes looked over at his manager – then came the moment:

The camera cut to a close up of Lou. He shrugged as if to say, “so what?”.

That moment still sends chills up my spine. He wasn’t giving up. He wasn’t saying, we’re through. He wasn’t saying it didn’t matter. What he was saying was, so what? We’ll get it back. They had that much swagger. They had that much belief. Lou was wise enough to know that, regardless of what had happened, the next play was the thing. He imparted this on to Arthur Rhodes. Rhodes got the message and got the next two batters out. The damned Mariners won the west that year.

I say all this to offer a nice big “So What?” to our currently embattled and still beloved Broncos. So they’ve lost three in a row. So what? They play the Chargers this week at Invesco. So what? Regardless of how either team got to this point, they’re now in position to lay it all on the line. The Broncos have the advantage of already having beaten the Chargers once. They know they can. 

They’ve been in pressure situations before, too. They must have confidence in their core – from the never-give-up game in week one vs. the (now very potent-looking) Bengals, through the complete game efforts against the Cowboys and Patriots, there is something that lends toward belief in these players hearts.

They know they will be in pressure situations again. It’s time to let the past go and deal with right now. All they (or any of us have) is right now. The goal is the playoffs. The manner of getting there is to win the west. The way to do that is to take the season series from the Chargers with a victory this Sunday.

Here’s to hoping the Broncos shrug off yesterday and show up today.

18 comments  |  20 recs | 

Mile High Report Searching for High Quality Bronco Clips/footage

Greetings all,

I am relatively new to MHR, so please allow me to introduce myself: I'm an award-winning independent filmmaker (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0168228/) and Denver Bronco junkie (circa 1977). I am currently looking for some high quality (HD preferred) clips of this year's Denver Broncos from the first three games. I would like to make a fan video to an original, defiant hip hop song by an underground artist that I think would suit this year's team quite well. This would not be for commercial distribution, just for sites like Youtube where fellow Bronco fans could enjoy it.

 

If anyone has any information or footage, please let me know at: princemilo@hotmail.com.

 

Thank you,

 

Princemilo

3 comments  | 

Mile High Report Whatever happens today...

I am a Bronco fan, through and through. I have a feeling that whether they win or lose, there will be a backlash from the sharp divide of fans ("Kool Aid" v. "Cutler"). I know not everyone (including myself) is this strongly divided, but this has been, without a doubt, the most chaotic Bronco offseason I can remember since becoming a fan in '77. 

 

Continue reading this post »

4 comments  |  3 recs | 

Mile High Report Open Letter to BM's Representation

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Dear Mr. McGuire,

 

I’m sure you’re very concerned about your client, Brandon Marshall. As a Bronco fan, I am equally concerned, albeit from a slightly different perspective. The most important thing to me about my favorite team is the team. Yes, I enjoy having favorite and/or star players on my favorite team. But at the end of the season, the most important thing is the team, not the individual stats (see Cutler’s last season record-breaking numbers vs. the SuperBowl Championships of ’98 & ’99 for reference).

 

In a conflict/negotiation situation with management, the client relies upon his representation for guidance. As an artist, I rely on my representation to know numbers and offer appropriate counsel. This is where I have a serious bone of contention with you. I cannot believe you encouraged and represented Brandon, coming off his latest court case just before preseason, to re-engage contract negotiations. He had/has no reasonable leg to stand on in this position!

 

*He’s coming off an injury

*He’s an off-field incident away from a major suspension from the league

*He’s lost the respect of his teammates

 

There is only one course of reasonable action for an adult professional in this position: shut your mouth, prove you’re healthy and worthy of a big contract from another team. Clearly Brandon wants to move on. I believe the Broncos would be happy to accommodate this trade as Coach McDaniels appears adamant about the team first attitude. At the same time, wisely, the Broncos aren’t going to simply give Brandon away. Seen simply as a trading chip, he is (potentially) a (very) valuable commodity. Surely you know the old market saying, “Buy low, sell high”. To trade Brandon now would be selling extremely low and extremely stupid.

 

Therefore we are in this position we are right now. Brandon has lost the locker room, the front office and the fans. He is the poster child for selfishness. He can turn this around, however. If he is healthy as he says he is, there is no reason he can’t have the playbook wired by the time the Cincinatti game comes around. He should reclaim his #1 receiver slot. He should go out and dominate. He will, via his play and his shut mouth, make people forget about everything else. And he will get paid because of it. Oh, and that means you’ll get paid to.

