I've been chopping. Chopping up people, places and things. Story is forming and there is a film on the horizon. It's not quite clear what it is, but it's something. Oh yes it's something.
Insanity is starting to break through but it's insanity I can handle.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Where in the hell is everybody?
It was bad enough when Bob left, but this is ridiculous. There's silence; the only remnant of SENSORED breathing through this home is that of one Antonio Grana, A.D. extraordinaire. I swear this morning, around 3:00a.m I heard him yell, "picture up! Roll sound!! in his sleep. Or, I could have been hearing things because I also had a dream that this guy with a shaved head was following me around this grassy-hillside repeating over and over, "everyone settle annnnnd action!" It was eerie.
Lets face it. We all had gripes, on a movie like this, you have to have them or you won't make it. We used one another as sounding boards, familiar ears to vent. I personally think that it won't sink in for a while what it is we really pulled off here. It's a miracle we finished and we owe it all to the crew. From what I gather, most productions like this one, usually have a pretty high turnover; people lose interest, or likely find better paying jobs and have to take them. Thankfully, we had a cohesive team and a loyal group around us.
Ry, you did one HELL of a job. You just shot your first feature! What the "F!" That is crazy. Sorry, lost myself. Dude, here it is. You took a lower than low ultra-low budgeted production, and with nothing except support and a highly-complex script, and might I add natural ability, made something cool with ULTRA HIGH production and outstanding performances. I say to you, what you have inside that head of yours as it pertains to directing, isn't anything that can be taught. I'm excited and a fan of your future.
For Jo and I, a dream has come true... and we owe it to all of you. Thank You!
~K
Lets face it. We all had gripes, on a movie like this, you have to have them or you won't make it. We used one another as sounding boards, familiar ears to vent. I personally think that it won't sink in for a while what it is we really pulled off here. It's a miracle we finished and we owe it all to the crew. From what I gather, most productions like this one, usually have a pretty high turnover; people lose interest, or likely find better paying jobs and have to take them. Thankfully, we had a cohesive team and a loyal group around us.
Ry, you did one HELL of a job. You just shot your first feature! What the "F!" That is crazy. Sorry, lost myself. Dude, here it is. You took a lower than low ultra-low budgeted production, and with nothing except support and a highly-complex script, and might I add natural ability, made something cool with ULTRA HIGH production and outstanding performances. I say to you, what you have inside that head of yours as it pertains to directing, isn't anything that can be taught. I'm excited and a fan of your future.
For Jo and I, a dream has come true... and we owe it to all of you. Thank You!
~K
Monday, February 25, 2008
Well........ We're done Shooting......Now to the Cuts
Here's the deal. I had a friggin blast shooting this film. Everyone on the cast and crew grew on me like moss on a log. In case your confused thats a good thing.
We had so much fun shooting and wasting time talking about the furthest reaches of inappropiate behavior that I truly don't know what to do now. There were times that I truly found myself even offending myself, which is very hard to do, and tonight at the bar we managed to keep that concept alive. In case your confused just think about curtains and it will come to you. Sorry for that.
Just knowing that I won't be able to go to set tommorow and see all of your faces is seriously deppressing me. Whether or not we all got along all of the time it was one helluv an experience in lower than low budget film making and I thank you all for staying along for the ride. I have a special place in my heart for each and everyone of you all and don't think for one second that I don't mean that. If there was some way to blend this down and dirty filmmaking style with bigger budgets I would be the first to jump on aboard. Hopefully I can figure out a way to do that in the future. I really liked the fact that everyone was crammed into the house together and though it was trying at times it really made the family element to this film unique. So again thank you all for that and I will never forget it.
I will keep you all up to date on the progress of the edit through this blog and you will also be seeing many a late might rants about my mental state during the post process as well. It should be interesting.
-your loving director, ryan
We had so much fun shooting and wasting time talking about the furthest reaches of inappropiate behavior that I truly don't know what to do now. There were times that I truly found myself even offending myself, which is very hard to do, and tonight at the bar we managed to keep that concept alive. In case your confused just think about curtains and it will come to you. Sorry for that.
