I don't really know where to start other than to say that this was the best experience of my life thus far.  Although it was 13 days of 12-14 hours (sometimes more:  shhhhh don't tell SAG!) I was rarely exhausted because the energy of this amazing team kept me going.  I must say that I got the easier end of things because I didn't even shoot the first two days or the very last!  Poor Mike! 

What a difference from the March shoot!  In March it was 6 days of pacing around Christians house, crying/ranting and looking like hell.  And this was 13 days of being in a different location every couple days or so, being silly, and even being on a Lynx bus for a night.  The shot will look so amazing though!  Thank goodness for processing the shot because upon first try of really riding around on the bus and doing the scene, I almost puked in Mike's lap.  In my defense:  it is a LOOOONG scene!  And, Jethro said he was getting sick too, but I think he was just saying that to make me feel better.

The café scene was the most fun "acting wise" because I love the juxtaposition of Tom and Marlo's characters.  I can't wait to see the finished product of that scene spliced together because we are all already cracking up on just some rough edits.  And I also spent what seemed like two entire days laying in bed with the camera hovering above me!  Whether I was Meisnering (is that a legal verb?) Shakespeare or spooning whilst sweating enough to drown a cat I was thankful to be able to take a load off!

But, I would have to say my favorite was the dolly shot that we took in front of the history center.  I remember looking at this long track that went all the way from right outside the doors to the bus station and realizing, "Oh my gosh, this is a REAL film!"  HA!  And when you see how beautiful and brilliant Danny and Johnny's (and EVERYONE else who helped!) work is on it, it's more interesting than the scene that is taking place!  I never thought Downtown Orlando could look so romantic!  Just wait till you see it.

This is the first feature length film I have worked on and I just couldn't get over how wonderful everyone was.  We had a lot of support from Valencia between equipment and the amazing students that worked on the shoot.  You all rocked!  Much of the time you were bored out of your mind and pushed out because we would have a closed set and you would still be all smiles whenever I would look around.  The art department on this film rocked my world!  The second I walked into Marlo's apartment I got chills!  It was beautiful in it's lived in shabby chic-ness!  Thanks to Arty- Drew, Brendan, and Brian and anyone else who had a hand in that.

When we lost Danny to Thailand in the last few days, we really missed him being around.  His work on this film as the DP was brilliant and he is just one of the most fun and inspiring people to be around.  I hope he is being covered in Thai kisses!  And I don't think I have ever seen anyone as professional and focused as Johnny Rice (except when he says "Fuck me!" that was SOOO inappropriate!)  ha!  Johnny:  it's always been you. 

But the two people who I have to say really got me through everything are Christian and Mike.  I hope I never lose the image of Christian grabbing this film by the balls but still drinking Pedialyte the entire time!  He certainly did not let Mike and I step on toes this last go around, and Thank Goodness because his vision is superb!  And there is no one on EARTH that could have been a better Tom for my Marlo.  I'm forever grateful for Mike because of how talented and just how nice of a guy he is!  He blew me away with his performance and is still so down to earth and I felt totally comfortable and safe that he had my back.

And now I'm back to waiting tables in New York and I can't say the past few days haven't been depressing!  I miss getting to set around 5pm and working through the night.  I miss seeing everyones faces and feeling that energy of:  we've got something special here!  But hopefully this is just the beginning!  I'll see you all at the first screening!

Hello friends.

Ed Sanchez posted a blog for Tom and Marlo. And be sure to congratulate him on his new script- Seventh Moon!

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=100624894&blogID=242122773&MyToken=55fa094b-61cd-4c99-9e80-700852f4b2fd

Hey folks.

Perfectly miserable morning. Dropped off Ted at the airport just now. Ted was our PA/Swing grip/set buddy. He's also a Naval Aviator (Lt. Commander). He's also one of my closest- if not the closest- friend that I have. And he's one of the greatest people that I have ever known. If you had the privilege to get to know him onset or at the wrap party, you know exactly what I mean. He is one of the most generous and loyal people you will ever meet.

AND he's headed into some really ugly shit. In a few weeks he'll be going to Iraq and will remain there for the next several months. He'll be flying in and out of Baghdad with a dangerous frequency. And it is a source of increasing anxiety for him and his family.

Cut to the point- I have placed Ted at the top of our myspace list (under "Chachi" which is his aviator call sign) where he will remain until his safe return in July. If you haven't already done so, maybe you might consider adding him to your friends list? You can keep in touch with him and- as the time comes and he heads off to duty, we can drop him a line periodically and let him know he's in our thoughts.  

