Window Shopping

This image is perfect as a title card to my film. It sums everything up. So, here we are, a day after shooting, and I have the following to say:

First of all, Desiree has been amazing. I didn't have to worry about anything on set, and she even took care of the equipment return sans moi.

The set went really smoothly. We are missing one vital shot - the coverage of which, in one take, is done with the eyeline in the wrong direction, but I should be able to handle it.

Phil has helped me do a pass of my first half rough cut, and I'm very happy with what we've turned out. We've discussed some of the music ideas we've got - sound design will be crucial in this project.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in. Enjoy some stills from the shoot, I had to brighten them a lot to get them to look decent a la the computer, so I'll fix that tomorrow - I'm going to sleep.




This is the cafe - all Christmased up. It looks fantastic. The frost on the windows was a nightmare to get off, and for the record, I hate that stained glass door.




Jesse was the comic relief on set - thank God. In this photo he's being moderately obnoxious. It's also a fantastic display of the fake Swiss Alps-esque landscape he created with his top-notch production design.



Fantasy Christmas apartment - looking lovely

Second wind

Yesterday was productive - we had our final production meeting, and assigned last-minute jobs around the table, I met with Johnny (my A.D.) and Jeanette (my 2nd) to hash out the schedule that matches the finalized cafe shot list, and at the end of the evening, I went over to Jesse's to look at some truly spectacular decorations he's picked out for the apartment.

Today, we'll be going to look at stuff for the cafe, which will be minimal, since Jesse's take on this elaborate place is that we'll be getting rid of decor much more than we'll be placing it - and he's absolutely right.

Ginan, my catering manager, may be more stressed out than me. She's got our cheesesteaks and pizza, as I mentioned in class, and I'm sure lots of wet naps, and is hounding Atlanta Bread to help us out as we speak. Hopefully everyone will be well fed on Sunday.

Speaking of which, we've got plenty of extras as far as I know, which is a relief. We'll need holiday shopping bags (if anyone's got some) to pass around, assorted gift wrap, etc.

Anyway, all is looking great. Let's hope it stays that way.

Gemma

We haven't found the perfect wardrobe for Rebecca yet, but I did want to share some of the shots we got from her at the meeting last night.

Her attitude/look makes me feel really good about what we're going to turn out.

Also, the meeting was a roaring success - we had a creative pow-wow and figured out how to make the location work. I'll be finishing up my rewrite tonight. :)




(note the engagement ring - most likely what we'll use)

Big meeting tonight

Today's horoscope:

Has it ever occurred to you that even if you don't achieve all your goals, you're still better for trying? Compare yourself with people who admit defeat before they even get out of bed in the morning -- you have a lot to be proud of. Your past efforts might not have taken you exactly where you wanted to be today, but they took you in the right direction. The rest of the journey might be laborious, but it will eventually lead to its proper conclusion.


Okay, so, I'm not ga-ga for my location. Maybe it'll work out. I just need to alter things a bit. I have the power to do that (as I keep reminding myself.)

The meeting tonight will help, I think. Quite a bit.

In the meantime, I need lots o' extras. If you know anyone, let me know. Also, I've lost my Script Supervisor, so I need someone for that (now) too.

Here's what I'm going to do today:

My script isn't what we'll use for shooting, so I'm going to break it into scenes for my actors. This will give me an opportunity to rethink positioning and actions while I write - and to revamp dialogue.

News on the meeting soon -

Falling into place

I found my Gemma! I don't have an online image of her to share, but she's very cute, and almost spot on for what I pictured when I wrote the part. I need to cast around her age range, because she's younger than I anticipated, but she's very talented, and I'm excited about what we're going to turn out.

I'm going to check out our location in a few minutes to scratch up a final shot list. It's beautiful from what I remember, and already has quite a few Christmas lights displayed on gorgeous through-the-floor trees that grow up into the restaurant.

Obvoiusly, I need to make some script adjustments, but I'm super relieved that everything is beginning to come together.

Cast and Crew meeting this Thursday. Will do some make-up tests, establish wardrobe, and get a few screen-test shots out of the way to be posted here.

Still have to find an alleyway, but I'm feeling good about everything.

I've got good maybes for Lillith and the Wholesome guy. Those parts will be easier to cast. I'm thinking about making the wholesome guy a restaurant employee since we coudln't find a bookstore, but I'm not sure if that, plus the collision with Gemma makes for too much of a reminder of my unfortunate Directing I piece.

Anyway, off I go. Location images perhaps later tonight.

PS
Everyone send a "get well" to James - part of him exploded. Had to hurt.

Pushing back

Thank all that is holy, I have more time.

Yesterday was an emotional disaster. Everything has just been lagging and keeping everyone in order was nearly impossible with everything so close. So, like the gracious and merciful diety he is, Rich gave me Johnny's spot.

We had a production meeting yesterday, and it was much more constructive in lieu of a two week grace period than it would've been with all of us sprinting toward this weekend.

Natura is secured as my bookstore for the time being, and I have a shot list to match, but Suppa and I are going out today to look at a few more places before any final decision is made.

I also have my male lead cast, as I mentioned before - here he is. Obviously it would be a bit strange to call him "Tarek," so as I said before, I'm furiously brainstorming for different names.

Anyway, off to location scout - wish me luck

-Shannon