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Alaska Mike's songs in the movies

31 Jan 05 - 05:52 PM (#1394828)
Subject: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

I have some good news I would like to share with my fellow Mudcatters.   I received a contract this morning from Transition Music Company in Hollywood to sign 7 of my original songs. TMC provides music and songs to movie companies as well as television. Apparently there is a movie production company currently filming a movie about Alaska and the producer wants Alaskan songs in the movie. So my 7 songs will be forwarded to the movie producer and, hopefully, some or all of them will be included in the movie.

This is a very exciting time for me and I wanted to share it with my friends in Mudcat. I hope this will give some encouragement to other songwriters to keep plugging away and keep sending your songs out to the people who make the decisions.    So, to all my friends and fellow catters, the virtual drinks are on me. Cheers.

Mike


31 Jan 05 - 06:00 PM (#1394840)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Ferrara

Mike! That's really excellent news! I'll lift a virtual glass to that. And I hope they use all of your songs.

If they do, we'll get together a big party here to go see the movie when it comes out. :-)

Hugs,
Rita Ferrara


31 Jan 05 - 06:01 PM (#1394841)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Barry Finn

GREAT Mike, Im excited for you too. Hope you ride this all the way, but please explain 1 thing. Who'd want to make a movie about Alaska?
They could as easily have driven to the Northeast & film us playing with the sheep.

Lots of good luck. See Ya

Barry


31 Jan 05 - 06:04 PM (#1394847)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Big Mick

Wonderful news, my ramblin' friend. One day when you are rich and famous I will tell folks that you taught me how to write songs. And never mind my ole buddy, Finn. He lives in Londonderry, NH. Like he has something to talk about. Hahahahaha

Make mine a Guinness!!

Mick


31 Jan 05 - 06:41 PM (#1394892)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Joybell

How wonderful, Mike. Great news. So happy for you.

Sheep? Playing sheep? Don't spread that around in the sheep community, Barry. All we need out here is 1000 or so sheep with drum kits.

Thank you Mike for sharing your news. Good luck with the next stage. Cheers, Joy


31 Jan 05 - 06:45 PM (#1394897)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Bill D

boy...having heard Mike sing some..(or most) of them the last couple of Getaways, I know there are several that will grab ANY movie makers attention!

great news...and good luck!


31 Jan 05 - 06:51 PM (#1394910)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: SINSULL

That is realy exciting, Mike. And will we all get invitations to the Premier and the Oscars when you are nominated?


31 Jan 05 - 06:52 PM (#1394912)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Sorcha

YES!!!!


31 Jan 05 - 06:58 PM (#1394922)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Nancy King

Seems to me the movie(s) oughta be written around the songs! I find it hard to imagine Mike's "Iditerod" song or the one about the fella who slept through the earthquake fitting seamlessly into some other story...

Congratulations, Mike!

Nancy


31 Jan 05 - 07:03 PM (#1394929)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Peace

! ! ! YAHOO ! ! !

Dang-da-da-da-DANG.

Great news, Mike. I am very, very happy for you.


31 Jan 05 - 07:05 PM (#1394931)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: wysiwyg

Good for you, Mike!

~S~


31 Jan 05 - 07:08 PM (#1394936)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: rumanci

I'll celebrate with ya with yet another virtual hangover Mike -
Brilliant news *bg*

rum {{{xx}}}


31 Jan 05 - 07:15 PM (#1394947)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Shanghaiceltic

Brilliant news Mike, can I have your autograph?


31 Jan 05 - 07:17 PM (#1394951)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: kendall

It couldn't happen to a bigger guy! Great news sir!


31 Jan 05 - 07:17 PM (#1394953)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: artbrooks

Sounds good to me too, Mike. Can you say which songs, or is that closed information?


31 Jan 05 - 07:18 PM (#1394957)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: PoppaGator

Congrats and good luck!

Whether or not things work out as well as we all hope for this particular movie ~ and, what the hell, they'll almost undoubtedly pick up some of the seven songs, or else they wouldn't have contacted you in the first place ~ you've got your foot well inside the door for the next project that comes up. This could really be the start of something!


31 Jan 05 - 07:27 PM (#1394970)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Amos

Double that Guinness, pal ,and double those ocngratulations as well!!

A


31 Jan 05 - 07:27 PM (#1394971)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

Thank you all for your kind wishes. The songs they have contracted for are "Calypso In Alaska", "High Country", "Highway of Dreams", "Little Jim", "Talkeetna Waltz", "Tired of These Rainy Day Blues", and "Trailer Park Song". They are still considering several others as well. When they first contacted me by phone last Monday, they indicated that there were 10 songs. So they still might decide on a few more.

