Another group of actors came in today for the roles of Will, Cary, and Audrey.
The guy I had written Will for and who had been on board since the beginning had to drop out so I've been looking for every actor to do both the Will and Cary roles for the film.
We had a lot of hopefuls for Audrey this time. 3 out of the 4 auditions were for Audrey and two of them are going to make it hard. Caitlin and I have decided to have 2nd rehearsals because it's been such a tough desicion and have the girls do their lines with people we are considering for Will. At this point, Conner is looking good for Will, because we have found a great Cary today.
Oddly enough, he's an American and brings that Mr. America/ supehero feeling to Cary. He is also so energetic, he comes off mad, which is perfect. So I think he will be perfect for the role of Cary. It starts to get exciting to see actors feel out your script and has given me a lot of hope.
You always worry that it will come out weird when your work is read, but it's great to see that people actually understand what the whole film is all about and the vibe to it.
Sadly, I can't focus on the film too much at the moment because a 6,000 word paper is calling my name.
Location hunting on Sunday but until then, VISUAL CULTURE IS DUE FEB. 1st!
Friday, 21 January 2011
Thursday, 20 January 2011
And the Results Are In.
And I got a 1st (a.k.a. an A) for my first semester.
Thank God, as I had put so much time into it. My evaluation paper didn't do as well, so it's kind of knocked me back a bit on getting motivated for my evaluation paper.
Anyways, today has been very productive. After my meeting I went into the retro lounge to have auditions for Chaz's film, "Just Squeeze". He's already signed Conner Mckenzy on board to play the main role of Gary. I had suggested Alan Medcroft, who's playing Donnacha in Will and the Worry Dolls. He came in and NAILED the role of the boozey lad of Danny.
Seeing them work together gave me hope that Conner will be a good addition to Will and the Worry Dolls too. The chemistry was hilarious and he'd make a great Will or Cary. Either way, I feel more confident as the cast and crew start to fill in.
Colan Belshaw is a determined 2nd year who's more than happy to do sound on my film, which I'm grateful for. Now, I just need a runner, Audrey, and either Cary or Will, depending on which role Conner fits better.
The second part of the day was planning out locations for "Just Squeeze". We have a huge crypt-like location under the church on Coronation Road. It was eerie being there because a funeral was going on above us. It was nice to understand the area a bit better and talk to John and Chaz to start to communicate with each other better. Some area of the location are too clean and need to be sectioned off to kill the massive echo. Besides that, it's perfect.
I am starting to finally get my head around "Just Squeeze" and my role in the film. It's so much more then directing. From re-writing parts of the script to placement of shots I have a lot of responsibility for this film now. With the last update of the script, I'm excited to become a stronger member of the team.
Thank God, as I had put so much time into it. My evaluation paper didn't do as well, so it's kind of knocked me back a bit on getting motivated for my evaluation paper.
Anyways, today has been very productive. After my meeting I went into the retro lounge to have auditions for Chaz's film, "Just Squeeze". He's already signed Conner Mckenzy on board to play the main role of Gary. I had suggested Alan Medcroft, who's playing Donnacha in Will and the Worry Dolls. He came in and NAILED the role of the boozey lad of Danny.
Seeing them work together gave me hope that Conner will be a good addition to Will and the Worry Dolls too. The chemistry was hilarious and he'd make a great Will or Cary. Either way, I feel more confident as the cast and crew start to fill in.
Colan Belshaw is a determined 2nd year who's more than happy to do sound on my film, which I'm grateful for. Now, I just need a runner, Audrey, and either Cary or Will, depending on which role Conner fits better.
The second part of the day was planning out locations for "Just Squeeze". We have a huge crypt-like location under the church on Coronation Road. It was eerie being there because a funeral was going on above us. It was nice to understand the area a bit better and talk to John and Chaz to start to communicate with each other better. Some area of the location are too clean and need to be sectioned off to kill the massive echo. Besides that, it's perfect.
I am starting to finally get my head around "Just Squeeze" and my role in the film. It's so much more then directing. From re-writing parts of the script to placement of shots I have a lot of responsibility for this film now. With the last update of the script, I'm excited to become a stronger member of the team.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
And... Back Again
After a week of jetlag and a massive hand in I'm back to working on Will and the Worry Dolls.
I had one final draft, just slight changes to make it feel more natural. Today I worked as a butler for Camille Brito's short film and saw a familiar face. Conner Mckenzy auditioned for Chaz Hood's short film, "Just Squeeze" which I'm directing in February. Chaz had nothing but good things to say about him and seeing Connor in Camille's film just proved his abilities again.
He enjoyed the script and wants to audition on the 21st or 27th. I'm excited for this, as he would be perfect for either Will or Cary. Seeing him gave me the hope that this film can come together and be good. It's motivated for a meaningful chat with Caitlin today and start to do more research.