He had a blast on the set and loved working with everyone (if any of you have any inkling of what military life is like you can only imagine what it's like to hang out with us nutjobs). We were both laughing about his fondest memories- Ed using the "Book of Song" during Karaoke and doing the "Interlude Dance", the everpresent onset chorus of  "It's my dick in a box!" and a dozen conversations he had with Danny, Mikey, Matt and everyone else. 

Anyhow- life is pretty tedious when he's out on duty. The internet can be a godsend and- short of the telephone- the only really solid way to keep in touch with the folks back home. When we start up in April/ May we can post pictures and send them to the little bald headed motherfucker and let him know we wish he was here with us.

This is what I deal with on a daily basis. All I wanna do is make a movie about falling in love.

<< Hey Christian,
As you know we had some trouble with the P2 cards and file importation on
this shoot.  Final Cut was bringing certain random clips in at bizarre frame
rates.  We couldn't track down the issue. I was trying to re-import some of the problem files on my G5-so far I've been able to successfully import 5 problem files. Different reels, different days. Big thanks to Jethro for suggesting that we keep the original MXF files from the P2 cards.  Because of this, I believe we'll be able to recover everything.  Cross your fingers. I updated to QT 7.1.5.  Then in FCP I told the P2 import preference, NOT TO REMOVE FRAMES or ADVANCED PULLDOWN.  We did this during the shoot, but it had no effect.  I selected this option on the actual problem clip in the browser.  As well as the global preferences in the P2 import window.  The second try brought the clip in correctly.  Maybe it's related to QT 7.1.5.  I'll try on an non-updated QT computer tomorrow. Either way, it seems saving the camera original file was a wise move.

Thanks

Chris >>

Aaaand that's a wrap on Act Two.We're one third of the way towards a feature. And a hardcore battle lies ahead in May. But in the meantime-

- With great aplomb this motley mix of pixies and vulgarians wrapped on Act Two. It was quite a week.

Everyday I'd stumble out of bed and one by one the members of the Family would trickle in and start making breakfast. There'd be a group of tired movie folk sitting at the dining room table sipping coffee and munching on bagels. These are people I've known for years. Fellow artists who I've worked side by side with on god knows how many projects. It was a great thing to have around. Really comfortable and inspiring.Yeah I'm definitely gonna miss that.

You get older in life and you start to gain an immediate sense of when a quintessential moment is passing you by. I think it stems from a thousand second guesses and self doubts- but suddenly you realize you have the ability to see when the Universe is temporarily aligned with what you're trying to achieve with your life. This whole week has been like that.

I'm feeling really terrific. And it's not a sense of accomplishment so much as it is a comfortable sense of gratitude. This crew has reinforced to me what it is to have support, to have people believing in you and helping you to see a vision. It's great to be reminded of what it's like to have true friends. I needed that and I am so grateful for it. Thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you so much.

"Back to one".

One scene short of having the film in the can. Not too shabby huh.

But we are probably overbudget

Woke up tired and barfy- it's been a heck of a week and my body still isn't used to it. I was sick to my stomach most of the day. And I'm certainly feeling some exhaustion. I have no idea how Dirty Sanchez did this for 6 weeks during Altered.

Added is a nice pic of our crue- taken at wrap time- and even though I'm tired I still can't get over the good fortune of having these people here. My focus and energy are shot- I expected that- but  Everybody really works hard to keep things on track and- I can only imagine that my actors are exhausted. They are phenomenal- I've said it a thousand times- but these last two days have been excrutiating. The flip is, the fun stuff lies ahead. For them at least.

We ended the day with our ending shot- all I can tell you is that my film is ending with a sunrise and lots of water. We used sunset (looks great) in lieu of early rising and we got some really great shots off. A dozen white ibises flew throiugh the background of a closeup and -ten minutes later- another flock flew through our master. Pretty awesome stuff.

Anyhow- the crew just left for a well earned night out. I'd join them but I'm falling asleep in my chair (seriously). I hope they have a good time together.

Tomorrow marks our final assault in Act Two...

Til then...

So how's that for a movie poster? We shot an intesting exchange in the doorway and as we're shooting Bremer gets all excited and calls for a stills camera. He was spot on. It's definitely in the running. Anyhoo

A COMPLETELY kick ass day. We started an hour late and finished an hour and a half early. Ever heard of that on a film set?

