Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Here’s an early peek at new posters for the Orpheum premiere. They will go to the printer in the next few days, then prepare to see them EVERYWHERE. Hopefully.
Otherwise, sound designer Sergio and I have run into a few small compatibility problems in our work flows. Mainly, I can’t export the correct files from Final Cut Pro that he needs to do his audio mixing work. (If this doesn’t make your head hurt, here are the details: I can’t export an OMF file from FCP with timecode intact and unflattened audio because the file exceeds 2G, which is “unsupported.” I tried exporting the whole timeline as a Quicktime file then re-exporting that as an OMF file, which worked but the tracks came over as AIF, not WAV files, and everything was flattened instead of being separated into its own waveforms — dialogue, music, sound F/X, etc.) Geez, that made my own head hurt just saying all that.
Arrrgh. Technology bites me in the ass every time. But we’re working on it, and I think we’ll have a solution soon. It doesn’t help that he’s in Lawrence, I’m in Wichita and that he leaves for New Mexico soon, but we’ll get it, dammit!
Promotion-wise, I’m slowly revamping the Harmy site, and have uploaded a new trailer to YouTube (but I’m still not happy with the quality, gotta do more research there now, too), as well as refining the posters. Need to design some T-shirts, too, and get those ordered. There’s just not enough time in the day! A guy’s gotta see “Lost,” ya know?
Plus I was head dancer at a powwow last weekend, and I’m still sore! I was literally dancing all day, and I’m just not in shape for that. I’m not in shape to stand all day, much less dance.
Anyway, things are moving along, one way or another. So, onward!
-r.
Posted in The Dead Can't Dance, Writing, acting, postproduction | 1 Comment »
Sunday, November 8th, 2009
Editing is going great. I’m an hour into the film now, and really happy with how most of it is coming together.
I jammed last week, working on all night on the movie, sleeping for a while, going to work, then coming home to do it all over again. But I absolutely love it.
This is when all the hard work of shooting pays off. This is when it finally — FINALLY — starts to look like a movie. It’s flowing pretty well, and I particularly spent a lot of time editing the zombie sequences.
First it took me a awhile to pick the music I wanted, because that affects how it will cut together. And anything goes here. Slow-motion, dissolves, jump cuts, it doesn’t have to be real time, so it was a blast editing that stuff together. One sequence in particular is awesome, a long shot with Guy and Randall running through a hallway of zombies. That one shot took us about 8 hours to get, from lighting through blocking and then final takes. It lasts about 30 seconds.
The entire sequence is longer than that, of course, because it cuts nicely with other shots that worked fabulously. I can’t wait to share this with people. It’s going to be cool.
And so far, I love the tone of it all. I’ll need to look at it overall when I have everything laid down for pacing, and I know I’ll have to tighten up the beginning a little, but this is going to have a cool, hyper-realistic tone about it. Almost gothic, kind of like a comic book. I love it.
Audio will take a lot of work, and we knew it would. We tried our best, but there were just things out of our control (trains, planes, people driving by). Hopefully we can clean it up, but that’s a whole different phase (and one I’m secretly dreading, but it’ll come much later).
The performances, also, are great. It’s really weird watching myself, though. My character is such a high-strung control freak. Not saying that I’m not like that in real life, but, hey…
So I’ll tackle more editing this week, as well. On tangent stuff, we held callbacks for the radio announcer part on Saturday, and think we may have it cast after we get two more people to read, and we’ll meet with someone this week to get work started on the title sequence. And 2nd A.D. Craig is busy rounding up more CDs from local bands who want to submit. We want to use as much local talent as possible.
Today I’ve been cleaning and doing mountains of laundry, just trying to get caught up on life in general. I miss everyone. I haven’t seen much of my family lately, or anyone really. I haven’t seen my nephew TJ or my nieces since the wrap party. I miss them.
But all in due time, slowly it feels like I’m able to catch my breath. but with an impending festival deadline, it looks like I won’t really get to slow down until December. Oh my gosh — DECEMBER??!! When did this happen?
Better get back to work, then. I have to fold my socks. And by fold, I mean dump into a drawer.
Have a good week,
-r.
Posted in Inspiration, Picture editing, The Dead Can't Dance, acting, postproduction, zombies | No Comments »
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
We’re back from two days in Blackburn, Oklahoma, and it was a success! Not without its troubles, though.