I've already started to look at songs/ chemistry used with a ukulele. I love the ukulele in films and need to have it used at the end when the worry dolls make a band. These two examples are both sweet and lovely. Finishing the film in this tone is exactly what I want. Seeing the trailer for "Blue Valentine" even gave me new ideas on how to finish the film. I think I'll have the ukulele song continue while clips of Audrey and Will play to the song. Then at the end, it's revealed the Worry Dolls are playing the instruments. Look at the clips to get the lovely atmosphere I want:
I had one final draft, just slight changes to make it feel more natural. Today I worked as a butler for Camille Brito's short film and saw a familiar face. Conner Mckenzy auditioned for Chaz Hood's short film, "Just Squeeze" which I'm directing in February. Chaz had nothing but good things to say about him and seeing Connor in Camille's film just proved his abilities again.
He enjoyed the script and wants to audition on the 21st or 27th. I'm excited for this, as he would be perfect for either Will or Cary. Seeing him gave me the hope that this film can come together and be good. It's motivated for a meaningful chat with Caitlin today and start to do more research.
I've already started to look at songs/ chemistry used with a ukulele. I love the ukulele in films and need to have it used at the end when the worry dolls make a band. These two examples are both sweet and lovely. Finishing the film in this tone is exactly what I want. Seeing the trailer for "Blue Valentine" even gave me new ideas on how to finish the film. I think I'll have the ukulele song continue while clips of Audrey and Will play to the song. Then at the end, it's revealed the Worry Dolls are playing the instruments. Look at the clips to get the lovely atmosphere I want:
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Music Rights Accomplished
A lot of my film needs good music, and even if it's for the student viewing and not the film festival, I'm glad to have it.
I've been writing to Electric Six about using their song, "DANGER! High Voltage" for my film. I needed rights from both XL Recording and ATV/Sony London to use it for the student viewing. After much wait, ATV/Sony London finally responded with good news.
Now that this song is nailed to best introduce the worry dolls, I'm hoping to get another song to help close the film with the worry dolls.
My producer said she knows a friend who knows the Scissor Sisters. They are like an updated version of the Bee Gees and I think, are kooky enough for the Worry Dolls to sing their hit song, "Take Your Momma Out" when busking.
Here are both songs to get an idea of the music I'm going for in this film:
The sick and twisted music video of Danger! High Voltage:
And the funky Take Your Momma Out by the Scissor Sisters
I've been writing to Electric Six about using their song, "DANGER! High Voltage" for my film. I needed rights from both XL Recording and ATV/Sony London to use it for the student viewing. After much wait, ATV/Sony London finally responded with good news.
Now that this song is nailed to best introduce the worry dolls, I'm hoping to get another song to help close the film with the worry dolls.
My producer said she knows a friend who knows the Scissor Sisters. They are like an updated version of the Bee Gees and I think, are kooky enough for the Worry Dolls to sing their hit song, "Take Your Momma Out" when busking.
Here are both songs to get an idea of the music I'm going for in this film:
The sick and twisted music video of Danger! High Voltage:
And the funky Take Your Momma Out by the Scissor Sisters
Monday, 22 November 2010
Auditions
Just finished auditions for Donnacha and Audrey. The actors for Cary couldn't make it for today but I'm hoping to interview one of them tomorrow.
The experience was wonderful. It was great to work with actors and bounce off ideas. Especially if the actor wasn't suited for the film, I can name three other things I'd use some of them for.
The idea was to talk to the actors for a bit, then have a monologue that they brought, then a scene from the movie, the a script excerpt from an episode of the US version of the Office.
I felt this covered every side of the actor nicely. They could come in give a personal touch by talking about themselves, then give what they think is their best acting skill in any genre, then see how they would do as a character from my film, then some fun at the end to see how well they improvise and their comedy timing.
Usually, the exciting warm up of wrestling (the scene from the Office) would be done near the beginning for everyone. I felt for the Audrey character it was important to see if should be do it to catch her playful side, but that it should come after the intense scenes with Will where their relationship is ending.
As for the actual auditions, I'm pretty confident we couldn't find a better Donnacha out of the process. He nailed it, and I wasn't even 100 percent what "it" was. He didn't even need a monologue because the feeling of who he was came off very friendly and calming. Also, one of the major things I was looking for, he understood the humor and the creative vision. The people that came in with ideas of films like Eternal Sunshine and Lars and the Real Girl definitely knew the pacing of the character. Hopefully he is 100% because he will definitely add what this film needs.
As for Audreys, overall all the auditions were very tough. There were a lot of good choices so I think we'll have to make some tough calls this week. The monologues were very important for this section, as one of the actresses captivated me by her bit. Also it was a nice balance of seriousness to then see them attempt the wrestling scene. That was Caitlin's idea as I had just wanted to have their monologue but it was very beneficial.
All in all a great experience and it definitely gets me excited for the film now. Seeing certain people just NAIL the role.
The experience was wonderful. It was great to work with actors and bounce off ideas. Especially if the actor wasn't suited for the film, I can name three other things I'd use some of them for.
The idea was to talk to the actors for a bit, then have a monologue that they brought, then a scene from the movie, the a script excerpt from an episode of the US version of the Office.
I felt this covered every side of the actor nicely. They could come in give a personal touch by talking about themselves, then give what they think is their best acting skill in any genre, then see how they would do as a character from my film, then some fun at the end to see how well they improvise and their comedy timing.
