The Sky Is Falling

Important: Please Read

2010-04-22T14:45:00.002-04:00

This is an update for everyone: I am in the final editing stages of the documentary for my college independent study. I truly appreciate all of your support - from the people who have sent me photos, thank yous, etc. Unfortunately I cannot state at this time when this documentary will be available to the public - I cannot even estimate a time frame/release date, to be honest. There are several issues attributing to this - ranging from personal life to copyright issues. I am graduating, and I have a lot ahead of me personally, and so does Rob as he continues to maintain his sobriety. I ask that all of you please respect both of us with regard to this. I cannot thank everyone enough who has tried to help me, and when I get my final grade, I'll be sure to report it.

I would also like to firmly point out something: Please do not contact me in an effort to contact Rob, or ask me to contact Rob for you. I am not his secretary. This documentary does not enable me to be his secretary.
Rob does not have a cell phone. He does not use social networking sites. He does not use message boards, forums, etc. The only people he is in contact with are family members. Maintaining sobriety is his #1 priority right now. I hope this makes things clear for some of you, and you will respect his privacy - as well as mine.

This documentary started out as an assignment for school - it was not meant to be public at this stage. I hope that one day it will be, and fans will enjoy it.

Thank you,
Brittany

BFB flyers?

2010-04-14T10:30:00.001-04:00

Does anyone have old flyers from Blood for Blood shows that they could scan and send to me? That'd be awesome. Thanks dudes! theskyisfallingdoc@yahoo.com

Editing, editing, editing!

2010-04-07T20:07:00.003-04:00

Like I've previously said, a lack of updates = busy. I am currently finishing up my last semester of college, and there's a lot of work to be done, loose ends... it's a bitch, that's what it is. Plus work, plus other things... I have to have the documentary completed for the board of professors by next Friday. I am currently almost done with Rob's childhood.

Please note: the original purpose of this documentary was for an independent study/honors project for college. The version I will be submitting to school is, in my mind, a draft version of what I would eventually like for it to become: I am picky to a fault, and am a perfectionist when it comes to things I really and truly care about, so it will be a long time before a "finished" product comes about for your viewing pleasure. In short, I don't like time restrictions. They cramp art.

In the meantime, I'm hoping to post little bits and pieces on the web - shorts to view. I have almost finished with a near 3 minute one that talks about how the doc came about, and other bits of info. Stay tuned :)

busy busy busy!

2010-03-09T15:51:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates but I have just been so BUSY with the project and my personal life... I've got 3 interviews scheduled for Saturday alone. Can't wait! Lenny Lashley of Darkbuster, Dustin Hengst of Sinners & Saints and Damone, and Drew Indingaro of Lost City Angels. Good good stuff.

Thank you to everyone who has been sending me photos, videos, tattoos, etc! Keep them coming! The more the better!

theskyisfallingdoc@yahoo.com

FYI

2010-02-15T21:22:00.004-05:00

I've been looking around the internet lately for message boards to post on, asking for video footage, photos, etc... I've noticed some comments, and I just figured I'd point out some things:

1) Rob doesn't write anything on this blog, or tell me what to write (unless specifically stated). It's all me.

2) I'm doing this blog, because I thought it would be the best way to let people know that this is happening, keep them updated, and get info to them - like the fact that I need photos and videos. Considering that I've seen a lot on the net and heard from people when I'm out and about, "Where's Rob? What's he been up to?", I figured that a blog would be of interest. Also, it helps me gauge how many people will actually be interested in seeing this when it's done.

3) Some people seem curious about ME, which I feel is totally irrelevant and equally hilarious... The only thing that would matter are my capabilities: I'm a graduating mass media student. I'm going to be using final cut pro. It's not going to be fancy, but it's not going to be a piece of shit either haha. Honestly I wish I was rich so I could throw a ton of money into this thing, but unfortunately that's not the case...
Also, someone asked if I was hot. Hahahahahahahahaha. There's a photo of me and Rob on here, so you be the judge.

So yeah, just so you know... but if people have questions, they can ask.