 

Just a little advice to the advisor.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Robert Cochrane

 

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2 comments  | 

Athletics Nation A New/Old Baseball Documentary

Greetings ANers,

Some who've been around this site for a while will remember this film and me posting about it from 2004-2006. I went underground during the past two years to retool several things and focus the marketing effort -- and it's paid off:

"Boys of Summer", an award-winning documentary about my father (who has Parkinson's Disease) and I attempting to road trip 20,000 miles in two months to see a game at each of the 30 Major League Ballparks (on less than a shoestring budget) will screen from Sept. 5th through the 11th in Las Vegas.

Now I know Las Vegas isn't local to most of you, but if there are any other ANers livin' in Sin (City), I hope you'll come to a showing during that time period. More than a few ANers have seen and enjoyed it including Blez, baseballgirl and devo amongst others. Also, if you'd like to have this film screen closer to where you are, it's the "Field of Dreams" sort of deal: build it an audience, and it will come. Want to know what I mean by that? email me: bromack@mac.com.

Where: Galaxy Theatres, Neonopolis (downtown Las Vegas)

Cost: Regular ticket prices

Times: TBA (morning 'til night)

Red Carpet Gala Premiere will take place on Friday, September 5th. 

Time (For Premiere): TBA (evening)

A minimum of 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this film will go to the Michael J Fox Foundation (worded oddly like that as some terms are still being worked out and yet I need to be specific in order to use the Foundation's name).

I'm also working on a celebrity poker tournament to take place just before or during the run of the film. I will post more details as they get locked in.

If you'd like more info on the film, please visit our site: http://www.baseballdoc.com.

1 comment  | 

Athletics Nation The morning after (no pills necessary)

After taking a little time to digest yesterday's..."disappointment", I still feel a thorn in my side: it's about attitude. Not about the A's attitude, as I'm not in their heads and don't know what they're thinking. Frankly (and I mean more than Mr. Thomas here), I have the feeling that they're just fine. I think they're probably concerned but I also think they've faced plenty of pressure this season and they're where they need to be today -- dealing with game four and game four only. One through three are over. Five though seven, as of right now, do not exist.

Game on -- good luck, fellas. Let the chips fall where they may.

What sticks in my side is the when I read about fans giving up here and going to the "being realistic" card to back up their feelings. Before you snap back let me say this to the quitters: you're welcome to live by a losing mentality. And you're welcome to write about it and complain about how bad it feels. Freedom of speech -- rah rah, go team.  

But before you claim "reality", let me suggest something: nobody knows - period.

You can talk stats, you can site examples you can even say "the odds are...", but you can't say something "IS" with any modicum of reality because nobody knows (insert cliche of choice: fat ladies, Yogi Berraisms, etc.). It's the reason I watch the games -- because I believe they are fair, unslanted (at least to the degree which "evildoers evil-influences" can be overcome), unplanned events; they are, I believe, one of the few -- maybe only --examples of which you'll find on TV).

It's a place to remember possibilities. It's high stakes, truthful drama. As a man who makes his living telling stories, I appreciate this because every so often there is a story line, character or bizarre moment that makes me say, "I couldn't have written that because I never would have believed myself".

Something that makes us believe in the unbelievable? That's beautiful.

Go A's.

0 comments  | 

Athletics Nation It's not okay

I'm not okay with the green and gold going out like this. I don't feel good, as a fan, saying, "Well, we made it this far." This is funny, too, because just a few days ago, reading Blez's struggles about trying to be okay with the A's getting this far and everything else being gravy, I thought, yeah, maybe it is gravy.

Not anymore.

Today, watching the masterful performance by Kenny Rogers -- and much as I hate to give it up to him, the Gambler was dealing -- I felt an ugly reminder of 16 years ago when the then-balleyhooed A's took on the Reds and just got dismantled in the World Series. It was beyond nauseating -- and not just because I drank myself into a stupor. It felt alien, detatched -- almost like, "who is this team I'm watching out there? This can't be my guys" -- the swaggering, cool, confident-no-matter-what kids from Oaktown were reduced to almost a non-factor. The Reds didn't make them look bad so much as they made them look like they were insignificant. Just like these guys -- they Tigers just seem to have "IT" while the A's are quickly and, without much comment, fading away.