Yeah that's right. This is the most amazing crew ever assembled.

Some rough scenes that the actors slogged through beautifully. We had scheduling issues, standard film production stuff- and we had to shoot half a scene in the beginning part of the day and then go back to it later. There are definitely some concerns- but we use good old fashioned ambiguity (read: blind faith) to struggle through them.

At risk of sounding full o' silly sentiment I can't help but just fawn over this amazing group of people that Bremer and I have assembled. I turn around on set and see Brigan Gresh, another time it'll be Ed Sanchez, and Erin Searcy, and Ted and Danny and so on. They make me feel confident. Just really wonderful souls all around.

And I am in awe and adoration of my two actors, Moski and Mikey.

Yeah, all victory is fleeting. But let me bask. All the rough stuff still lies ahead and it'll be an enormous challenge- but we're ready for it. It'll rear its ugly head and we'll resist it with everything we have.

I'm so proud of this production. Thank you all so much.

Day One and FOUR hours of footage. That means one third of the time we were rolling and that's pretty incredible.

We have no 1st AD- nor do we need one. The crew took all of five minutes to get into the groove and we dove straight into it. Our objective- shooting a feature film- is all that was on our minds. The actors are incredible. There is a level of focus and intensity that you only see in true professionals. The script is a highly charged emotional tour de force and they're able to sustain the tone and energy that'll be required to knock out the script.

I am a terrible person. I rewrote the entire act several times over- it's completely different now- but it doesn't cease to amaze me how Erin and Mike (and Brig!) are able to cut to the bare bones and find the exact beats that need a stimulus. Of course, the rewrites are stressing them out to no end. Which is fine because it works for what they're trying to do. I just hope we'll still be freinds at the weeks end.

Yeah, the Family is pretty darn formidible.

I feel relaxed and confident- tired, as I'm sure my phlegmatic writing indicates. And I'm not worried about jinxing the film with my positive appreciation because I know that no matter what we'll trip and fall and that rough times lie ahead in the remaining week.

But if something like that we're to happen, this is the crew that you'd want it to happen with. We'll be just fine.

I hope I can keep up with this journal but I might have to catch up on sleep or decompress. We'll be posting pictures soon. Until then all I can say-

-thank you everyone involved from the bottom of my heart for being here with me.

Xian

A week and a day until filming and dammit if I'm not feeling completely at ease.

Strange innit? It's actually more of a concern than a boast. I'm hoping I'm not taking the incoming chaos too lightly. But I think that's the sole trait of a film industry professional. No matter how big things are, everything will work out. Always does. Expect the chaos. Minimalize the impact.

It was a busy and exhausting weekend. Saturday started out with Producer Bremer and Johnny Rice heading over to my house to scout and prep and- although they are fine gentlemen and good friends- I have this thing about people getting into my stuff. I had prior obligations at Boone High School in Orlando where a motley group of students are prepping a stage for Godspell. Tiffany- my good pal and casting gal- runs the drama department there, and we've been working on the stage for nearly a month of Saturdays. After this initial Act 2 shoot I will be tossing a whole chuckwagon of stuff at her so it's important for me to "render unto Bon Bons what is hers".  Tiff is real busy and has been carrying a lot on her shoulders with the drama department so I'm happy to help. Not to mention the fact that she choreographed a staged reading of the script for today.

So back to yesterday- I left Boone in the afterlunch and headed back to Casa del Chaos. Bremer and Johnny were taking off for dinner and I joined them- always great dinner compadres, these two- and then we headed back to my house for an assessment of where we're at. Bremer, as always, is apprehensive but that's why I love the guy. He lectured me briefly on being responsible, then was on his way home to sit at his computer. Thanks mom.

A good nights sleep then another crack at the script this morning. The rewrites make me nervous because I feel like I'm missing something. It keeps evolving and we're a bit too close to filming for that to be happening. There is such a thing as overwriting- and I've watched it happen on other projects time and again. As a writer you should always remember that there's something in the moment that's motivating you to write this. Whatever that is, it's usually absent during the rewrites. And if you lose it, it can be highly detrimental to the storyline.

So Tiff shows up with a pair of actors to do a timed read through. We block the script and then Brigan Gresh arrives. Brigan estimates that this portion of the script runs at 29 minutes. We do a staged reading and come up with 23. Brigan feels that's way to short and I'm inclined to give her the benefit. The timing will change anyway, as Mike and Erin come in and make acting choices, some of which will cut the scene down, and some of which will lengthen it.