Rob's new music

2010-01-24T19:59:00.004-05:00

Today I got to hear some of Rob's new music as he practiced, and lemme tell ya, it's pretty fucking awesome. Has a Black Sabbath vibe to it, and he agreed. Right now there aren't vocals, but the music itself is great. Took some footage of the practice today, too.

The upcoming months are going to be busy for me, and him. Time to crackdown, as well as some personal endeavors for the both of us. Pretty excited.

On an unrelated note, we got a mention on Hardtimes.ca, you can read it here: http://hardtimes.ca/node/9732
If any of you see something about the film or Rob posted on the internet, could you forward it along to me? Thanks :)

Sinners and Saints merch

2010-01-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

As an FYI, you can buy Sinners and Saints hoodies and tshirts for a limited time at this website: http://www.buyourmerch.blogspot.com. Just scroll down on the page until you see photos of the shirts, and you can select right below.

I don't know what sizes are left, so you might want to hurry up and grab a shirt/hoodie before it's too late!

Haiti

2010-01-14T17:37:00.002-05:00

Hey all,

I know that this is totally off-topic, but I feel it's important to post about, since I know that there are people who read this thing...

There's numerous ways to donate to help people in Haiti, due to the recent earthquake, and I really feel that everyone should pitch in, even if it's just a little.

You can donate at the following websites:
RedCross.org
Oxfam

Or you can text "HAITI" to the number 90999 and they'll donate $10, which'll be put on your cellphone bill.

Thanks for reading :)

damn you, microphone...

2010-01-09T21:53:00.005-05:00

Something is wrong with my equipment, and we think it's the microphone. We spent around an hour testing it out with the camera and calling my advisor repeatedly and trying to troubleshoot over the phone. I'm meeting with her on Monday, so she can check it out in person, and we'll go from there. Pissed off, but not destroyed. It is what it is. Getting new equipment will hopefully be easy, but we'll see.

In our little test trial of using the camera's mic, rather than a lav mic, Rob talked about his beloved dog, Eddie. Hearing his name so many times, we heard Eddie come ambling down the hall way and eventually barking like crazy, wanting to know what was going on.

Rob's mother gave me a bunch of old photo albums of Rob as a kid - I'm going to search through them this week and scan a bunch. Let me tell you: he was the freaking cutest kid ever. It is ridiculous.

We got groceries earlier in the night, and on our way back to the car, a homeless man approached us, asking for money. Rob had to stop and put down the bags so he could fish out his wallet. The man seemed shocked, but happy. After he gave him some bills, the man said thanks, and then turned to me and said "Have a happy new year, miss. Your husband is a very nice man." Too funny.

I made a post on the Bridge 9 message board advertising the doc and asking for photos and such. If anyone knows of any other message boards I should post to, please let me know.
I'll have to keep checking up on it periodically to make sure it doesn't get forgotten. I want the mods to sticky it, but I doubt they will.

Here was our "proof of existence" photo, haha.

Hopefully the technical problem will be resolved as of Monday, the end of the week by the latest... fingers crossed!

1000+ hits and Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:32:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has visited this blog! I now have just over 1000 hits and that is so wonderful :) I'm so happy so many people are interested in Rob and the project. Thanks a lot!

I also just wanted to wish everyone a very safe and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, etc. I can't wait to see Rob and give him his presents :)

an elbow to the forehead is no joke

2009-12-13T22:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, I filmed Rob as he discussed how and why he got into music, the bands that influenced him, and how he first started playing music with other people. Pretty fascinating stuff. But then again, most things he talks about are pretty fascinating. It really helps that Rob is an eloquent speaker. I know that there are some of you out there who are reading this and scoffing, but trust me, he really is.

We also filmed some random bits of conversation out on the deck when he was smoking. One of my cameras has "night vision", which is pretty rad: it makes everything green in the dark, like the tv show "Ghosthunters". It makes us laugh.

Later in the evening, we watched UFC on Pay Per View. I've only seen it once or twice on tv (for free, like Spike), but never really sat down and watched a whole match. Rob watches frequently, so he was explaining the rules and regulations of the sport while it was on. I used to watch wrestling all the time when I was a kid, so it actually interested me. I ended up staying and watching the whole event with him til it ended around 1 or so. I had no idea that your elbow could fuck somebody up so bad. Crazyness.

