"Everybody loves a parade..."

...and other news.

This weekend of the shoot had to be a highlight for heaviest workload; and for wild, wacky happenings. It was kind of a treat; I'll say it, that for the first 10 hours of the Saturday shoot; I played the role of actor. I mostly sat around; having makeup applied, and then went in for the climactic fight scene. Well, it's not technically the REAL climax, but it's close. Let's just say it's the climax for my character. Work for you? Great. After a bit of makeup by effects maestro Michelle Maynard (I will be adding a link to her site soon), we were ready for the fight choreography to begin. Handsome Greg Larson was the go-to man for the extremely physical violence we were about to learn. We ran through the entire scene; and then worked it bit by bit. Then, when Kate (leading lady Leah Myette) and I were comfortable, we began our takes. I felt empowered by the whole ordeal and was able to lose control (in the safest possible way) for the bat swings and choking. Poor Steve (my character) endured a kick to the groin, a thumb to the eye and an impact on the neck via the windowsill. I felt super great about all we were doing, and thanked my lucky stars that I had done plenty of stretching that morning. It had been a long time since I had had such a strenuous workout. I did receive an elbow to my lower lip, and some substantial bruising on my knees, but it was all in the name of art. (Jesus, I better hustle if I want to get all of this out; bedtime fast approacheth.)

I then had a short break after all of this; only to return from the dead and be killed a second time. During the break, I overheard director David explaining to Kate (leading lady Leah Myette) that it was a David vs. Goliath bit; between Steve and Kate. Me, a Goliath? Thank you director David. In all my life; I've never felt like a man of strength or power. I still see myself as that skinny little nerd from days gone by; despite my gut and other flabby areas. It made me feel good. After annoying most of the crew w/ questions about my possible menacing qualities; I felt better; and believed that I had accomplished my goal. So...

Next up on the agenda; half of a knife attached to a metal plate; then wrapped around my body; just under the nipples; with gauze. Once my costume top (gray wife-beater) was put over it; I had some lovely man-boob action happening. The contraption was quite solid, and the illusion was complete. We shot the moment of me hitting Robyn (other lead Kathryn; Jesus I don't know her last name; but I don't love her any less) in the hand w/ a meat cleaver and Kate charging me with a knife. I then fell to the ground; convulsed uncontrollably (this was much harder than I expected it to be; so many times over and over; and with tight gauze restricting my breathing capacity). The makeup for my second appearance; an honest to God zombie; was equally as disturbing as my brilliant performance. :) I did have a stand in for the first part; when my head hits the windowsill. A dummy from special effects wiz; Michelle Maynard's bag of tricks.

This entry will NEVER end. There's simply too much to put down. And I know I'm missing half of the fun details.

Suffice to say; Saturday ended w/ me getting out of makeup and retaking my position atop the pyramid of tech crew Gods. Okay, I took over my slate position. All in all, Saturday was a 14 1/2 hour day. You read right. I was sore, exhausted and ready for a nap. I arrived home @ about midnight, had something to eat and was asleep by a bit before 1. Our call time Sunday morning? 8 am. Good Lord. What have I gotten myself into? Not that I'm not loving it, learning shit loads, and having an absolute blast with all of the cast and crew. I just keep telling myself...I'm actually making a movie. No small potatoes is it? I'm doing what I've wanted to do since I was still pissing in my pants (what since yesterday? :)

Sunday. OMG. Sunday. I have to save this adventure for another day. It's too harrowing of a story to complete now.

What are the chances of me actually completing this tale? Slim to none. But damn, the title of this entry comes from Sunday; so I have to complete it. Forgive. Onto something else. My head's about to explode.

Oh yeah, and photos to come later!