Just knowing that I won't be able to go to set tommorow and see all of your faces is seriously deppressing me. Whether or not we all got along all of the time it was one helluv an experience in lower than low budget film making and I thank you all for staying along for the ride. I have a special place in my heart for each and everyone of you all and don't think for one second that I don't mean that. If there was some way to blend this down and dirty filmmaking style with bigger budgets I would be the first to jump on aboard. Hopefully I can figure out a way to do that in the future. I really liked the fact that everyone was crammed into the house together and though it was trying at times it really made the family element to this film unique. So again thank you all for that and I will never forget it.
I will keep you all up to date on the progress of the edit through this blog and you will also be seeing many a late might rants about my mental state during the post process as well. It should be interesting.
-your loving director, ryan
Sunday, February 24, 2008
One more day
WOW! Only one more day of principle photography. I can't say enough about our crew. From my back goin out, sick crew, long hours and being stuck in a room sometime smaller than cell (feels like) this is the best project I've been a part of. My 1st AC (assistant camera) said this was the best feature he had been a part of. Thanks Ethan.
We have one more day. The fairgrounds scene. All exterior. Praying for no rain or wind. Looking good ... so far.
Today we were all a little "punch drunk" felt like we didn't even get anything actually in the can.. but constant laughs.
The RED camera hasn't let me down yet. I'll defiantly be using it for future projects.
I hope i can get a good night sleep.
It's gunna be weird to not have 16 hour days soon. I'm kinda gunna miss it. Kinda.
See ya on the other end.
brian
We have one more day. The fairgrounds scene. All exterior. Praying for no rain or wind. Looking good ... so far.
Today we were all a little "punch drunk" felt like we didn't even get anything actually in the can.. but constant laughs.
The RED camera hasn't let me down yet. I'll defiantly be using it for future projects.
I hope i can get a good night sleep.
It's gunna be weird to not have 16 hour days soon. I'm kinda gunna miss it. Kinda.
See ya on the other end.
brian
Bye Bye Bob
So we said gooodbye to Bob lastnight. He did his last scene with Rife and had to run out the door to catch his plane back to LA. We already miss him and I can't wait to go down to LA and do the Voice Over Tracks with him.
Your a super duper dude Bob and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to get to know you on this film.
-Ryan
Your a super duper dude Bob and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to get to know you on this film.
-Ryan
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
"Day Off"
Technically, it is a scheduled day off. All that has meant all month is that the camera is not rolling, but almost everyone is working. Robert Picardo (Bob to us) is scheduled with Eric and Kristina to tape intros to our electronic press kits, the art department is changing a living room into a lodge, Jimmy our sound guy is recording sound around the location so we have sounds of the house, birds, trains, ect. to use in post, Ryan and Antonio will be finishing up the last couple of schedules and shot lists, Kevin is re-writing scenes, Brian will be pre-lighting for our 4am crew call tomorrow and I will be working on getting extras for our last day of the shoot. Whew!
~Jo
~Jo
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Makin' Movies
So this camera, the Red, has changed our industry. We are shooting in a large house in Placer County, Ca. Bob lives in the basement. He’s so cool. Bob rules. Anyway, we shoot throughout the house or on our stage (the garage). At lunch, we transfer the footage onto a 2TB drive (takes about ½ hour), and we’re instantly editing on a Mac laptop in the closet upstairs. The image looks like a processed 35 neg, and not just a one-light work print, it looks color corrected, even though it’s simply what the Red gives us raw. The monitor trips me out as well. It shows exactly how the Red sees the world, how the raw image is actually going to look. I must say, not used to that. Even on things I’ve shot with Panavision – my last project, I shot on the Millennium XL – the video out to the monitor looks nothing like what my color corrected film is going to look like, but with the Red, even our crew moving around, setting up the shot in front of the camera, looks like a movie. It’s impressive and exciting to say the least.
So, Bob lives downstairs, Ryan shoots everywhere in the house, make-up and wardrobe are in the basement, art department/set construction is in the driveway in the alley, our edit suite is in the closet upstairs, and our production office is down the hall from editorial. I currently reside at an antique school desk from the late 19th century. It’s the perfect laptop desk. We have three shoot days left, and who wouldn’t miss this tight-knit, family style of production? It’s truly a grass roots effort. I can already feel relief coupled with the post-production anxiety sure to accompany the less than 18-hour days next week.