Change of Email Address

2009-12-04T11:59:00.003-05:00

Hello all,

Due to the recent influx of emails, I've decided to change my contact information regarding this project: from now on, please email me at theskyisfallingdoc@yahoo.com

This will make it much easier for me to keep track of everything I'm sent.

Please keep emailing me photos of you and your tattoos! As well as any photos or videos of Rob/BFB/Ramallah/S&S/etc.

:)

xo

Blood for Blood tattoos?

2009-12-02T15:00:00.001-05:00

Is there anyone reading this/out there who has a Blood for Blood tattoo? Or knows someone with one? If you do, and you'd like to be featured in the documentary, please take a picture of yourself and said tattoo - I want photos that show placement, as well as a face, so we get a sense of diversity. You can email it to me at britegray@gmail.com :)

apologies all

2009-12-01T10:10:00.001-05:00

Sorry there's been a major lack of updates, but the past month has been very slow for us. Between my personal life, Thanksgiving, and now Rob is sick and might have the Swine Flu :( Sucks.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!

"we have LIGHT!"

2009-10-25T13:40:00.006-04:00

Last night Rob and I spent a few moments testing out some harmonies on a Sinners and Saints tune - sounded pretty sweet. Then we spent a good half an hour or more discussing The Doors, the future of the world, the fact that men are assholes, and our own fictional apolocalyptic scenarios. Somehow, we got on to the topic of where we'd live if we could build our own portions of Middle Earth, which then turned into ultimate nerdy Tolkien Trivia Time. I'm going to re-read the books so I can kick his ass next time. I felt so ashamed, it's been a while since I've gone nerdcore. Curses.

The rest of the evening was spent picking up some more supplies, and hanging the paper lanterns in his room to get good lighting. We think we acheived an ideal set up, but filming won't start til later this week - my microphone is acting weird, and I need to get it checked out. If it's not one thing, it's the other...

We have an idea for a joint art/photography project that we're pretty excited about. It doesn't have anything to do with the documentary, totally separate. Hopefully we can get started on it over the winter and into spring.

emotionally drained

2009-10-20T18:22:00.002-04:00

Today I interviewed Rob's mother. We talked for well over an hour. Probably could've kept going.

I cried in the car on the way home for a bit, and now I pretty much feel like shit.

I don't know what else to say.

interviews and 80s movies

2009-10-18T17:13:00.004-04:00

Friday afternoon I met up with Joe Spallone, singer of the band Red Invasion, a local 70s inspired punk act. Joe was my first real sit down, microphone and all interview, and I have to say it went very well. While Joe is a big fan of Blood for Blood and Ramallah, he isn't really into hardcore music; despite this, he was quite knowledgeable and well-spoken, and truly passionate about everything he had to say. So thanks again, Joe!

Last night, Rob and I hung out until 2:30ish in the morning, conversing about not only the documentary, but other things as well - including but not limited to kids movies from the 80s that simultaneously freaked us out but won us over anyway. I told him he's gotta see "Where The Wild Things Are", so hopefully that can happen sometime soon. Excellent flick, by the way, definitely check it out.
We also discussed people we'd like to try and get in touch with to interview, notably some semi-big names in the music scene. This might require some traveling on our part, I guess time will tell. But I'm keeping it hush hush for now, sorry folks.

It was snowing outside, a bit ago. Bizarre.

Thank you interviewees!

2009-09-23T16:22:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to give a quick thanks to the people I interviewed this weekend! You all had great responses to my questions, and I really appreciate your time :)

I'm going to need more interviews in the future, so keep your eyes open for another chance in case you missed this weekend. Or you can always email me: brittanyegray@yahoo.com

I'm sitting here script-writing, and I've done a lot - the next step will be checking in with Rob, and having him fill in some holes with me.

Individual interviews will call for their own scripts, and I'll do them as the time arrives.

I need more sleep.

Be in the film! This weekend!

2009-09-16T14:51:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone,

As a part of the documentary, I am looking to get some “fan testimonials” - short interviews with people explaining why and what it is they love about Rob’s music, be it Blood For Blood, Sinners & Saints, Ramallah, etc. Feel free to give him a shout out, because we will be reviewin

g the footage together.