Now this year's squad has nowhere near the cool the club of 1990 did. They were rockstars. These guys are the undercard -- scrappy, fun to watch, some serious talent, but nothing glamorous. And yet, somehow, they've gotten it done. Not only did they get it done against the Twins -- they dismantled them. Maybe that's it. Maybe that's why I'm where I am today. There was a huge leap from contentment to expectation with that sweep.

And now, in the hangover haze of game three -- thankfully sans the alcohol this time -- I feel miserable again. 16 years older -- and at least a few years wiser, I hope -- I do believe the A's can take the rest of this series game by game and...well, if they do that there's no need to even worry about winning or losing. Just play game four the way your supposed to. So you've lost three in a row. You won three in a row before this in what were considerably tougher conditions when taken at face value. Will the A's take game four at face value? I hope so.

Because "there's always next year "or "they played well this year and got the first-round monkey off their back" be damned.  I'm really not okay with them going out in four. This is a special opportunity. Lay it all out in game four. No need for special lineup changes or anything else. We know who our guys are. Here's to hoping they remember who they are and play like it in game four.

5 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Missing Bill King...

Last night I was re-watching the Kevin Costner flick, "For Love of the Game" with my dad -- not a great movie, but it has some good baseball moments (and some really awkward ones -- especially by the usually capable actor, John C Reilly who I just simply did not buy athletically or poetically in this role). Watching it with my dad made me appreciate the movie more than I did the first time as baseball carries tremendous significance for my Dad and I (see my site about my documentary, "Boys of Summer", http://www.baseballdoc.com, for those who want more info on that).

What really struck me about and attracted me more deeply to the movie was the voice of Vin Scully. There's a way he talks and spreads the table out before you when he's describing a moment, like an old friend who's invited you to a delicious picnic, that literally has me leaning closer to the radio (or in this case TV) when he talks. I want more.

That's how I always felt about Bill King. I know lots has been written about Bill here and the A's have done an admirable job of honoring him this year. In the midst of the A's tremendous playoff glow and physically feeling the transition to my favorite of all of the seasons, I am, once again, overwhelmed by the magic of the game.

And, breathing in this warmth, I suddenly wanted my old friend back Bill there to set the table for me. I wanted to hear Bill describe, with sharp contempt, the nasty dome. I would love to listen to what Bill has to say about the way the Big Hurt put the boys on his shoulders in game one. And I can hear him calling Kotsay rounding the bases in game two, building to a hyper-pitched but still intelligible and fascinating level of excitement punctuated by his signature (say it with me):

"Holy Toledo!" -- as Kots slid into home.

I think Bill would have been really proud of this team. I think he would have enjoyed sharing his artistic storytelling of the game with us all as he watched these muppets. I am very thankful to have had his voice in my life. I will happily hold his color, humor and intelligence in my ears for all my days.

And I say Thankya.

15 comments  | 

Athletics Nation ESPN's Neyer reports: Yanks' Wang Thriving

Check the top right of the front page of http://www.espn.com headline box for this lovely ditty. I'm suprised it's not written by Heywood Jablome (he's French, you know).

By the by, if you're not familiar with Heywood, check the details here: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Heywood+Jablome

His latest (at least in greatest infamy) appearance took place at the 2003 Masters tournament during the Martha Burk demonstrations.

Ah, it's easy to be in a fun and games mood on the heels of a sweep of the AAA version of the Red Sox -- and don't think that AAA distinction bothers me one bit. There's no asterisks next to W's, baby.

13 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Thoughts on the A's '06 radio package

Just curious as to how everyone has adjusted to the many new bells and whistles with our beloved A's radio coverage. It wasn't an adjustment for me as I just moved back to the Bay this year after many years away, so, new was new to me anyway.

I really like Vince C (won't try to spell the last name). One of the things he does well is he doesn't try to do too much. When coming in after a legend, the worst thing someone could do, I think, is be too big. Just be easy, accurate and efficient and let us get used to you. And that's exactly what he seems to be doing.

I grew up (like many of you) listening to and worshipping Bill and Lon. I remember sneaking my little Sports Illustrated radio into class and running the broken earphone piece up my long sleeve shirt (pleasant on the hot late spring/early summer days) so I wouldn't miss an at bat. I even had a few teachers who thought what I was doing was alright, so long as I gave them updates on the sly.

At any rate, I digress.

How's your adjustment been? Can you even get the stations well where you're at?