This is a contract for the recorded masters. So if they pick any of them for the movie, it will be my voice singing instead of somebody famous. I still have to pinch myself that this is really happening. Heck, another round of drinks for everyone.

Mike


31 Jan 05 - 07:31 PM (#1394979)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Big Mick

Since yerself is feeling generous, I will have a case of Guinness to go.

Mick


31 Jan 05 - 08:51 PM (#1395095)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Col K

Congratulations my friend,you deserve it.

Make mine a large scotch.

Cheers

Colin


31 Jan 05 - 09:07 PM (#1395117)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Teresa

Yes, a case of Guinness sounds good. :)

Congratulations; keep up the good work!

Teresa


31 Jan 05 - 09:10 PM (#1395124)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Wrinkles

Congrats Mike! Well done!

Wrinkles


31 Jan 05 - 09:25 PM (#1395138)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: cool hand Tom

Great news Mike.
                All the best
                               Regards Tom.


31 Jan 05 - 09:32 PM (#1395148)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Sandy Mc Lean

Break a leg!! :-}


31 Jan 05 - 09:33 PM (#1395150)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Tinker

Wonderful news Mike...Tired of These Rainy Day Blues came to mind right away as a great movie mood setter. I'll be playing CD's in best wishes.

tink


31 Jan 05 - 09:35 PM (#1395153)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Biskit

Yea Mike! Good on ya Bud!
~Biskit~


31 Jan 05 - 09:45 PM (#1395160)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: SINSULL

Is the movie called "Songcatcher" or "Brother, Where Art Thou?"? I feel a thread coming on...


31 Jan 05 - 09:47 PM (#1395162)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: number 6

BRAVO Mike !!!

sIx


31 Jan 05 - 10:16 PM (#1395184)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Mudlark

Stellar news....you must be over the moon! Good luck with this, I look forward to hearing you in this movie!


31 Jan 05 - 11:36 PM (#1395242)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: KT

Good on ya, Mike!! With a voice like yours, they'd be crazy to get anyone else to cover your songs!! Congratulations!!

And good on ya, too, for bein' the one to teach Mick to write songs!! Let's hear more about 'em, Mick!!

KT


31 Jan 05 - 11:53 PM (#1395255)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Pauline L

Wow! Congratulations, Mike! Your songs and your voice, too! Wow!


31 Jan 05 - 11:56 PM (#1395258)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Mary in Kentucky

Congratulations!


01 Feb 05 - 12:07 AM (#1395260)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: karen k

All right, Mike! I'll go see that movie for sure! They couldn't have chosen better.

karen


01 Feb 05 - 12:07 AM (#1395261)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: M.Ted

Congratulations from here!! I'd see a movie that had those songs on it based on the names alone! Send em your picture--maybe they'll put you in the film--


01 Feb 05 - 03:12 AM (#1395334)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: open mike

mush!!
i did! i did! i did a rod (?)
ok where will we be attending the
first viewing?? I'll bring the popcorn!!
will it me in IMAX!!??
congrats...
and keep us posted on the developments!!
good luck!


01 Feb 05 - 03:36 AM (#1395344)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Morticia

Well done, Mike that's fantastic news!


01 Feb 05 - 05:11 AM (#1395382)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: kendall

Who else could they get to sing your songs? Paul Robeson is dead.


01 Feb 05 - 07:52 AM (#1395472)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: breezy

slow down guys, feet on ground.

Its great to have ones songs shown an interest in but its getting them out there to a wider audience that sometimes only works if its the right person singing them ,so take stock.


Sorry to appear a damper, but like lets be encouraged, and se what realy happens.

In the meanwhile, dont spend any money.

Hope to catch you at Broadmoor in the summer


01 Feb 05 - 09:54 AM (#1395603)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Big Mick

See, breezy, it's like this. This is a bunch of friends just enjoying a happy moment with a friend. Many of us are pro's and understand exactly what the pitfalls are. But we are excited for a friend. No need to be a wet blanket, just enjoy the good feelings.


Mick


01 Feb 05 - 10:02 AM (#1395608)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: breezy

I'm with A M and you guys all the way, just hate to see a big build up only to have hopes dashed.

Does this make me a realist? no , a wet blanket.

Maybe I dont get too excited any more.


01 Feb 05 - 10:26 AM (#1395629)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

I love you guys. Breezy is right though. The offer to sign the songs is just the first step. There are a lot of people who have to approve of them before they actually make to the final feature film. And I'm sure my songs are not the only ones being sent in for this project.

I've had contract offers on six of my songs previous to this and, so far, nobody has put those six songs in any movies, nor have they appeared on any CD's other than my own. I am definitely a realist going into this project and I'm not planning on quitting my day job any time soon. But I'm still very excited about the possibilities and I just couldn't think of anyone I would rather share that with than my Mudcat buddies.