Filming will take place at the following Ducky Boys shows this upcoming weekend:

Saturday September 19th at Geno’s in Portland, ME - 21+

*Filming will be 8 - 9pm

*Sunday September 20th at Harper’s Ferry in Allston, MA - All Ages

Filming will be from 11 - 12:30pm

*Additional filming (if needed) will take place between band sets.

This is not an excuse to get anyone to attend these shows. Weather permitting, I will film outside. However, I will eventually go inside, so if you miss the outside boat, then you’ll just have to come in. Besides, it’s going to be an awesome show with some quality bands, so why not?

To make the process easier, I suggest that if you are indeed interested, please wear a Blood For Blood/Ramallah/Sinners & Saints tshirt. Sure, we’ll all look like some dorky convention, but it’ll be less of a hassle :)

I do not live in Boston. Between school and work, I am a very busy person, so there will be very, very few - if any other - opportunities for me to get out in the public and interview a large quantity of people. If you are interested in having a small say in the film, this is your chance.

PLEASE NOTE:

I cannot guarantee that your interview will be in the film. I have limited time and must choose what best fits.
I want “fans” - this does not mean people who want to talk about how they dislike Rob, his music, etc. You are a waste of my time.
There is no compensation for appearing in the film.
ROB WILL NOT BE THERE.
You MUST sign a waiver form before appearing on film. No one will be filmed unless the form is completed with your signature and mine. I will have forms on hand, and there will also be forms sitting inside the clubs at the merch tables. The completed form MUST be in my hands before we begin, I cannot stress this enough.

I’m looking forward to this weekend, and hope that some of you are too. If you have any further questions about the shows and locations, please check out the following links below. If you still have questions, you can email me at brittanyegray@yahoo.com

http://www.myspace.com/duckyboys

http://www.confrontboston.com

http://www.myspace.com/genosrockclub

http://www.harpersferryboston.com

Harper’s Ferry tickets: http://www.venuevents.net/event/402

Questions! Questions! Questions!

2009-09-11T10:48:00.003-04:00

I've been script writing for the past few days, when I get a spare chance. Between school and work (where I'm at now, on my break), I've been typing away like a mad man. Er, woman.

Since this is a portrait of Rob, I'm going for the obvious topic points: childhood, interest in music, drug and alcohol use, politics/world views, Blood for Blood, Sinners and Saints, Ramallah, to the present. I already have a bunch of questions typed or planned, but I'm curious: what would YOU want to ask Rob? What do you want to know? What would you find especially interesting to know/learn about? (Within these topics mentioned, obviously).

I can't guarantee that your question will get asked, or even answered, but you can try and throw them at me. It'll be easiest to comment here with the Q, but if you feel the need to, you can email me: brittanyegray@yahoo.com

Tagline...?

2009-09-09T22:44:00.003-04:00

I did end up purchasing paper lanterns at Pier 1 the other day - I got 2 small sized and 1 large one. That should be efficient. I have also acquired another camera, bringing the count up to 3. Very good.

I'll be scriptwriting tomorrow and Friday, hopefully get some filming done this weekend. There's going to be a chance for the public to get involved coming up in a few weeks, but I'll post more details on that later. I've got to get release forms printed up asap.

I need a tagline for the film. It sounds easy, but it's not. I know what I'm getting at, I know what I want to say, but putting it all into one all-encompassing sentence is rather difficult. Hopefully it'll hit me at some random moment when I'm not dwelling on it.

I hate that it's getting colder out. Filming in the snow, ugh... I hope we get it done before that comes around. But you know how New England is... gotta get some quality snow boots.

Sleep time, if I can. Starting to think I have a touch of chronic insomnia. Awesome.

supplies ahoy...

2009-09-03T23:31:00.004-04:00

Today I bought two 6 packs of mini DV tapes at Best Buy while on break - I made it to the mall, purchased, and returned to work well within half an hour. My supervisor said it was like a time record. I said that's what happens when you're on a mission and focused... Unfortunately not focused enough to remember what kind of USB cable I needed... curses!