Anyway, the cast and crew have been great. We’ve got a fun movie forming in the closet down the hall. It looks so beautiful, well acted, technically sound, great story, well light and directed, yep, all it’s fingers and toes intact. The dailies draw us all in because the raw images from the Red feels like a movie already. I’m not working. I want to grab the popcorn, sit back and enjoy…soon enough though. We do have post to complete, sound design, marketing, distrib, the whole enchilada, but so far, so fun, what a ride!
~ Eric
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Really, really sick...
I can't believe I couldn't make it to the top of the mountain... Eric, my co-producer comes up with the best analogies. He told me in the beginning of pre-production that making a movie is like climbing Mt. Everest. There will be folks along the way that didn't bring enough water to make it to the top and you have to decide if you want to share your water or keep your water for yourself, so you can make it to the summit. I now know that along the way, I gave away too much of my own water and I'm disappointed in myself for not being able to make it with everyone else. It is like training for months for a marathon and not being able to cross the finish line. The good news is that this amazing team that has come together, is continuing up the mountain. Thank you to Eric, Julie, Antonio and Kevin for keeping everything moving forward. I don't know what I would do without you guys. My body is telling me I have to stop, but I'll be climbing again soon.
~Jo
~Jo
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Everything Is Something, But Sometimes, Something Is Everything.
I think I'm addicted. This film thing seems to be infecting every fiber of my being. I can't stop the wheels in my brain from analyzing every little detail in this visual storytelling medium and I truly think I'm addicted. I'm a Junkie. Thats the only way to put it. Simple. Just wanted you to know, in case it wasn't obvious.
-ryan
-ryan
Friday, February 15, 2008
4am...
It has been a very long day...We officially started our day at 3:30pm, but we were working long before that. I have lost track of the hours. It is now 4:00am and Matt Baker is still working...he's an animal. He is pulling still photos out of our raw footage to make crime scene photos for our scenes on Saturday. I still cannot believe the dedication of this amazing team.
Dr. Ross from Wellness 22 came by to try and fix our D.P.'s back and neck. He was so locked up today, he couldn't move his neck. I heard it was from playing with his son, not from lugging the camera all day, but I'm sure it had something to do with it.
We had a few drunk girls show up on the doorstep at about 2:30am fresh from the bars. They were either sneaking a peak or stealing craft service, we are not sure which. If they came back, we planned on putting the day old, prop tuna casserole out just to make sure they didn't return.
Another great day, awesome chemistry with our leads and now our Director is passed out in the actor's trailer. Couldn't ask for anything better.
~Jo
Dr. Ross from Wellness 22 came by to try and fix our D.P.'s back and neck. He was so locked up today, he couldn't move his neck. I heard it was from playing with his son, not from lugging the camera all day, but I'm sure it had something to do with it.
We had a few drunk girls show up on the doorstep at about 2:30am fresh from the bars. They were either sneaking a peak or stealing craft service, we are not sure which. If they came back, we planned on putting the day old, prop tuna casserole out just to make sure they didn't return.
Another great day, awesome chemistry with our leads and now our Director is passed out in the actor's trailer. Couldn't ask for anything better.
~Jo
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Day 10-- Yikes!
Day 10 was a day to remember: Time and money were against us, and emotions were high for all. To date, this was probably the most difficult day thus far; it's truly amazing what can happen when a production loses a couple of hours. The positive in all of this is, it took 10 days for something like this to happen; if it wasn't for the dedicated and talented crew we have, this surely would have already happened a couple of times before. And even more, the situation brought together a couple of producers with a few crew members who really hadn't had a chance to talk and get to know each other. So, in a way, this problem brought people closer together and opened a line of communication that should carry on throughout. The one thing that really excites me is the passion that everyone is bringing to this production. So many people are giving so much of themselves, and the final product will reflect everyone's hard work and drive. So to everyone involved: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
The Director: My poor friend R-T-Metro, I'm afraid that one of these times he's going to put those two stressful hands atop his newly buzzed dome and POOF! His head is going to explode. For Ryan, emotions like anger and frustration are running at elevated levels along side happiness and excitement, which would be too much for most to handle. In fact, I'm tagging what he's going through right now as "method directing." He's like our character "Darren," but instead of stimulants and depressants, he's being fed opposing emotions. The important thing to focus on is, he's pulling it off. Through observation I've learned that this kid is playing at a very high level, and doing it with very few resources, time, and money. I speak for all of the producers when I say, we're extremely proud of what he's doing, and the dailies reflect his brilliance.