18 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Boys of Summer in Oakland Tribune

http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_3646784

In case the link doesn't work, here's the text paste:

Baseball documentary and pizza
By Andy Altman-Ohr, STAFF WRITER

TWO GREAT institutions come together tonight: baseball and Oakland's
Parkway Theater. "Boys of Summer" -- a film by Walnut Creek's Robert
Cochrane -- is playing there today at 9:15 p.m. as part of the cinema's
"Local Filmmakers Showcase" series.
  For those who don't know, the Parkway is the movie theater where you
can order pizza, beer and other menu items and view films while
relaxing on couches and comfy chairs.

3 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Concluding Biz with A's PR staff (for now)

After being unsatisfied with the treatment I received from A's rep Mike Severino in regards to the screening of our documentary, "Boys of Summer" in the Phoenix Film Fest on March 30, (see: http://athleticsnation.com/story/2006/3/14/19757/2860#commenttop for full details), my friend, Jonathan Okanes, a sportswriter at the CC Times, passed along Kristy Fick's info to me. Kristy and I played phone tag for a few days, then finally spoke. She was very kind, listened to me completely and apologized for not being able to help me/the film out in terms of promotion. She did give me the name of another A's promotions rep in Phoenix, Jenna Zito (no relation). She also asked for a copy of the film so that she could show it around the office. I happily obliged.

I called Jenna immediately. As she was very busy with games, she took a few days to get back to me (today). She also acknowledged the film, congratulated me on the effort, the award and the great cause and said she lacked the manpower to be able to accommodate me. She said we wouldn't be allowed to officially hand out flyers, either, as people pay $$ to have their stuff handed out by official A's people on their way out.

Those who followed the last thread know my feelings: I never questioned the answer, only the way I was treated.

Though I am disappointed in the answer, I do feel I was treated kindly and respectfully and I will go another direction with my marketing efforts. Kudos to Jenna and Kristy for doing their jobs professionally and with courtesy.

We will market. We will have a rockstar screening on:

THURSDAY, MAR. 30th at the HARKINS CAPRI CINEMA
7000 E. Mayo Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 538-1707
as the CLOSING NIGHT FILM FOR THE PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL
http://www.phoenixfilmfestival.com

Also, we are working on a kick-ass after party in Phoenix!

LOCALLY:

TUESDAY, MAR. 28th @ THE PARKWAY IN OAKLAND!!
9:15 PM
$5 at the door
Get your (tasty) beer and pizza on as you watch the film on comfy couches.
1834 Park Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94606
http://www.picturepubpizza.com

As always, http://www.baseballdoc.com for more details.

See you there!

4 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Experiences with the A's PR department

I'm curious as to other people's experiences with the A's PR department. As I've written quite a bit about on this site, I went to all 30 MLB parks (in 2004) and dealt with all 30 MLB PR staffs during the filming of "Boys of Summer". Now, I would not put the A's staff (circa that year) at the top or the bottom -- they were, if anything, noticeably vanilla (noticeably, probably, for the fact that I am an A's fan and was hoping for some extra hometown support which never materialized).

Today, however I dealt with Mike Severino of the A's Promotions staff in Phoenix. Mike gets a big thumbs down. When I asked if he had gotten my message left in his voice mailbox the day before, he hummed and hawed about being busy and remembering something about it. The message I left him clearly outlined the screening of "Boys of Summer" in the Phoenix Film Festival on Mar. 30th, which coincides with the end of spring training. I also mentioned that my father and I were coming down to Phoenix to do promotion for the screening and were looking for some help (non-specific -- could be anything).

I re-explained myself and the screening. He made every effort to get off the phone as quickly as possible, saying how busy he was, adding a dismissive, "try us next year with a little more notice and we'll see if we can do something for you."

I don't have a problem with being told no. I can fully accept that they do not have time or resources to help. I do have a problem with being lumped in with "all these other charities". It's a problem in approach, first and foremost; it is highly offensive to simply group people together like this -- especially people who are doing good work for good causes! Every single person doing this kind of work deserves the respect of at least being listened to. It's also a problem in considering your job is in promotions -- so someone who is promoting your sport, therefore carrying your job forward in a positive light, ought to be treated with at least the most basic level of acknowledgement.

I do not feel I was listened to. I do not feel what I said and what we are doing was acknowledged. I felt brushed aside. And for all the work I've done and the causes I'm doing it for, I find Mr. Severino's lack of compassion and listening skills very rude.

