Sunday, March 14th, 2010
We’re one month out — as of yesterday — from our screening at the Orpheum on April 10, and we’re all excited. It’s getting a little bit more real every day.
I spent yesterday on the set of my good friend Wade’s music video shoot. The song is by GOODING, and the theme of the video ties into Wade’s film that he will shoot later in the summer. In the video, I play a man in a red mask and a character simply called “Cowboy.”
It was a long day but fun, and a little chilly out. But I enjoyed just being there, not having to make any decisions, mess with set-ups or worry about the time. It was great to just be a performer. There wasn’t much acting involved, but it was great.
Makes me want to get my wheels turning on another screenplay, and we’ve got several ideas in development. Just gotta focus on one and get to writing.
But there’s more publicity work to be done for our screening. More posters and flyers this week, sending out press releases, etc. It’s going to kick into high gear here really fast. I’m just going to enjoy the ride. I think we’re going to have a really great screening.
Onward!
-r.
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Sunday, October 18th, 2009
It is indeed a pleasure to say that. We officially called it yesterday at 5:20 p.m., after we got the last scene out on the road by the windfarm near Beaumont. Again, we were fighting the clock, as Jerod had to shoot a basketball game at 6, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s been a tremendous journey, through ups and downs, much stress but also much, much joy. It’s an amazing feat that we did it. It took over the course of four months, but we got it. Hallelujah.
I tallied things up. We logged more than 1,000 miles traveling to locations — and that’s probably on the modest side (and that’s not including location scouting), used almost 200 extras and shot 35 hours of footage. Oh, and went through about 10 huge containers of cheese balls (there were always cheese balls on set).
I know I say this a lot, but I simply cannot believe it. And I have my incredible cast and crew to thank for it. They worked through some 16-hour days, troubled locations, frustrating circumstances, failing equipment, little sleep, strenuous action and just about every weather condition imaginable — extreme cold, excessive heat, wind and rain. And it seemed every outdoor shoot was fighting an ever-impending setting sun.
Several times throughout all of it, I kept asking myself, “What have I gotten myself into? Why did I possibly think I could do this?” And yet, somehow, I drudged on.
When I used to run 6 miles a day, I remember being so tired that I just wanted to stop, lay down and curl up. I often felt that way during this shoot. But I kept going another lap on the track, imagining a string attached to my chest, pulling me to the finish line, and I just let my body keep going.
Maybe that’s what I did here. Maybe I didn’t want to let everyone down. Or — most likely — I didn’t want to let myself down.
I really do love filmmaking. It’s certainly a crazy, uncontainable beast. But I love the ride.
I said the other day that I don’t really like rollercoasters anymore. That, I guess, was a complete lie.
Dancing across the finish line,
-r.
Tags: The Dead Can't Dance
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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.
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
We’re all set to hit the road bright and early to Blackburn, Oklahoma, tomorrow. And I’m pumped! Everything is loaded and ready to go. We have a nice-size crew going, too. Our fantastic art dept, Loni and Megan, Daniel on sound, set photog Marcus, then the principal actors me, Guy and Randall, and the ever wonderful Ann is going to help keep us fed. TJ has to work, but he’ll drive down later and meet us.
We don’t get to stay in Pawnee, though, which is a little disappointing, because the only motel there was full (!). The woman on the phone said that that was very untypical though, as there were a lot of construction crews in town at the moment. Darn.
But we are staying in nearby Cleveland, a little town that had 2 motels. We’re staying at the nicer of the two, ’cause that woman said the other motel doesn’t even change their sheets. Don’t know if she was just trying to keep business there, but she seemed nice and honest.
We’ll hopefully get to Blackburn by 1 or so, then start shooting and go into the night for 2 quick scenes after dark. Then we’ll come back to the town to get the big scene done on Wednesday. Weather looks like it’ll hold out, so that’s cool. A little rainy tomorrow morning, but then it should clear up.
The lady that owns the store is just so nice. Looking forward to meeting her, and to the shoot. It’s exciting to be hitting the road. Just another part of the adventure. Awesome.
Good news otherwise is that I’m done digitizing all the footage we’ve shot so far, and I’ve started work on a trailer. So I should finish that in the next week or so, then it’s on to the real editing. Can’t wait…
So, wish us luck. I hope everything works out. Good vibes, good thoughts.
Now, some REST. Nighty night,
-r.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Got another scene done with Guy and Randall last night, a bar exterior scene, and we were in and out in less than 2 hours!
But the week is flying flying by! It’s already Wednesday. I’m planning on doing some more digitizing tonight, then tomorrow morning I’m the guest speaker at a mass comm class at WSU at the crack of 9 a.m.! WOW, that’s early.
Hopefully we’ll shoot the car exterior scenes on Friday, if I can get my work done and things work out, then I really need to plan for the Oklahoma shoot in Blackburn on Tuesday and Wednesday, who’s riding with who and so on. I need to book some motel rooms, as well, and stock up on batteries, drinks and snacks. Food for those days will be a challenge, in general, so need to think about that, too.
But we should have a nice-size crew going, which is a relief! I’m really looking forward to it, I think it’ll be a lot of fun. Road trip!!
The Oklahoma film commission sent my film permit, of sorts, stating that we’ve gone through all the correct channels to film there. I tried to call the owner of the store today, but she was out, so I’ll call tomorrow. And I sent off my form for tax-free status, but I doubt we’ll get that. Waited too long. But I’ll call the Oklahoma tax office tomorrow to see if there’s any chance of getting something faxed to us.
Was hoping to re-audition for the part of the radio announcer on Saturday, but that’s just not going to happen. Brandon has found a space, though, so that’s cool.
And the looming wrap party needs to happen soon, too, before we get into other commitments and before Halloween rolls in. Then — HOLY COW — we get into November and holiday stuff. My gawsh, where has the time gone?
I’m extremely excited to tackle post-production, though. Got some exciting ideas, but it’s — naturally — going to take a LOT of work. But that’s the really fun part (minus the audio and sound design, which is a tedious pain and my least favorite part of the process).
But we’re down to three shooting days now. Crazy!
Counting down,
-r.
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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.
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