Hamm, Grana, damn! True professionals, never phased, they're f'ing machines! Toby, Sean, Heidi, Kuba, etc., you guys are doing an amazing job, thanks so much for rolling with the punches.
Mansur, you're a true gangster, thanks for being here.
And to the "nuts, bolts and glue" of this entire production, Jo Haskin, producer extraordinaire, I say, without you, we wouldn't be getting ready to start day 11, in fact it is likely we would never have seen day 1.
For many within this production, myself included, we're living a dream right now. Please remember to stop, look around and take it all in, because even things that are perceived as negative at this moment will later become positive memories.
~ Kevin
The Director: My poor friend R-T-Metro, I'm afraid that one of these times he's going to put those two stressful hands atop his newly buzzed dome and POOF! His head is going to explode. For Ryan, emotions like anger and frustration are running at elevated levels along side happiness and excitement, which would be too much for most to handle. In fact, I'm tagging what he's going through right now as "method directing." He's like our character "Darren," but instead of stimulants and depressants, he's being fed opposing emotions. The important thing to focus on is, he's pulling it off. Through observation I've learned that this kid is playing at a very high level, and doing it with very few resources, time, and money. I speak for all of the producers when I say, we're extremely proud of what he's doing, and the dailies reflect his brilliance.
Hamm, Grana, damn! True professionals, never phased, they're f'ing machines! Toby, Sean, Heidi, Kuba, etc., you guys are doing an amazing job, thanks so much for rolling with the punches.
Mansur, you're a true gangster, thanks for being here.
And to the "nuts, bolts and glue" of this entire production, Jo Haskin, producer extraordinaire, I say, without you, we wouldn't be getting ready to start day 11, in fact it is likely we would never have seen day 1.
For many within this production, myself included, we're living a dream right now. Please remember to stop, look around and take it all in, because even things that are perceived as negative at this moment will later become positive memories.
~ Kevin
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
5 shades of a burned out indie film director
morning..... hopeless optimist
1st shot..... panicked realist
lunch......... dreading hearing the AD's voice
Martini....... pissed off little man
wrap.......... depressed little man
shit, who needs a drink?
-ryan
1st shot..... panicked realist
lunch......... dreading hearing the AD's voice
Martini....... pissed off little man
wrap.......... depressed little man
shit, who needs a drink?
-ryan
Monday, February 11, 2008
***LUNCH***
it's lunch on set and I just ate what has been explained to me as "turkey meatloaf." I have to say it has me feeling a bit...................odd. I don't know if I am going to be sick or what, it's not that it tastes bad it just is making me feel...........odd.
On a side note we just filmed Bob in the kitchen doing the whole blended food gag. We didn't really think about it before hand but all of the ingredients we blended together always seemed to smell exactly like a wet dog. No matter what the combination it always seems to still smell the same. Just a side not for all of you thinking about blending some random food together to drink instead of eat.
I now hear Antonio bellowing my name which is usaully the call that lunch is over. We should have made 1 hour lunches the norm on this set, oh well.
-the crumpled up thrown in the recycling bin and made into a paper bag version of RYAN
On a side note we just filmed Bob in the kitchen doing the whole blended food gag. We didn't really think about it before hand but all of the ingredients we blended together always seemed to smell exactly like a wet dog. No matter what the combination it always seems to still smell the same. Just a side not for all of you thinking about blending some random food together to drink instead of eat.
I now hear Antonio bellowing my name which is usaully the call that lunch is over. We should have made 1 hour lunches the norm on this set, oh well.