50 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Boys of Summer PHX screening date announced

Ken Korach emailed to say he'd help us get the word out. I'm hoping we can get in the booth with him for a little bit and talk up the screening. I also have word in to a bunch of other announcers and resources in Phoenix. Tomorrow I hit the marketing HARD -- cutting a new trailer, sending out posters, etc.. We have a big theater to fill and here are the details:

"Boys of Summer", an award-winning (winner - audience award, best documentary Riverside Film Festival) feature-length documentary, will screen at the Phoenix Film Festival (http://www.phoenixfilmfestival.com/) on Thursday, March 30th @ 7:00PM. It has been selected for the prestigious closing night slot. It will screen at the Harkins Cine Capri Theater, 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ.

"Boys of Summer" follows my father (who has Parkinson Disease) and I as we road tripped 20,000 miles in two months to see a game at each of the 30 Major League Ballparks. We also visited the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, the Negro League Museum and the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. We interviewed fathers, sons, mothers, daughters and fellow Parkinsonians about baseball, America and life itself. As the trip was completely grassroots, we often relied on the kindness of complete strangers for a place to stay, food and donations to get from park to park.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this film will go to the Michael J Fox Foundation and the National Parkinson Foundation.

My father and I will be in attendance at the screening. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the trip of a lifetime.

More details at:
http://www.baseballdoc.com

4 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Boys of Summer screens in Phoenix Festival -- During Spring Training!

Greetings all!

Good news:

*We won best documentary at the Riverside International Film Festival.

*We screened in Mumbai, India on Friday, Mar. 3rd as part of the Sports/TV Ficts Film Festival there (award ceremony tonight -- will keep you posted).

*We've been invited to screen in the Phoenix Film Festival at the end of the month -- coinciding nicely with the last week of Spring Training!

Our dates/times for the Phoenix Fest screenings haven't been announced yet (we're a late add), but I'll post as soon as I know anything. We'll be pimping it hard down there as the national exposure will be available.

Phoenix Fest's site:
http://www.phoenixfilmfestival.com

LOCALLY IN THE BAY:

*PARKWAY SCREENING -- Tuesday, March 28th @ 9:15
Their website:
http://picturepubpizza.com/special-events/

Boys of Summer site:
http://www.baseballdoc.com

4 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Boys of Summer screens in Riverside Festival

Hey all,

"Boys of Summer", a feature-length documentary, will screen at the Riverside International Film Festival on Tuesday, Feb. 21st @ 6:30 PM. The address for the University Village Theater is: 1201A University Avenue in Riverside. The website for the Riverside International Film Festival is: http://www.riversidefilmfest.org.

"Boys of Summer" follows my father (who has Parkinson Disease) and I as we road tripped 20,000 miles in two months to see a game at each of the 30 Major League Ballparks. We also visited the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, the Negro League Museum and the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. We interviewed fathers, sons, mothers, daughters and fellow Parkinsonians about baseball, America and life itself. As the trip was completely grassroots, we often relied on the kindness of complete strangers for a place to stay, food and donations to get from park to park.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this film will go to the Michael J Fox Foundation and the National Parkinson Foundation.

For more, including a new page with letters of recommendation for the film, please see: http://www.baseballdoc.com.

Many ANers have watched and enjoyed -- please see there comments below.

12 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Comp. passes to Boys of Summer screening Thursday night

Okay, by now you probably all know about the film. In case you don't, check the website:

http://www.baseballdoc.com

and the flyer:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/princemilo/11-09-2005055356PM.jpg

Here's the deal:

The screening is Thursday night at the Clif Bar warehouse in Berkeley. Doors open at 6 PM. We will be serving pizza and beer (and other such niceties). The movie starts at 7:15, it runs just over 90 minutes. There will be a Q&A following and a silent auction with items such as four tickets to an A's game and a Barry Zito signed baseball.

I've been asking for $20 donations per head to help us raise funds for the marketing of this film. We've done alright, but I'd still like to see more people out there as we're grassroots and word of mouth means so much. As a financially strapped person myself, I can empathize with those that see that cost as prohibitive.

Therefore, the first five that respond to this thread that they'd like to come Thursday night will be comp'd in ("plus one" so you can bring your loved one or buddy -- could be the same person!).

Simple enough? I hope so.