But the first day was fantastic, and really a lot of fun. We rounded everyone up early, and our set photog Marcus even came by and spend the night before so he could be there ready to go in the morning. I got up about 8 a.m. after staying up late preparing stuff and going over final checklists.
Ann and Randall came by, and we had to print off a fake “girly mag” that Randall had designed as a prop, but it was a small delay. The sucky thing was that over the night, Randall was starting to feel sick. But we printed off the mag (and Jerod was running late, he overslept). Then we went to pick him up and were on the road. Guy left earlier to pick up Daniel, and Megan and Loni had coordinated on their own and were off, too.
Jerod rode with me, and we got to spend time talking, and then he went back to cleaning the lens adapter as we got closer (it was about a 2 1/2 our drive). The Letus lens adapter was still giving us problems, but his good friend rewired it for us after it broke, and we had it back in working condition.
We stopped in Pawnee to grab some lunch, then made the short trek to Blackburn. And like I said earlier, there’s no reason to go to this town unless that is your ultimate destination. But it’s a cool little place, and a pretty little town with a little rundown downtown-type area, where the quik stop store sat that we would use.
Once we got there, Jerod said, “This is perfect.” Then he set to work readying the lens adapter while I went in to talk to the owner of the store, Billye Denny.
She was gone when I visited the town earlier, but we had talked on the phone several times, and she seemed so incredibly nice. And she really was just a sweet lady, and just let us have full reign over the place, moving things around, using her electricity, everything. And the town’s mayor, Phil, was there to greet us (he had shown me around before).
I scoped out the place and mapped out in my head how I wanted things to play out (I couldn’t really do a complete shot list, because I didn’t really know the logistics of the location in detail).
Amazingly, we all got there at about the same time. We set things up while Jerod did final clean-up on the camera, and we were at last rolling the first scene, which was with Randall, who by now was not feeling well at all. Poor guy.
But he was such a trouper. It was only a shot scene, that we did with the dolly track, but he knocked it out then went to sleep in the car.
After that, we did interior store stuff with me and Guy, and got some great stuff (there’s a great scene with Ann as a dead extra, very funny).
We freed up Ann around 6:30 so she could hit the grill and make hot dogs for the crew while the rest of us finished up with some detail stuff and close-ups. Then we broke for dinner and needed to get two more quick scenes with my after dark in the store.
Jerod and Daniel set lights, then we rolled. And it looks awesome. Again, it was such a perfect place, and it took forever to find the location that was just right, but this worked out beautifully.
We wrapped about 9, as Billye graciously waited for us then locked up the place as we packed up. We told her good night then headed to another nearby town, Cleveland, where we would be staying. I had wanted to stay in Pawnee, but the only motel was full with construction crews staying there.
Earlier, I told Ann to take Randall on in so he could crash, and she called several times, but I missed the calls (a wrong number on the credit card I read over the phone), but we finally got it squared away.
We had four rooms. One for Randall and Ann, one for Megan and Loni, then two for the rest of the guys. We finally got all settled about 10 p.m., then watched the footage, and then the others went to play cards and hangout while I went over the next day’s scenes.
But it was really a blast, like we were in summer camp or something. Again, a really amazing group of people that are my crew, and we’ve all become such great friends. It just makes everything even better.
The only down side was that TJ had to stay late because of work and was driving my car down to meet us — but hadn’t shown up yet, and his phone didn’t work in Oklahoma. I was getting pretty worried.
But then Guy and Jerod ran into the store, and TJ called Guy right while they were in town (our motel was just on the edge of town). Truly amazing timing.
So TJ got there safe and sound, and everything was good. But I was exhausted. I went to bed as the other guys stayed up a bit in the other room. Maybe was too tired, though, because it was a weird sleep. I kept waking up. And then eventually got up about 8 a.m. to take a shower and get everyone moving.
To my complete amazement, everyone else was already up and showering and getting ready. And Ann said that Randall was still feeling bad, but now was all congested. That sucked, because this was Randall’s big acting day.
And the day was gorgeous. A little cool, but pretty and clear. We made the trek to Blackburn, got set up and knocked out the first scene, while Randall slept in the car.
Then we were ready for his scene. And although I had trimmed it down, it was still going to be a long scene to get through, and I was somewhat dreading it, in a way. It was just driving me crazy also being in the scene and not being able to watch it play out, but the blocking was simple, so that was good. We just had to make sure that we had it covered from enough different angles that it would cut together well and not be too static.