-the crumpled up thrown in the recycling bin and made into a paper bag version of RYAN
Sunday, February 10, 2008
On The Bright Side and Over The Dark Side
Today was...........well it's over. Chris Holley did an exellent job of playing our loving police officer, Miles Kujoun. He also did a bang up job of roughing up Rife for about six hours. WE sent Rife off tonight to go participate in a theater competition at the Kennedy center in LA and he will be back after the 16th to finish up his days. Break a leg Rifie and get home soon we miss you already!
I managed to offend my producer/writer/friend today with a stupid comment on set that still, no matter how many times he tells me to forget about it, makes me want to punch myself in face. The stress on this film is monumental and it's definitely starting to wear me down. My goal is to push the stress aside and get the job done. The only problem is, thats a statement easier said than done. Nonetheless I will be back on set again tommorow to try and keep my head straight through out the day. Whether I make the 12 without a meltdown remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, the behind the scenes should be quite entertaining.
-whats left of ryan
I managed to offend my producer/writer/friend today with a stupid comment on set that still, no matter how many times he tells me to forget about it, makes me want to punch myself in face. The stress on this film is monumental and it's definitely starting to wear me down. My goal is to push the stress aside and get the job done. The only problem is, thats a statement easier said than done. Nonetheless I will be back on set again tommorow to try and keep my head straight through out the day. Whether I make the 12 without a meltdown remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, the behind the scenes should be quite entertaining.
-whats left of ryan
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Day one Week two (or) how filmaking ruined my life.
The first day back for week two was really..........mellow. We pretty much did a bunch of 2nd unit stuff all day today and for the most part it was really chill plus we wrapped early. That always scares me.
Tomorrow we shoot a scene with Christopher Holley and Rife. I am really excited that Chris is on board with us and I can't wait to see how their scene turns out tommorow. It should be grueling and stressful but fun all the same. After that we get Bob back on set and finish up some scenes with him and Rife.
The crew cracks me up especially Ethan our first AC. He picks up the most random jokes and reference's and has an awesome sense of humor. Jimmy our sound mixer struggled today to try and not make jokes and ended up almost having a seizure which ultimately was his funniest joke all day. Monica and Jackie in wardrobe are doing a phenomal job and there natural ability to pick the perfect tie for Jefferies is amazing. Brandy is an absolute sweetheart and I love the fact the she puts up with my scatter brain ideas for make-up and has the patience to deal with me. Matt and Tom in our edit suite have the patience of saints and are a godsend for getting all of the footage organized. Christina Marie is as always totally focused on her job and pays attention to the most absolute minute detail. Thanks Christina for putting up with me as well. Mr Booth is a grip gangster and along with Kerry the grip/lighting dept has been flawless, thanks gentlemen. Also I have to thank Carolyn for making such great meals every day and the crew can't stop talking about all of the good food.
Well thats all I got for now my brain is starting to shut down if I've forgotten anyone please feel free to yell at me tommorow or the next day.
-ryan
Tomorrow we shoot a scene with Christopher Holley and Rife. I am really excited that Chris is on board with us and I can't wait to see how their scene turns out tommorow. It should be grueling and stressful but fun all the same. After that we get Bob back on set and finish up some scenes with him and Rife.
The crew cracks me up especially Ethan our first AC. He picks up the most random jokes and reference's and has an awesome sense of humor. Jimmy our sound mixer struggled today to try and not make jokes and ended up almost having a seizure which ultimately was his funniest joke all day. Monica and Jackie in wardrobe are doing a phenomal job and there natural ability to pick the perfect tie for Jefferies is amazing. Brandy is an absolute sweetheart and I love the fact the she puts up with my scatter brain ideas for make-up and has the patience to deal with me. Matt and Tom in our edit suite have the patience of saints and are a godsend for getting all of the footage organized. Christina Marie is as always totally focused on her job and pays attention to the most absolute minute detail. Thanks Christina for putting up with me as well. Mr Booth is a grip gangster and along with Kerry the grip/lighting dept has been flawless, thanks gentlemen. Also I have to thank Carolyn for making such great meals every day and the crew can't stop talking about all of the good food.
Well thats all I got for now my brain is starting to shut down if I've forgotten anyone please feel free to yell at me tommorow or the next day.