At this time, I do not know anything about the movie. All negotiations for my songs will be handled by Transition Music. Whatever fees and royalties that are generated will be split between us only if the songs are selected for the film. I do know that the people at TMC like my songs and believe they can make some bucks using them. Thats just fine with me.

So, once again, thanks to all of you for your support and kind words of encouragement. I will keep you all posted on the progress as this thing as it develops. I've signed the contracts and they will be back in the mail this morning. I'll cross my fingers and see what happens now. I'm still having a damn fine week.

Mike


01 Feb 05 - 10:28 AM (#1395632)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: GUEST,MMario

yee-haw!!!!


01 Feb 05 - 10:53 AM (#1395655)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Noreen

Great news, Mike! I'll play your CD tonight to celebrate :0)


01 Feb 05 - 11:56 AM (#1395733)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Micca

Mike, Ya see!! we told you you were good!!!, I am SO pleased for you!!!, I will bring a drink to the Getaway for YOU!!!!


01 Feb 05 - 12:26 PM (#1395767)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Dani

I am SO happy for you, Mike.

You are a little more than one-of-a-kind.

You've found a place on the earth that you've come to love, and you share wonderful music and stories about it with the rest of us. I hope that makes money, fame and good fortune for you and your family! Why the hell not?!

Dani (in warmer climes)


01 Feb 05 - 12:52 PM (#1395805)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: KathWestra

Hey Mike,
This is well-deserved recognition. I'm at work, so my toast will have to be a nice cold one from the water cooler. As for me, I like to envision everything going as it SHOULD for a guy who writes some of the best songs I've ever heard. So, on that note:

"And the winner for best original soundtrack is......
(insert drum roll here)
MIKE CAMPBELL, for his songs in (whatever the name of the movie is)"

wild applause, Mike approaches the podium.

First, I'd like to thank Tawmmie for putting up with being a folksinger's wife all these years. Next, I'd like to thank all my friends on the Mudcat Cafe for being such swell friends even before I was rich and famous. And the folks at Transition Music for having such excellent taste.......

more wild applause.


01 Feb 05 - 03:11 PM (#1395948)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: katlaughing

Conga - rats to you!!



Seriously, that is wonderful news!! Good luck and thanks for sharing with us!

kat


01 Feb 05 - 03:32 PM (#1395979)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: George Papavgeris

Just goes to show that even film producers sometimes recognise quality. Well done, Mike!


01 Feb 05 - 05:20 PM (#1396092)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Charmion

I wanna see the make-up job on the critters in the video for the Iditarod song ...


01 Feb 05 - 06:06 PM (#1396129)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Bobert

Congrates, Mike, an' yer buyin' the beer at the 2005 Getaway...

Bobert


01 Feb 05 - 08:05 PM (#1396306)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Carly

Good for you, Mike!!!

What a wonderful and well-deserved development! Thank you for thinking of us at Mudcat. Do keep us posted. We eagerly await the chance to take family and friends to the movies and tell them, "Now listen to THIS soundtrack...." Oh, boy! See you at the Getaway.

Carly


02 Feb 05 - 03:22 PM (#1396933)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Stilly River Sage

Great news! In a couple of years or so you can tell us about the premier of the flick (so don't let these guys stiff you for drinks until then!)

SRS

Get everything in writing!


02 Feb 05 - 07:27 PM (#1397243)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Gorgeous Gary

Congrats Mike!

Hey, maybe we can have the world premiere as a special event at the Getaway! 8-)

(Or maybe just at the AFI Silver or the Senator in Baltimore...then we can ramble up the road...)

-- Gary


07 Apr 05 - 12:32 PM (#1454505)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Ebbie

Dang! as a favorite friend might say. I was traveling when this thread was running so I didn't see it. Alaska Mike, have you heard anything further? In any case, what a joyful moment. (I picture your Iditarod song done as an animated film. I would love to see those critters.)

I seem to recall that Mike will NOT be at the Getaway 2005 because of conflicts with his UK travel. Unless your plans have changed?

Don't forget that the Alaska folk festival is coming up next week- maybe you could hop down here? (For those who don't know, Anchorage, where Alaska Mike lives, and Juneau, Alaska, where I live, are well over 500 miles apart. And that is by air. Much farther by road and ocean.)


07 Apr 05 - 04:17 PM (#1454729)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

Hi Ebbie, I have not heard any more news about the negotiations for my songs. I am not expecting to hear soon either, these things take time. I still don't know anything about the movie, but I am patiently waiting and hoping that one or more of my songs get sellected. I promise to post here as soon as the news gets to me.

