Favorite Films - 2011

A look at some of my favorite films of the past year.  Starting with the "lower ranked" and ending with the most favorite.  This is the second year that a Pixar film is absent from the list.  Sadness.  The coming year looks to be great all around though!

The Muppets

This movie almost didn't make the list. I saw it a second time one day as a "time filler" and it convinced me that it definitely belonged on the list. As a lifelong fan of the Muppets and Henson, it felt great to see the characters back in a quality feature length. The Muppets still work best as a "variety act" but the movie does a good job at giving us those moments and still manages to feel like a cohesive whole.

Redline

This movie is a lot of fun. It represents the best and worst about stereotypical anime. I had a blast with it though. It is one of the most visually thrilling animated pieces I have seen in some time. Think of a mix between Speed Racer and Aeon Flux and you would be in the right ballpark. Visceral Sci-Fi fun.

The Last Circus

This movie is crazy. Two warring clowns. A sad clown and a happy clown. Both crazy in different ways. On paper, it is all over the place. It is a testament to the director that he manages to take all of these elements and make them feel natural in one movie. This is the kind of insane stuff that cinema needs more of...

Shame

I debated including this seeing as I just saw it this week (now weeks ago). But since it is in theaters now (not anymore), I think its inclusion is very important. Strong filmmaking of the "true art" variety, this film further demonstrates Michael Fassbender's ascension towards "best actor working." Long takes on the main players and very little back story provided, the actors must convery everything with their understated performances. This look at addiction (sexual) and the titular emotion is devastating.

HUGO

Scorsese is a beast (obviously). He has been operating at the top of his game of late. This film has the best 3D I have ever seen. It ADDs to the framing and the immersion. It never feels like a gimmick. A wonderful story about the history of film (liberties taken of course) that had me grinning the whole way.

Midnight in Paris

One of the best Woody Allen films in quite some time. Very charming and well written. The cast is all pitch perfect. I never thought about it before, but Owen Wilson is a great choice for the "Woody Allen" role. Beautiful locals and a simple message that rings true, a winner on every level.

13 Assassins

Miike makes a serious samurai epic and succeeds. So much so, that it is one of the genres absolute best. An old school action film, where the action has meaning and is deliberately paced. It hits hard. Amazing cinematography and an assured Miike that I didn't even know existed. Beautiful and poetic.

Hanna

This movie is fantastic. An action movie that is deft, daring and new. It feels so incredibly fresh. It is also one of the better shot films I have seen (this year or any). Beautiful to look at, a propulsive Chemical Brothers score and oddly poetic. Highly reccomended.

Attack the Block

I had my eye on this picture for a long time. When the opportunity arose to see it early in Atlanta, I jumped at it. I drove down just to check out this film. It didn't disappoint. A throwback that feels fresh, this film is perfectly constructed.  It does what it wants to and does so flawlessly. A must for fans of old Carpenter or 80s Sci-Fi in general. The score from Basement Jaxx is also one of the years best and deserves mention.

Drive

Director Nicholas Wending Refn has been poised to break out to the next level and he has done so here. This movie is fantastic.  A style over subtance film that has loads of substance too, this minimal noir is my favorite film of the year. It is so good, that it made me an active fan of Gosling and I've never cared for him before (he had a great year in general). The soundtrack punctuates the film wonderfully and the cast all give stand out performances. Top notch at every turn.

Best Film Stuff 2010

My film picks for 2010.  I will do individual nods and a score blog later (scores were killer this year).

Here is last years list. http://adearlittlefriend.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-film-stuff-2009.html

I do this to try and spread the word on films I think are worth while for any year.  I know 5 people look at it, but if one person sees a film they otherwise wouldn't have, it makes it worthwhile to me.  2010 was pretty bad in terms of big films.  Almost every big film was a disappointment.  There were plenty of quality films to fill that void, but a lot of people didn't see them (and instead poured money into the bad batch).  What else is new.  Sometimes films are from the previous year or from the upcoming year (I import some or check festivals).  No, I didn't see everything.  Here is my list of 15...

