There were two cameras, one on each of the actors as we shot each scene numerous times. We switched the lighting direction on the last take just to make it interesting. Bret and Tim were spot on with their delivery and I couldn’t be happier. That scene is one of the defining moments in the movie.

The shots were set up to show the dominance of the actor carrying the scene. In this case it was Giovanni (Tim). I shot him from slightly below head level and Ryan (Bret) from slightly below. Cameron, Ridley Scott, and others do this. Guarantee you notice this next time you watch a movie. Silence of the Lambs is a classic example. Hannibal is shot from below and Clarice is shot from above. This showed the dominance of Hannibal’s character. Check it out next time.

Tim and I came up with  a solid idea for a car conversation.

The Marshal character will begin filming his scenes in 3 weeks as will the supporting cast. We are still getting permission for more and more locations.

Exciting stuff. Will update when possible.

Bret and I were talking and a unique take on a concept came up. It seemed to work better than what we had originally expected from that part of the script.

One of the characters who dies will be playing another character in the film. I am very excited.

We should be filming some of the diner or the car scenes with Giovanni and Ryan this week I hope.

Bret and I were on site to set up the upcoming scenes for the film. One of the most pivotal is the opening shot of a man at a desk piecing things together. Bret’s parents have the sickest basement for filming of all time and will make those shots ridiculous.

After that we went downtown and took some “surveillance” shots of Bret as if he was being watched. It was windy and unpleasantly cold. Suckfest, but it was fun. We also went by and saw Nick at the coffee shop where he works and he was in a good mood as always. The coffee shop near St. Clair is the bomb. Impromptu concerts bust out and it puts Starbucks to shame.

Tonight

Tim is coming over tonight and we are filming the intro piece as well as a few of Bret’s scenes.  We mapped those out too last night. I am using some modern camera techniques as well as lighting changes to bring out the shadows where they are needed.

Doubters are not downers, but motivation!

I love doubters. LOVE THEM. When people tell others not to expect anything out of it not only does it motivate me, but it makes me pay more attention to what I am filming. I know what my team is capable of and it is going to surprise a lot of people.

Premiere

If all goes well the movie will premiere at Frankfort’s Grand Theater on St. Clair street. I will let everyone know when tickets are available. I am praying for a mid summer project completion date.

Bret and I started finalizing the storyboards and deciding what to keep and what to throw out of the script. It has been a crazy ride to get to the plot we have now.

 The story has gone from the examination of a man whose life hasn’t panned out to the story of a man who reaches a crossroads and is presented with a choice. The movie starts six months from the day the choice was made and is a really fun ride from there—- we hope.

What I have tried to do with the characters is make them 3D and real. Glossed over sets and cliche’ characters turn me off quickly in a film. Good examples of movies that have the realism I am striving for are Collateral, Boondock Saints, and films in that vein.

The cast consists of Bret Hopkins, Tim Roberts, Matthew Speer, and a few other experienced film actors.  Bret brings an internationally released feature film experience to the table and that helps a lot. Matthew has been in several movies that have aired at film festivals, and Tim brings acting, martial arts, and many other talents that will help this move along.

The first scene has been shot. 3 hours of filming for 2 minutes and 2o seconds of footage. Score!

We will be shooting heavily in the next few months and we start this weekend.

Set pictures to come.