-ryan
Friday, February 8, 2008
ready for week 2
It was tough, hard and stressful but the first week is done and the second week is about to begin. Th film has been a great experience thus far and working with the actors and crew has been an absolute joy. I think one of the hardest things on set is to stay on track since everyone gets along so well we always have a tendency to talk and joke around a lot. Thankfully we have Antonio, our AD, to keep us in line and stay on target.
Robert Picardo is awesome to work with and is really bringing to life his character Wade. He is as genuine as they come and I can't truly thank him enough for working on this film with us. Just being able to talk with him and hear all of his stories on and off set have made this film worth it. Michelle Page finished up all but one of her scenes for the film this last week and she got her ass kicked as well as kicked ass in all of them. Thanks Michelle and if your reading this your already Avery in my book, hopefully we'll be making that story come to life soon as well. As always Brian Rife is doing a phenomenal job and is taking all of the brutality his role entails like a champ. He is on one of the most positive and caring actors I've had the pleasure to work with and as always reliable, professional and prepared. We got one day in with David Fine and he went into his role headfirst with the utmost clarity about where he wanted to take his character. He has been a complete asset to the pre-production of this film and I am honored to have him come aboard and play Jefferies.
Jo, Kevin, Torrey and Eric really got this whole thing up and running and I am in their debt for giving me the opportunity to Direct this film. Thanks you guys for the respect and confidence. Brian Hamm as always is my right hand on this film and I owe the majority of my experience with shooting film and learning this craft to him. As always my partner in crime Toby really took the reins to get everything in order for the production design of the film. With his crew; Shaun, Cuba, Rachel and Heidi the sets and props have been fabulous and really give the film the look it deserves. They have been slaving day and night to get everything in line and they are the backbone of this film. Thanks to everyone on the crew and I can't wait to get on set tomorrow to get into week two.
-Ryan
Robert Picardo is awesome to work with and is really bringing to life his character Wade. He is as genuine as they come and I can't truly thank him enough for working on this film with us. Just being able to talk with him and hear all of his stories on and off set have made this film worth it. Michelle Page finished up all but one of her scenes for the film this last week and she got her ass kicked as well as kicked ass in all of them. Thanks Michelle and if your reading this your already Avery in my book, hopefully we'll be making that story come to life soon as well. As always Brian Rife is doing a phenomenal job and is taking all of the brutality his role entails like a champ. He is on one of the most positive and caring actors I've had the pleasure to work with and as always reliable, professional and prepared. We got one day in with David Fine and he went into his role headfirst with the utmost clarity about where he wanted to take his character. He has been a complete asset to the pre-production of this film and I am honored to have him come aboard and play Jefferies.
Jo, Kevin, Torrey and Eric really got this whole thing up and running and I am in their debt for giving me the opportunity to Direct this film. Thanks you guys for the respect and confidence. Brian Hamm as always is my right hand on this film and I owe the majority of my experience with shooting film and learning this craft to him. As always my partner in crime Toby really took the reins to get everything in order for the production design of the film. With his crew; Shaun, Cuba, Rachel and Heidi the sets and props have been fabulous and really give the film the look it deserves. They have been slaving day and night to get everything in line and they are the backbone of this film. Thanks to everyone on the crew and I can't wait to get on set tomorrow to get into week two.
-Ryan
1st week down!
We miss you Michelle Page! Thank you for such a great week! We put you through some tough scenes and you came out smiling on the other side. You are such a talent and we are honored you are in our film.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Bedtime stories...
Started off the day with our Character Wade's nightmare and ended the day with the sex scene. I think it's time to change the sheets.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Check!
Call sheets.........check!
Lights................check!
Camera.............check
Insurance.........check!
permits............check!
crew................check!
sanity..............uhhhhhhhh...
Lights................check!
Camera.............check
Insurance.........check!
permits............check!
crew................check!
sanity..............uhhhhhhhh...
Friday, February 1, 2008
Starring...Robert Picardo!
Here is Robert Picardo and our Director discussing and rehearsing a scene for tomorrow. We did a make-up/camera test with our artists, sound checks, lighting checks and schedule checks. Call time is 6:30am on our first day of production. I can't believe we are less than 12 hours away. We'll see when this gets updated again...
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