15.

The Fighter is a very solid film.  The biggest complaint you could levy on it is that it is a bit formulaic, but David O Russell shoots the film well and it is an actors' showcase.  Everyone is bringing their A game and this may be Bale's best work as an actor.  A fun watch.

14.  

Shutter Island is Martin Scorsese stretching his legs and really having fun as a visual artist.  He directs this through the roof.  Absolutely stunning visually and a nice throwback film.  Very much taking cues from Shock Corridor, Scorsese never makes any deception about what is he is doing.  Unlike many, I don't in anyway consider this to be a "twist" movie.  It is a simple, elegant story told by a master in a fairly straight manner.  The Sixth Sense has ruined people thinking they are going to jump all over a TWIST in any suspense/mystery/thriller... even if there really isn't one there.

13. 

The King's Speech is probably the most "awards" baiting film on my list.   That said, it is still an amazingly fun and somehow slight movie.  You have Colin Firth and Helena Bohnam Carter giving (or equaling) career best performances and you have Geoffrey Rush on kill mode as an actor (and when he is, who is better?).  Fun around the three as well with Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Guy Pearce and more giving strong support.  Wonderfully directed, I recommend seeing it blind (I did, with no trailers).  Amazing tension and an epic scope all from the way a man talks.  Great work. 

12. 

I love South Korean cinema.  Super love.  They have three directors who may be kicking more tail than any three, modern directors from any other country you can think of (including America).  They are Chan Wook Park (OldBoy, Lady Vengeance, Thirst), Joon-Ho Bong (this film, The Host, Memories of Murder) and Ji-Woon Kim (The Good, The Bad, The Weird).  I had a chance to see this at a fest in LA last year and missed it.  Makes me sad now!  Mother is a very well made and well acted film.  It is directed in a smart way that leads you exactly where IT wants you to go... not where you want it to go.  I love that it is a film revolving around a middle aged woman, which is a rarity in American films.  Watch it blind...  and enjoy a bit of the great work from another country. 

11. 

I'll take this film over Toy Story 3 any day of the week.  Dreamworks has been really trying of late with several strong releases over the past few years (not including Shrek sequels).   Pixar went back to the well and Dreamworks stole the animation crown for the year.  They (or someone else) may do it again next year as Pixar has another sequel in store.  Dragon was original, well designed and had a lot of heart.  Also, I like vikings and dragons.  

10. 

Ozarks Noir.  Sounds strange, but it works brilliantly.  A film that is interested in showing a brutal reality that many do not know exists (or don't know how truly dangerous it is) - the meth ravaged areas in the impoverished areas of the South.  A great year for women in film, Jennifer Lawrence is among the best as Ree.  John Hawkes gives what may be the best supporting actor performance of the year as Teardrop.  An unflinching view of a problem and world I glimpse all to often (in my own backyard it feels like), this film does not misstep once.  

9. 

A very funny film (just look at the poster... it says funny) that also feels genuinely edgy and dangerous.  How often does that happen?  Almost never.  Four Lions depicts a small group of Jihadist living in the UK (from the UK even).  It shows them bumble and bluster through their terror plans while also making them human.  Another great one to see blind, the film will make you laugh and then question yourself "is it OK to laugh at that?"  - The answer is yes. The first film being distributed by Austin, TX legends Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and as such support it when you can.  Buy the DVD.  See it if it plays in your town.  Brave and deft filmmaking, the topic of Muslims in other areas of the world is turning into a creative hotbed for filmmakers (see last years A Prophet).  

8.

In a year when big name sequels and other big ventures fell fairly flat (even Iron Man 2), Kick Ass was one of the films to pick up the slack and really show what can be done when passion and talent tackle the subject matter (super hero action in this case).  Kick Ass is funny, touching, amazingly directed and all around a great time.  This is one of my favorite super hero films ever and really gets the genre and what makes super heroes so appealing.  The trailers were absolutely awful, but luckily I knew it was a great film from buzz that escaped long before its release.  If you missed out... rectify that.  Nick Cage is even solid.... I swear!