Afterwards Tiff and actors take off to host her Oscar Party (which I will regrettably miss because I have shite to do) and Brigan and I sit down to discuss the script.

At risk of sounding overly complimentary I have to marvel at what Brig brings to the film.  Her analysis is incisive and detailed, to the point where I was looking at the script in a whole new light (a very "oh shit" kind of light). Brigan points out some fundamental flaws- overuse of words and terms, and character motivation- that are dead-on. We look at Marlo's monologue- which is a fiery one page rampage- and Brigan points me towards a few serious flaws in  the reasoning. And yes I'm saying "oh shit"- but it's also a week before we shoot and I have time to address the issues. God forbid the film is in the can when I discover all this.

Our conversation turns towards a very pleasant discussion about the director/script supv. relationship (a very underrated relationship by many directors) and then Brigan is off to return to work on her other film, a major feature that's underway in the local area. (And yes, she'll be leaving it to work on Tom and Marlo! Love that girl.)

A few hours later Chris Bremer arrives to deliver my altered Mac. He's downloaded Final Cut Pro and a few other essentials onto it. Chris is feeling a lot more apprehension than I am. Understandably so as he's juggling about four other jobs. We have12 days of shite ahead- and I feel we're on the right track- but Chris- as a producer- is carrying a tremendous load as he wants to give me my creative freedom. That's awesome and I'm grateful for it- but I don't want him sick for the shoot so I try to lighten it. We decide we'll bring in a few PA.s this week to help him out. It'll be a good rewarding opportunity for them (if you know anyone who might be interested send them to this myspace.) and it's a paid gig.

Chris feels better and drives off. I try and gather my head from a busy weekend. And here I am now, typing on myspace with a bottle of Pinot Noir and hummus with chips. I hope Scorsese wins tonight.

And there you have the weekend.

Tomorrow has a sense of chaos to it. I think this might be the last night I will have my wits about me.

And here we are… the Tom and Marlo Family. 

Here is a dream team of industry professionals, the best people I know, in both skill and spirit, and they're excited about getting together and helping me with this little project. There will be more folks, but this is the core group. And it doesn't get better than this. Thus-

Introductions are in order. Here we are…   

1. Erin "MOSKI" Muroski  (Marlo) You may not know this but Muroski is the "Little Red Haired Girl" that Charlie Brown has been trying to tap all these years. Can you blame him? She's sharp and talented, a phenomenal actress with an incisive focus and energy, and I'm proud to have her as my main girl. And by the by, I will reiterate that we would probably not be here were it not for her. An impromptu lunch back in September- where I gave her a 30 page script- sort of parlayed into this monstrosity we have before us today.

2. Mike "ACT LIKE YOU MEAN IT" Williams (Tom) I have worked with Mike a couple of times and I have to say- he's a really terrific guy. Everybody thinks so. A couple of industry professionals really pushed him for this project and when we brought him down we were immediately taken with him. When someone has this kind of reputation you know you'll be in good hands. Mike n' Moski had immediate chemistry- especially when they're yelling at each other. Be sure to check out his website at mcwactingstudio.com.

3. Ed "DIRTY" Sanchez (Craft Services) This will be Ed's first time on a film set where he wasn't completely in charge. It is important for all of us to be very patient with him as he tries to familiarize himself with the complex equipment. It is equally important for all of you to have your snack preferences ready for him every morning. Otherwise he will be setting out a dish of hard candy. Thanks for being here Ed..

4. Brigan "BRIG" Gresh (Script Superviser) A familiar and much adored friend. I am so happy to have her on board. Her presence always has such a warm and calming influence on us all. In spite of the insane plethora of details she's keeping on every aspect of the film. Brigan is simply one of those people that you're drawn to because of her heart and soul. A rare thing, regardless of what you might believe. And the consummate professional.

5. Johnny "RICE-A-RONI" Rice (Grip) One of the most relentless and terrifying people you will ever meet. Johnny is a great filmmaker, one of the best I've ever seen at work, and- as an artist- his vision and tastes are 100% non-negotiable. You gotta respect that. An incredibly resourceful and honest guy, Johnny's a real Spartan in an often mislead and indulgent medium. And a true and loyal friend. Glad to have him here.

(*) means I haven't come up with a nickname for you yet. 