As for the Alaska Folk Festival, I won't be there again this year I'm afraid. This is our busiest time of year at work and I simply cannot get away for the Juneau madness. We are saving all our vacation time, as well as all our accumulated wealth, for our UK trip in August. Which is the same reason I won't be able to go to the Getaway this year. It will be different when I get rich and famous, I'm sure.

Best wishes,
Mike


07 Apr 05 - 04:38 PM (#1454737)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: GUEST, Ebbie

There ya go, Mike! It won't be long now.


07 Apr 05 - 05:17 PM (#1454768)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work

Oooh, Ebbie, I like the idea of an animated version of the Iditarod song!

Mike, we'll miss you at this year's Getaway, but I'm sure you'll have a fine time on the other side of the pond. See you in '06, I hope!

Nancy


07 Apr 05 - 10:03 PM (#1454999)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Ebbie

Thanks, Nancy.

Seriously, Mike, do you know an illustrator? Juneau has a number of very good ones and a city of the size of Anchorage must have lots.

Have you considered the possibility of a kids' book with the graphics illustrating the lyrics?


07 Apr 05 - 11:30 PM (#1455051)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Seamus Kennedy

Mike, will you still talk to me when you're rich and famous?
The Clydesdale Song is going over great, BTW.
Just ask Azizi or LadyJean, they heard me do it in Pittsburgh last week.
Permission to record it on my next CD, sir, please?

Seamus


07 Apr 05 - 11:31 PM (#1455052)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Seamus Kennedy

Incidentally, Ebbie's idea of an illustrated kids' book of your songs is pure genius.
Go for it, big fella.

Seamus


08 Apr 05 - 12:40 AM (#1455069)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

Yes, Seamus, of course you can record it. That silly song is getting quite popular up here too. I've got it recorded also, along with a dozen other songs and now I'm getting the backup musicians and singers into the studio and the new CD should be done and ready for duplication in about a month.

Ebbie, I've thought about a children's book following the lyrics of my "Iditarod" song. I've even envisioned what my dear creatures might look like. But I don't know any illustrators and haven't really gone looking too seriously either. But perhaps I'll try again to find someone. Thanks for reminding me of this great idea. Now I just have to find the time to add another project to my schedule.

Mike


08 Apr 05 - 08:22 AM (#1455267)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: GUEST,MMario

*snicker* Would love to see the illustrations for "Back in the Clydsdale"!

Seriously - I can think of several off the top of my head that would make good children's illustrated stories - and I don't know your repetoire well.


08 Apr 05 - 08:06 PM (#1455803)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Gorgeous Gary

Ooooh, new CD! **drool**

Hmm, the sister of one of my Toronto-area filk friends is an illustrator of childrens' books (Ruth Ohi). I have no idea whether she'd have any interest or not, but I suppose I could put a feeler out.

BTW, sang "Iditarod" on stage at FilKONtario this weekened (annual con I go to in the Toronto 'burbs). They enjoyed it!

-- Gary


08 Apr 05 - 08:28 PM (#1455817)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

That's great, Gary. My new CD will be named "Mars Outback". The title song should appeal to both Filk fans and Ozzians as well.

If Ruth is interested in discussing the possiblities, please have her e-mail me at mooseman@arctic.net   If any other Mudcatter is (or knows of) an illustrator who might want to collaborate on a children's book, please contact me. The sooner I become rich and famous, the quicker I can stop talking to Seamus.

Mike


08 Apr 05 - 09:04 PM (#1455841)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alice

Mike, publishers make their own choice of illustrators to match up with manuscripts. Don't look for an illustrator. It doesn't work that way. Just submit your manuscript to children's book publishers. Send me a message if you want links to more info.

Alice in Montana (an illustrator)


08 Apr 05 - 09:15 PM (#1455851)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alice

Children's literature resources for writers:
Click here
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/rwriter.html

alice


08 Apr 05 - 09:32 PM (#1455859)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Alaska Mike

Thanks very much, Alice. Just goes to show that Mudcatters have answers for everything. By the way, I believe I may have tasted some of your delicious caramels at a get together in Seattle at Don Firth's house. Very yummy. Thanks again.

Mike


08 Apr 05 - 10:07 PM (#1455871)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: Ebbie

As in everything, there are exceptions. Here in Juneau, for instance, Suzi Fowler is an illustrator- she illustrates her husband's books among those of others. Rie Munoz is an artist and sells worldwide, but she also illustrates books for friends. In the Anchorage area Jon -hey! I've gone blank on his name- is a popular artist and on occasion he illustrates. (Mike, you probably know of him- he does a lot of wildlife and his tints tend to be pale and clear. I've bought a number of his books, and sent some to my grandchildren. And now I've forgotten his name. Darn.)


09 Apr 05 - 01:41 AM (#1455964)
Subject: RE: Alaska Mike's songs in the movies
From: KT

It's Jon Van Zyle, ebbie.

KT