7.

Roman Polanski is, for my money, the best director of thrillers since Hitchcock.  Despite the baggage associated with his name, he can direct tension like no one else around.  The film is a very thinly veiled parallel/jab at Tony Blair and is very deft & adult.  It isn't trying to hit a home run, it is just an intelligently made and incredibly competent ADULT thriller (a rarity these days).  The score is also among the best in year that has a lot of great scores.  

6.

This film fires on all cylinders.  A movie so well directed and edited that it can be mind blowing.  Probably the only film that is more fun than Kick Ass.  I can see this film maybe not hitting with older audiences (over 35), but I say give it a shot regardless.  It is a fantastic look at relationships and a lot deeper than most will give it credit for.  A video game generation love story made with killer talent at every level.  Watch if you like to smile.  

MOVING INTO THE TOP 5... THINGS GET TRICKY AND CAN BE MOVED AT ANY NOTICE.  BUT THIS IS WHERE I FEEL THEM TODAY.

5.

Chris Nolan makes good on the credit he accrued from hitting the Dark Knight out of the park. Nolan makes a personal film that is also a blockbuster.  It has his fingerprints all over it and it was great to see audiences flock to a deserving film for once.  The way I think Nolan makes films makes me think it will be hard for him to top this one.  I hope he proves me wrong.  Not as mind blowing or mind bending as most say, Inception still is a joy to behold.  Nolan kills it and Hans Zimmer may have created his greatest score to go with this film.  DiCaprio nails it... which is starting to be a regular thing for him and all of his "team" are brilliant in their performances as well.  When Lucas and Spielberg reaffirmed what a blockbuster could be, it drove us in the wrong direction.  Not their fault, but this shows what they laid the groundwork for.  You can make amazing art and be extremely crowd pleasing all at the same time.  Crazy (Michael Bay and studios, please take note).

4.  

Darren Aronofsky is a flat out amazing director.  And he always does things the hard way.  The only "new" directors in his league (in my mind at least) are Chris Nolan and Chan Wook Park.  Black Swan is a fantastic portrait of a stressed individual who pushes herself for the sake of her art.  Portman is in almost every shot of the film from a fairly close angle... so, if she didn't work the film would be awful.  But she very much pulls it off and gives the best performance of her career.  It is incredibly deep and layered.  I fear most people won't dissect it the way it deserves.  Before seeing it, I was expecting something more akin to Amadeus or the Red Shoes... instead you get a close up character study.  It has more in common with Aronofsky's the Wrestler sent in a teleportation pod with Cronenberg's the Fly than an Amadues/Red Shoes.  

3.

How fun is this film?  Super fun.  The Coens deliver their most accessible work yet and Jeff Bridges gives what I think is his best performance (and one that easily steps out of the shadow cast by the Duke).  The amazing thing is that despite the seasoned actors giving strong work, the best performance is by a 13 year old Hailee Steinfeld.  She is the film and if she doesn't work, nothing will.  The film has a sense of hardship that all films set in this period should have, but it never goes out of its way to illustrate unnecessary points... it just is the way it is.  The way the relationships evolve is awe inspiring cinema.  The best western to come along in a long while and one that can stand along with the genre's greats.

2.  

I SAW THE DEVIL.  One of South Korea's great filmmakers delivers an absolute gut check.  Ji-Woon Kim (The Good, The Bad, The Weird; A Tale of Two Sisters) shows up and takes a film to truly dark and disturbing places.   A film that can stand toe to toe with a Seven or Silence of the Lambs and back them down in terms of dark tone.  I have rarely (if ever) seen Nietzsche's concepts displayed in such a powerful manner on film (I mean... check the title).  The violence hits hard and is never for gratuity's sake.  My wife had a hard time watching this film and that is rare (she watches all sorts of weird films due to my tracking things down from all over).  The film starts off in a fairly standard way, but it evolves in a way that I never saw coming (the first 10 minutes seemed to have slight nods to Silence of the Lambs, Seven and Blue Velvet).  Another that gets the SEE IT BLIND nod.  

