Where the Hell Have I Been?

I feel like my blog has been neglected like a red-headed stepchild...like a bastard at a family reunion (that's from 9 to 5)...well, you get the idea.

I've been working hard on stuff for the upcoming shoot. DP Clare and I had another meeting on Saturday; out in the 'burbs. We took a trip to IKEA. She needed some items for her pending move and I needed some stuff for my office space. It was a productive, if difficult day. The cold was almost too much to bear. We got our goods, then drove to a nearby Denny's for a 2 hour meeting. I've now completed my shot list. For 15 pages of script, I've got 25 "scenes". Is this good, bad, average? What the hell do I know? I've never done this before. Clare is planning on trying out some storyboards based on the photos I've taken of the location and the shot list I've devised. She's also informed me that she's put together a "red binder" for the shoot. It's the same type of binder she used for House of Black Wings. I've officially arrived.

We've also confirmed our crew person for the weekend (we will all be taking the Friday off to get a headstart on the shoot weekend in March); and that lucky swift, young go-getter is none other than director David; of House of Black Wings. I wasn't comfortable bringing him in @ the beginning. It's my first go as a film director, and he's already got a lot of work under his belt. I figured it would be to distracting or I'd be to self-conscious. Not that David would make fun of my mistakes or the like. I would just be to "aware" of his presence. After a search by Clare and myself, it became clear that he would be the best choice. Technical know-how and a smart extra pair of eyes. We are also currently courting a second crew person. I figured it would be wise to have an extra pair of hands for all of the work we plan on cramming into a long weekend.

So, it's underway. Each day it becomes more apparent that I'm getting very close to the actual shooting of French Toast. It's scary, exciting, overwhelming. Thrilling. I've already surrounded myself w/ professional crew. I have every confidence that my cast will rise to the challenge for this project. If not, well...they'll never work in this town again. :)

Just over a month away...

Up next, completing the props list and scheduling the weekend. Our next production meeting is in the end of February; after Clare's move. Her time will become more scarce; as her move day approaches. Then another; final meeting in early March. God, it all seems so close.

PS (although there's no signature...)

Some issues (in my own mind) about the location...but that has passed; and my mind is again free to address the details of the shoot. So close. Lord help me.