But then the weather changed. Suddenly, the wind picked up and clouds rolled in. Then we could see impending rain, and Loni informed us we probably had a good 2 hours — tops. Dammit. That really sucked, and added pressure onto everything, and we still had a lot of dialogue to get through.
But we kept at it and went as long as we could and dealt with the changing lighting situations — until it did start to pour. And my heart sank. I honestly didn’t know what we would do if we weren’t going to be able to finished the scene. Randall was really sick now, Ann was starting to feel sick and went to lay in the car. For some reason, maybe word got out, traffic was really heavy with people driving by trying to take a look at what we’re doing, random dogs kept getting into the shots, and now rain. AND, as Guy was trying to put away some chairs, he spilled pop all over the front of his shirt. So now there was a big, brown stain right smack dab on his tummy. And the rain kept rolling in. I thought my head was going to explode.
But eventually the rain did stop for a bit, as wiped everything down to not look wet, and we were able to get a little bit more done before it started raining again.
But things looked fairly well on the horizon, with some lights skies ahead, so we just waited. We hit it again when we were able to, and somehow — incredibly — got through the scene.
I think I would have liked to have gotten a little more coverage, of course, but I think we had enough to make it work, because now, at this point, we were also light rapidly. But we wrapped and began to strike everything and pack as Jerod continued on getting some cutaways and B-roll stuff.
Finally, we were all done at about 8 p.m. Not bad in the overall scheme of things. But it was a hectic topsy-turvy day. But we did it. Hallelujah!
Ann, Randall and Marcus headed on back, but the rest of us stayed and ate at a Chinese place in Pawnee before hitting the road back. And we all felt triumphant, almost giddy at what we had just pulled off. It was a great meal, and a great way to end our trip. It was also somewhat bittersweet, because now Loni, Megan, Ann and Randall were now wrapped.
I crossed off the scenes we had shot during the day at the table, and we all cheered. That left only one more scene to be crossed off. Simply amazing.
We finished dinner (and, thank goodness I didn’t get it before the shoot, but my fortune cookie had no fortune in it), then we hit the road home.
It was another great adventure in this long adventure that has been this movie. I just can’t put into words how grateful I am for everyone’s commitment, passion and talent. It floors me.
So, now, one more shooting day left with just me, TJ, Guy and Jerod — all interior car stuff, hopefully on Saturday if the weather holds out. And then: PARTY!!
To be followed by lots of post-production, of course. But it’s all great.
Who needs a fortune in their cookie, anyway? I’m writing my own,
-r.
Posted in Inspiration, The Dead Can't Dance, Uncategorized, acting, production | No Comments »
Thursday, September 24th, 2009
On Wednesday, we finally were able to get the final scene with Stupid, the good zombie, played by my dear friend Wade Hampton. So I’m pleased as punch to announce that WADE HAMPTON IS WRAPPED on “The Dead Can’t Dance.” (The pic is from the Independent School shoot, which seems like years ago.)
And as we get closer to wrapping up principal photography, things are getting emotional for me. Believe me, I want to wrap this baby up for good, but I also hate to see it end, in a way. We’ve all become such a filmmaking family, getting to know each others’ quirks, strengths and personalities. I’ve had the very good fortune of stumbling onto an amazing crew and I hope the friendships we’ve developed keep growing.
Especially with Sir Christopher and his family, whose farm near Udall is where we shot all our exterior road scenes. We are now wrapped at that location, as well, and I hated to see it end, just because he and his family are such great, warm, inviting, gracious people. Making this film has certainly been an adventure, but what has made it great is all the people we have come to know and work with, all sharing in the same pursuit: to make a movie and tell a story.
On Sunday, we’ll get an interior car scene done, then on Tuesday we’ll get a quick bar exterior scene. Then on Oct. 6 and 7, we’ll travel to Oklahoma to get the Quik Stop scenes. And then, lo and behold, we will be done!
I just can’t believe it. I’m excited and overwhelmed at the next stage, too, though. This is going to take a LOT of post work, but I think I’ll really enjoy it. This is the phase I love, where it starts forming the actual movie. Then there’s lots of audio and foley work to be done as well as digital effects. Just another phase of the adventure, and it’ll be great.
For now, I’ll enjoy the few shooting days we have left, and focus on organizing a wrap party. And I need to set up some photo galleries and cut a trailer in the very near future.