6. Danny Aguar* (Director of Photography) I met the legendary Mr. Aguar on the set of Johnny's film. You may know him from the industry trades ads "For Your Consideration- Best Supporting Actor- Small Hours". Danny comes with a sterling recommendation from virtually every filmmaker I know that he's worked with. And like Brigan, we look forward to the Zen solace that Danny always brings onto set with him- all the while doing a very difficult job.

7. Erin "FAIR SHREW" Searcy (Set Decorator) has patiently been dealing with my creative excesses, my emotional tantrums and my tyrannical requests. And that was when we were involved back in the mid nineties! Today Erin is a grade school art teacher, and an accomplished painter. She's also quite large- I mention this to her periodically and she claims she's pregnant- but she's been saying that for nearly seven months now.

8. Jethro Senger* (sound) I've worked with Jethro on a lot of projects and have known him for well over a decade- all the way back to the early days of film school. All I remember is being over at his house and watching him build a car in his garage PIECE BY PIECE because "it was interesting". Jethro is a killer mechanic and- when it comes to 'film sound'- he's one of the most experienced and storied professionals in Florida.  We're glad to have him.

9. Brian James* (boom operator) I have no idea who Brian is but if he has Jethro's endorsement, rest assured he's no slouch. More on Brian later. Welcome aboard Brian.

10. Shannon "SHAYLAY" Lacek  (line producer 'in the wings') Shannon is the latest addition to our Tom and Marlo Family. Shannon will be making sporadic appearances over the first shoot because she claims to have some "Florida Film Festival" thing that she has to oversee. Fair enough. We'll look forward to Shannon and her well honed talents to join us after the FFF wraps. Glad to have you onboard.

11. Ted "CHACHI" Coutchavlis- (Swing Grip) Ted is an aviator in the United States Navy. When he's not being reprimanded for calling the Bosnians "a bunch of Mongols" on the cover of USA Today (where he was being lauded as a hero- true story) Ted patrols the icy waters of Kailua, Hawaii. Ted and I have been pals since we were kids and he's worked with me on several films. Be sure to ask him how he got the call sign "Chachi"! Thanks for all your help pal.

12. Tiffany "BON BONS" Weagly- (Casting) Tiffany has jumped into the fray at a few crucial points throughout preproduction. She has an interest, an eye, and a talent for casting and- although we don't get to see her much because she has this day job as a high school drama teacher- we will definitely be seeing quite a bit more of her when we move on to Act One. We can't wait.

13. Corrine "THE ALCHEMIST" Gammichia and Samantha Schulze- (Hair and Make-Up) It's a privilege to have my friend Corrine and her Arsenal of Alchemy getting involved in Tom and Marlo. We're looking forward to seeing their awesome work which- if the salon is any indication- will be mind blowing. Samantha can't wait to do some blood and viscera. I'm going to add a zombie intestine scene just for her.

14. Brendan "THE FILM CUB" Hickey- (Artdog/ Production Assistant) Brendan is an enthusiastic addition to our team. Although this young whelp is a relative newcomer to the film set, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of film history and can give any of us a run for the money. He's a creative little fucker as well. And he knows his shit when it comes to installing French doors. Brendan will also be directing, D.P.ing, gaffing, and playing the role of Marlo in the event of illness or potty breaks.  

15. Chris "COCO VILLAGE" Bremer (Producer) has called me many rude things including "crass", "appalling", "insane", and "mind boggling". Those last three were all in the same conversation, about three hours before I flew out to London for New Years Eve. ( Johnny Rice said that he'd never "heard Chris so angry").  I was very hurt by what he said until I witnessed him use the term "crack monkey" and I realized it was all just because of my ethnicity.  I got Chris a Lightsaber for Christmas and he got me nothing. And he has open access to my bank account and I'm afraid to check it. Chris reminds me of Jim Caviezel in the 'Passion of the Christ'- especially the flagellation scene- remember when the whip gets stuck in Jesus' side? Chris makes faces like that whenever I have a meeting with him. In all seriousness, it has been difficult for you and I am sorry. But I would not be here without you and I am fortunate to have you so diligently mired in my project. Our project. Thank you my friend.

A long time ago, in the early days of 'Altered', Ed and I had lunch at the Samba Room and he said to me "I feel pressured because I see everyone working on my film… and I just can't let them down." 

I have that feeling right now.

Ed didn't let his people down. Nor will I.

You can count on that.