1.

I am not sure if The Social Network is my favorite film of the year.  It is certainly in the conversation (again, see the top 5 disclaimer).  I know that I feel like it is the most deftly made and the most important.  Aaron Sorkin's script teamed with David Fincher's visuals are a match made in heaven.  The performances are all fantastic.  The score is incredible.  The editing.  The themes.  The you name it and it probably did it better than other films this year.  This film feels like a piece that could join films that say something about the decade (or time period) in which they were made.  Easy Rider.  A Clockwork Orange.  Wall Street.  Fight Club.  Those come to mind.  Never really the best films of their time, but some of the ones that say the most about them.  I also love, LOVE that this film is brave enough to show one of the true motivations for creating things... and it isn't a pretty rainbow land with flowers and altruistic art ideals... it is out of spite.  Simple, powerful... spite.  

I remember Halloween... a film list!

Halloween is upon us and I noticed this may be the worst Halloween ever in terms of what is in the cinema this year (seriously).  You have Saw 48 and Paranormal Activity 2 (I would recommend seeing Buried if it is playing in your area, the solid Let Me In or the excellent looking Walking Dead series on AMC).  So, mostly a lot of nothing.  Because of this, I am going to list a handful of movies to see in the comfort of your home that you may not have seen.  I'll try to make recommendations that can fit anyone's taste.  A small category will be under the poster... that will be incredibly broad.

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Category: Plain scary.

Wait Until Dark is a terrifying movie.  Released in 1967 and starring Audrey Hepburn, you'd be forgiven for letting this slip by your scare meter.  But trust me, absolutely tense and terror driven.  My word not good enough?  Stephen King has said this is the scariest film of all time.  While that may be debatable, the quality and chill factor present here is not.  Absolutely worth seeing and completely devoid of gore. 

THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL

Category: Satan.

We watched this film a few weeks back and I really enjoyed it.  If you want a barn burner, this isn't it.  But if you like slow burns, then maybe give it a chance.  A lot of why a loved this flick was due to the fact that it feels like an undiscovered gem from the early 80s.  The techniques, look, sound... everything is pitch perfect early 80s.  It is really remarkable.  On top of this I found it to be tension filled and a film that would make a good Halloween treat.

BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON

Category: Slasher.

Any love for slasher films?  Then you must see Behind the Mask.  Hands down the best slasher film since Scream and one of the few to truly innovate.  An absolute blast... well made, very funny and scary.  The lead is great and all the cameos from horror legends make for a great time for any horror buff.  Above all, it is the writing, directing and performances that set this one apart and make it such a worthwhile watch.

GINGER SNAPS

Category: Werewolf.

Another film with a female lead.  A great werewolf film that uses the werewolf curse as an allegory for girls turning into women.  Yes, all parts.  I mean look at that tag line - "They don't call it the curse for nothing."  Great stuff and this film did what Jennifer's Body wanted to do, but better (Body is underrated, but not on Ginger Snaps' level).  Captures an awkward phase of a young woman's life in a great way.

MARTIN

Category: Vampire.

Felt I should add a vampire flick on the list and there were a few ways to go.  I decided to follow up Ginger Snaps with one of Romero's few worthwhile films, Martin.  Martin is also largely about social ineptitude and tells a great story where you are never sure what the proper reality is... this needs a wider audience and is a marvelous take on the vampire tale.  

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Category: Family.

Very surreal and bizarre, but with very clear moral guidelines which makes it great for kids.  One of many Disney productions from the early 80s that tailored to children's love of horror films and one of the more memorable.  Eerie, magnetic performances should make it watchable for anyone.