I have a line in the movie, where I tell Stupid, “So long, buddy.” I really hate to be done with him. But I love that we are, too.
Dancing to the finish line,
-r.
Posted in Inspiration, Picture editing, The Dead Can't Dance, Writing, acting, postproduction, production, title sequence, zombies | No Comments »
Monday, July 27th, 2009
Sunday’s shoot at the abandoned airport in Yoder went great!
It was pretty hot, but not as bad as it could have been for a Kansas summer day. Everyone found the airport with relatively little trouble, and the vibe was good despite the heat.
Our friend Jeremy and his Marine buddies absolutely rocked. They really came through and added a fierce credibility to the scene. They were really game, took it all very serious, and patiently waited while we set up stuff. Really a great group of guys.
My beautiful nieces Ashley and Allie, TJ’s girlfriend Tasha, bro Mark and our great friends James and Lacey and their kids were Native extras, and we threw our friend/crew member Sam into the mix, as well, and our friend Josh. And wonderful Synamon was willing to lay on then hot pavement as a zombie that tried to advance and got shot. Really, just a fantastic shoot.
The only factor, again, was time. We were working with a very fast-setting sun, which made it hectic but made us be focused, and we didn’t get one more scene that I really would have liked to get. But we’ll add it in later. At some point.
Today we move back to Oaklawn for one quick scene that we’ll shoot at sunset (again, it will be hectic to get through it quickly), then tomorrow we’ll be at the Mark’s office to shoot the new ending, which takes place in a hospital hallway. Should be great.
Our home base camp. Yeah, it was as hot as Loni makes it look.
The crew sets up for the first shot of the day.
The awesome told control tower at the airport. The place was perfect.
The Marines wait patiently. There were five of them: two Jeremys, two Jasons and Eric.
A Marine aims at incoming zombie.
Marines all set for the scene.
Wonderful Synamon endured basically just laying on the hot concrete for hours as a dead zombie. But it really added a nice touch to the scene.
After we got her in position, and Megan poured the fake blood around her, Jeremy said, “Do you care if I chew my guys out now?”
I said, “Why?”
He said, “For letting a zombie get this close before they shoot it.”
Funny!
We started out with tripod stuff to get details of the Marines scoping out the territory, then we moved to handheld once the survivors show up, and there’s a great, long take with Jerod following the Marine to Guy and TJ and James as he questions them, then says as the survivors walk past him and “into” the building (they didn’t actually go inside, too unsafe). Again, I love these kinds of shots, because I think it puts the viewer even further into the action, makes it more urgent, more real. It’s tough because everyone has to be “on,” stay in character, don’t look at the camera. And Jeremy did great, especially with no prior acting experience.
One scene closer to being done. Slowly but surely. Awesome job, crew! Thank you, thank you, powers that be.
-r.
Posted in The Dead Can't Dance, acting, zombies | No Comments »
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
The Golden Globe Awards are probably considered to be “Oscars Lite.” They’re held by a group of journalists, the Foreign Press Association, and they often seem to nominate (and choose winners) based on star power (though they also at times refreshingly give “underdogs” a chance, those who should win but don’t stand a chance in the “real” races).
Well, the Golden Globe nominations were announced today, and it kinda sucks that Adam Beach did not receive a nomination for best supporting actor (those that did are household names: Ben Affleck, Eddie Murphy, Jack Nicholson, Brad Pitt, Mark Wahlberg). And while the Globes are generally perceived as a precursor to the Oscars, all hope is not lost (for instance, Keisha Castle Hughes’ best actress Oscar nom — at age 14 — for “Whale Rider” came out of nowhere a coupla years back).
“Flags Of Our Fathers” did receive several other Globe noms, including best director for Clint Eastwood (he in fact received two director noms, one for “Fathers” and its companion piece, “Letters from Iwo Jima“).
And in other cool news, Maggie Gyllenhaal received a best actress nom for the title role in my friend’s film, “Sherrybaby.” Very nice.
But Adam is still considered a front runner for an Oscar nom, and the requisite Hollywood trades are plastering his name all over the place in “For Your Consideration” ads. So, Beach could triumph yet.
I know, I know. No one gives diddly squat about this. But I just want another Native actor to be recognized. It’ s no easy feat in the mainstream media — almost like Adam represents all of us struggling to be heard. So we’ll take all we can get — and be proud of those who break through.
Hang in there, man. It’ll happen,
-r.
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