My only caveat is this:

If you are one of the first five you HAVE to come. The most important thing here is to have people at the event and share this experience. If you are on "the list" and you don't show, I will lock you in a closet with Ray Fosse to watch a never-ending loop of Pete Rose running him over in the All-Star game.

Either that or I'll put your email on every spam list I can find.

Enough with the unpleasantries. Good luck and I hope to see you there!

24 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Boys of Summer on Gary Radnich's show

Greetings all,

Through my good friend, Jonathan Okanes (sportswriter, CC Times), I was able to get on Gary Radnich's show this morning and plug next week's screening of "Boys of Summer" at Clif Bar in Berkeley (details follow).

Gary was very kind and asked that I call back again next week -- which I will.

I'll have the link to the audio clip up later today.

**

First, the recap for those who don't know:
Our feature-length documentary, "Boys of Summer" will have a sneak preview screening at the home office of Clif Bar in Berkeley on Thursday, Dec. 8th. There will be pizza and beer included with your $20 price of admission and a silent auction with sports memorabilia (and perhaps much more...).

The proceeds will be used to fund our marketing efforts for the screening in Park City, UT during Sundance '06 (January 19-29). There's no knowing whether or not we got into the festival (or it's spinoff sister, Slamdance) until December. Even if we take two strikes on them, we'll screen in a hotel conference room independently. It's simply the best festival to be in/around/involved in to sell this baby.

100% of the proceeds from the eventual sale of this film (which we hope to find a buyer for up in Park City) will be split between the National Parkinson Foundation and the Michael J Fox Foundation.

Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door. You must email me at bromack@mac.com to arrange to purchase your tickets ahead of time. RSVP deadline is Monday Dec. 5th.

For more information, please see the (updated and, hopefully, now fully functional) website http://www.baseballdoc.com.

or the flier below.  

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/princemilo/11-09-2005055356PM.jpg

**

THE NEW STUFF:

I'll have a Moises Alou and a Barry Zito autographed baseball and four tickets to a an A's game of your choice at the silent auction. I'll also have massages from my lovely lady and deep-tissue expert Annamaria, wine from the Wente winery and a "Love Story" (a mini-documentary I will do on you and your loved one - valued at $500) up for auction.

Hopefully, there will be quite a bit more, too.

Thank you all for your comments and support. Please help me spread the word on this by sending this link to any/all you think might be interested.

3 comments  | 

Athletics Nation Boys of Summer screening -- with updates!

First, the recap for those who don't know:

Our feature-length documentary, "Boys of Summer" will have a sneak preview screening at the home office of Clif Bar in Berkeley on Thursday, Dec. 8th. There will be pizza and beer included with your $20 price of admission and a silent auction with sports memorabilia (and perhaps much more...).

The proceeds will be used to fund our marketing efforts for the screening in Park City, UT during Sundance '06 (January 19-29). There's no knowing whether or not we got into the festival (or it's spinoff sister, Slamdance) until December. Even if we take two strikes on them, we'll screen in a hotel conference room independently. It's simply the best festival to be in/around/involved in to sell this baby.

100% of the proceeds from the eventual sale of this film (which we hope to find a buyer for up in Park City) will be split between the National Parkinson Foundation and the Michael J Fox Foundation.

Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door. You must email me at bromack@mac.com to arrange to purchase your tickets ahead of time.

For more information, please see the (updated and, hopefully, now fully functional) website http://www.baseballdoc.com.

or the flier below.  

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/princemilo/11-09-2005055356PM.jpg

******

THE NEW STUFF:

I'll have a Moises Alou and a Barry Zito autographed baseball at the silent auction. I'll also have massages from my lovely lady and deep-tissue expert Annamaria, wine from the Wente winery and a "Love Story" (a mini-documentary I will do on you and your loved one - valued at $500) up for auction.

Hopefully, there will be quite a bit more, too.

Thank you all for your comments and support. Please help me spread the word on this by sending this link to any/all you think might be interested.

3 comments  | 

Athletics Nation An enemy in my home Coliseum

One of the very strangest experiences I've ever had occurred on Sunday: I was an enemy -- a DEEPLY hated, despised, growled and sworn at enemy -- in the concrete confines of the place I until then called home, the Coliseum.

What brought this about? Colors. A different sport. I ventured into a sea of silver and black donning orange and blue. I knew what I was up against.

Mind you, I was not cocky. I averted eye contact. I kept my lips buttoned. I watched my P's, Q's, R's, S's and T's the whole time -- no small feat for a dyed-to-the-bone Bronco fan for nearly 30 years.