Next up is a Japanese Paper Lantern. A customer suggested Pier 1. Welp, I know where I'm going on my break tomorrow night. Good thing all these places are within relatively quick driving distance.

I'm trying to think what else I'll eventually have to buy for this, eventually...

A LOT of Diet Dr. Pepper
Iced green tea
Probably more (than likely) (oh who am I kidding? I'll be up to my knees in) tapes...
Photographic film... black and white. I have some great portrait ideas.
Probably another lantern, just in case...
Aforementioned USB cable
Another external hard drive
Lots and lots of gas (for my car)
Rolaids. Because I know we'll have another late night McDonalds run, and I KNOW my stomach will be pissed at me. Again. Fuck.
Airborne. Lack of sleep = angry immune system

Maybe people will tip generously within the coming months... damn.

and the ball is rolling...

2009-09-02T23:43:00.005-04:00

Preproduction is a bitch. Especially when everything is brand spanking new.

People are being contacted or are in the process of being contacted about doing interviews. Mostly, we're trying to reach out to the hard to gets first, as you gotta plan ahead.

Rob and I hung out yesterday. We discussed very many things, including a rather nerdy and endearing discussion on Tolkien, film vs. literature. We were both pissed that "The Voice of Saruman" from The Two Towers didn't make it into the movie. Did some movie and book shopping, hung out with the world's greatest puppy, my baby Jasper, and did a test 2 minutes of filming.

A flurry of ideas and recollection came down when we were in the basement. The gathering of creative minds is always an exciting and great thing to witness. I sat while he paced back and forth, the best one man tennis match I've ever seen. It was storytelling at its finest - you had passion, hate, despair, growth... what more could you want, people? Both of us caught that gnawing buzz last night, that's for sure. We were suddenly amped, ready and rearing to go. Almost like kids the morning of Christmas, forced to wait for their parents to show up before they can start on unwrapping presents.

Honesty is a beautiful thing.

I have to start scripting asap. Going to watch a few more documentaries for further inspiration, but my vision is pretty set. Also looking into help - we need a third cameraman, and he's got someone in mind. Fingers crossed it pans out. With luck, we should start filming within the next two weeks. I'll sporadically post clips on here for your viewing pleasure.

Oh reality, some times you can be so sweet, yet so scary. But we are ready for you.

These next 6 months are going to be brutal for a variety of reasons. I refuse to let the ship go down. Don't wish us luck, just wish us well.

It was a long and dark December 

From the rooftops I remember 

There was snow, white snow 

Clearly I remember 

From the windows they were watching 

While we froze down below 

When the future's architectured 

By a carnival of idiots on show 

You'd better lie low



-- "Violet Hill", Coldplay

first email/response

2009-03-20T00:08:00.000-04:00

Mark Lind made a post on the internet regarding my documentary:
"RE: BFB/S&S/Ramallah footageJust an FYI - there is a documentary movie being made by a local college student that looks into the life of my brother, Rob. The film maker is currently seeking any and all footage of Rob on stage with any of his bands that you may have. If you submit footage that is used then you will be credited for your contribution.I should note that I have nothing to do with the making of this film. I'm just passing the word on so that the material can be collected. My understanding is that the movie will offer a look into Rob's life of the past few years and will contrast the real person vs what his reputation is out there on CD and in the music world. It will also address rumors, accusations and stories that you may have heard about him and will candidly address alcoholism, drug abuse and other obstacles he's dealt with along the way. I've been briefed on the concept and it sounds really interesting in so many ways. Supposedly the film maker will be looking to possibly interview some listeners down the road and if all goes well then it will be screened in Boston some time around the Spring of 2010. If you're interested then please email britegray at gmail dot com "

I recieved this email, I would say, within half an hour after he posted:

"hey man..just wanted to let you know that I saw Mark Linds information about the movie you are making abour Rob, and I think it sounds amazing..BFB, and Rob's projects in general, have meant so much to me for many years now, I just want you to know it's appreciated that you're doing this, and working with the right sources. Please keep me updated on this, and if somehow, someway, I can help out at all, please let me know..i live in central mass...but again...this is amazing, and please keep me posted"

Awesome.