Usually, the exciting warm up of wrestling (the scene from the Office) would be done near the beginning for everyone. I felt for the Audrey character it was important to see if should be do it to catch her playful side, but that it should come after the intense scenes with Will where their relationship is ending.
As for the actual auditions, I'm pretty confident we couldn't find a better Donnacha out of the process. He nailed it, and I wasn't even 100 percent what "it" was. He didn't even need a monologue because the feeling of who he was came off very friendly and calming. Also, one of the major things I was looking for, he understood the humor and the creative vision. The people that came in with ideas of films like Eternal Sunshine and Lars and the Real Girl definitely knew the pacing of the character. Hopefully he is 100% because he will definitely add what this film needs.
As for Audreys, overall all the auditions were very tough. There were a lot of good choices so I think we'll have to make some tough calls this week. The monologues were very important for this section, as one of the actresses captivated me by her bit. Also it was a nice balance of seriousness to then see them attempt the wrestling scene. That was Caitlin's idea as I had just wanted to have their monologue but it was very beneficial.
All in all a great experience and it definitely gets me excited for the film now. Seeing certain people just NAIL the role.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Bake Sale 3 and Other Things
Third Bake Sale = EPIC FAIL.
We made about 20 pounds. I'm not sure if the novelty is wearing off or it was just the day of people. I'm wanting to come up with other ideas and I am going to push myself to put one of those "buy a producer credit for 10 pounds" things for my friends. I've been learning a lot about marketing from my flatmate's girlfriend. I told her I'm trying to find sponsorship money for a conservation trip to Australia I want to do and she gave me a bunch of ideas for that. She made it sound somewhat easy, so my goal is to take some of the tactics for money raising (like hosting events) and pushing it to my film budget. Also, I'm working all the time so I can cover a lot more costs.
Went to a bunch of charity shops to get an idea of clothing. Already I found multiple options so I'm less worried about the clothing. I'll wait until the actors are cast to buy any. I also did another draft of the script today. Audrey is more likeable as a gynecologist that doesn't see what's funny about her occupation. I thought I'd still make her lame, but in a funny way. She's so lame, it's endearing. She makes lame jokes and comes off a little less rigid then she's been before. Also I've added a ton of jokes back in. Mostly how Will gets a promotion from a simple idea and how the Worry Dolls are asked to leave after they stick a raisin up Will's nose.
So ya, that's an update for you. Plus tones of weird films like Big Fish and Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind.
We made about 20 pounds. I'm not sure if the novelty is wearing off or it was just the day of people. I'm wanting to come up with other ideas and I am going to push myself to put one of those "buy a producer credit for 10 pounds" things for my friends. I've been learning a lot about marketing from my flatmate's girlfriend. I told her I'm trying to find sponsorship money for a conservation trip to Australia I want to do and she gave me a bunch of ideas for that. She made it sound somewhat easy, so my goal is to take some of the tactics for money raising (like hosting events) and pushing it to my film budget. Also, I'm working all the time so I can cover a lot more costs.
Went to a bunch of charity shops to get an idea of clothing. Already I found multiple options so I'm less worried about the clothing. I'll wait until the actors are cast to buy any. I also did another draft of the script today. Audrey is more likeable as a gynecologist that doesn't see what's funny about her occupation. I thought I'd still make her lame, but in a funny way. She's so lame, it's endearing. She makes lame jokes and comes off a little less rigid then she's been before. Also I've added a ton of jokes back in. Mostly how Will gets a promotion from a simple idea and how the Worry Dolls are asked to leave after they stick a raisin up Will's nose.
So ya, that's an update for you. Plus tones of weird films like Big Fish and Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Bake Sale 2
Another bake sale, slowly money towards my film. This time we made about 10 pounds less and twice the trouble. I have to think of other ways to make money pronto. As well as getting on kickstarter.com I'm going to try and talk to Chris from Calling the Shots about selling some of my HD content to him. Shorts International is always looking for HD content and if I did a short in HD I could sell it for 500-1,000 pounds and make extra money. It would also get my short onto Itunes. That's the newest I have in the mean time.
I've also fallen in love with the song, "Danger! High Voltage" from Electric Six. I think it would fit the mood of introducing the worry dolls tremendously well. I've written to the band and to the manager. The manager got right back to me and said to fill in forms from the publisher and recording company for rights. I filled in the one for the recording company, they give free access to film students but I have to pay 400 pounds if I want it to go into festivals.... I'm looking to find a way around this. Also just wrote to the publisher and waiting for a response. In good time, I think I'll be good to use the song. If I sell this film to Shorts International later, then I may be able to have the 400 pounds wavered.
I've also fallen in love with the song, "Danger! High Voltage" from Electric Six. I think it would fit the mood of introducing the worry dolls tremendously well. I've written to the band and to the manager. The manager got right back to me and said to fill in forms from the publisher and recording company for rights. I filled in the one for the recording company, they give free access to film students but I have to pay 400 pounds if I want it to go into festivals.... I'm looking to find a way around this. Also just wrote to the publisher and waiting for a response. In good time, I think I'll be good to use the song. If I sell this film to Shorts International later, then I may be able to have the 400 pounds wavered.
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