Truth be told, "it" started when I got on the BART, back at Rockridge. At first there were just a handful of Raiders fans. Every station closer -- MacArthur, 19th street, 12th street - the silver and black sea grew and the stares that came with them were harder.

I was first told by a man who worked for Kaiser that I was braved, then warned by him to be careful as he didn't want to see me later at his work. Most of the Raider Nation was passive aggressive -- comments like, "Brave man", "He's gonna get his" and "Raaaaaaaiders..." passed by like light jabs -- not meant to contact or draw blood, but rather sting by proximity. I smiled, shook my head a lot and bit on nothing.

My jobs on this day were simple:

A) Get into the game
B) Survive
C) Cheer (at a reasonable level) my beloved Broncos on to victory (because as any true fan knows it is his/her cheers IN PARTICULAR that make the difference between winning and losing).

We bought tickets off a scalper on the footbridge -- $71 face value for $50 apiece. Right on the 40 yard line, 17 rows up, Broncos sideline. Nice.

Standing in the crowd waiting to get padded down (which gets you comparable contact to a $20 lap dance, mind you), I found myself quickly engulfed by the Nation. Just behind us was the spot in the parking lot where just a little over a year ago we had our first tailgate for "Boys of Summer" (see related details at the bottom). Memories of the A's games that I grew up watching during the summers in the mid to late 80's were everywhere. The green and gold banners flap proudly. I'm home. I must be home...

"Watch your back today, son," a silver-painted face says, a mere 12 inches from my own.

I'm not home.

Stepping inside, I could hardly breathe. The energy was insane. I was booed like a Yankee fan in Fenway. I kept my head low and found my way to my beautiful seat. A couple of jackal Nation members tried to convince me I was in the wrong section. I bit for a moment, to my sheer embarassment. This was the one moment I was ready to let my tongue wag. Fortunately, I tucked it.

As for the game -- you can read about it somewhere else. Suffice to say, I left happy -- though I waited as long as I could to avoid the masses I was promised would be waiting for me outside. The threats ended up empty. A few Raider fans even apologized for the one or two who truly were abusive and vented the frustrations of Kerry Collins' performanc upon me.  

Fair enough. I can empathize as "No mistake Jake" hasn't always been so.

Bottom line, the bark was much worse than the bite. However, in fairness, I didn't and won't be going anywhere near the black hole. The worst situation is a blowout -- which Sunday's game almost was -- as there's nothing of interest to watch on the field when the scoreboard is sucking your soul.

Weird as it was to be an enemy in my home stadium, it underlined something I already knew -- the A's really need their own stadium. The Coliseum is built for football -- now all it needs is a football team (I'll take the 15 yard penalty for that one).

REMINDER:

The two month, 20,000 mile, 30 Major League Park father/son road trip made into a documentary, "Boys of Summer", screens Dec. 8th at 7:15P at Clif Bar in Berkeley.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this film go to the National Parkinson Foundation and Michael J Fox Foundation.

Admission, which includes pizza, beer, the movie and a chance to bid on some great silent auction items INCLUDING A BARRY ZITO AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALL is $20 per person.

Tickets MUST be purchsed in advance.

Email Robert at:
email: bromack@mac.com

http://www.baseballdoc.com

64 comments  | 

Athletics Nation "Boys of Summer" screens in Berkeley!

Hey all,

Our documentary, "Boys of Summer" will have a sneak preview screening at the home office of Clif Bar in Berkeley on Thursday, Dec. 8th. There will be pizza and beer included with your $20 price of admission and a silent auction with sports memorabilia (and perhaps much more...).

The proceeds will be used to fund our marketing efforts for the film in Park City, UT during Sundance '06 (January 19-29). There's no knowing whether or not we got into the festival (or it's spinoff sister, Slamdance) until December. Even if we take two strikes on them, we'll screen in a hotel conference room independently. It's simply the best festival to be in/around/involved in to make some noise -- and that's exactly what we're trying to do.

Come help us make some noise -- join us!

Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door. You must email me at bromack@mac.com to arrange to purchase your tickets ahead of time.

For more information, please see the website [url]http://www.baseballdoc.com[/url].

or the flier below. Best to you,

Robert Cochrane

The Flier: [urlhttp://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/princemilo/11-09-2005055356PM.jpg[/url] [ Reply to This ]

28 comments  |