THE FRIGHTENERS

Category: Ghost. Funny ghosts.

Peter Jackson got his start with horror comedy and this is his last effort before going full time serious with Lord of the Rings on.  I hope he returns, as perhaps only Sam Raimi has a better grasp of blending the two genres.  This is sort of like Ghostbusters... but with Michael J Fox.  Well made with a lot of creativity on display, if you like Ghostbusters or early Robert Zemeckis, you should enjoy this.

THE THING

Category: Sci-Fi.

While I hope most have seen this... I am putting in on my list anyways.  It may be my favorite horror film and is certainly one of the most intense (without going to massive gore levels of some modern stuff at least.  I like my tension deft.).  If you don't know the story... this film was slaughtered at the box office.  This terrifying alien film was released two weeks after E.T. and audiences weren't having any bad aliens at the time.  Probably one of the worst release decisions around, but the quality of the film has allowed it to hang around and grow in prestige.  Definitely a great horror film and probably John Carpenter's masterstroke.  

ABOMINABLE

Category: Cheesy monster.

A lot of people revel in SyFy's cheesy monster trash... but the problem is they do it so poorly it isn't really watchable.  There are plenty of cheesy/bad monster films out there that are made with talent and love where you can still get your goofy monster fix.  Abominable is one of the best from the last 5 years or so.  Cheesy, but with some real laughs and scares.  Definitely worth checking out if you like B class monster fare.

MONSTER HOUSE

Category: Kids.

Is this one underseen?  I have no clue.  I do know that it is a great film for all ages that captures the art of being a scared child in a magic way.  I want this film to stick around and have a place along others that seem to get more attention.  So, here it is.  The poster also looks neat next to the second film on the list.  

That's my list.  Find something you like and have a fun Halloween.  

- D

More about the film... inspirations and thank yous...

Note - this is the last Kickstarter update.  Please continue to follow updates at http://adearlittlefriend.blogspot.com/ if you want to be in the loop!

First is a slightly impersonal thank you to all backers on the Refracted Kickstarter.  I won't forget your help and will appreciate it forever. A more personal thank you is coming to everyone soon.  I learned a lot about people by who donated and really offered assistance regardless of their lot.

As for rewards, I will try to exceed any expectation in terms of presentation, but just be patient.  Filming is hoped to conclude by the end of January.  I then expect a fairly painful post process that could drag on for a bit.  I always expect the worst as that is just part of this game.

To shed a bit more light on the film (which you deserve), it is essentially my take on...

MAIN PORTION ONLY ON KICKSTARTER.

Wish me luck and thanks again.

DF

Kickstarter is go.

Kickstarter has launched.  Please take a look and pass it on.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1056700508/refracted-presented-by-fine-slanderer-films

Prop peek.

A quick peek at a prop... prototype really.  But still...

Kickstarter.

Great news.  I applied for a Kickstarter page for our film and it was accepted.  Kickstarter allows us to create a page that will make it easy to share the early stages of the film and raise money in a convenient way for all.

I will post more on this as soon as I get it set up and launched.

Teaser.

We started shooting a teaser last week to help with funding and to get everyone acclimated to what we wanted to do.  So far it looks fantastic.  There is minimal work left to be done (outside of post) and we are waiting on props and people to complete it.

I can't wait to share it.  Here are a few photos from the shoots.  I will update with actual stills from the footage soon.

Let Me In

How To Destroy Angels

Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen, and Atticus Ross have formed a band.  How To Destroy Angels.

Check it out here...
http://howtodestroyangels.com/

You can listen to the first song here...
http://pitchfork.com/news/38686-how-to-destroy-angels-a-drowning/

The news and Kick-Ass amazes.

I have been busy.  I always say this, but I have started doing some work that pays in addition to doing the film stuff.  I like it fine, just makes me feel like every moment has to count... twice.

I have been holding some auditions as I try to fill the last major role.  More as that develops.

My vision for the film has gotten even stronger (keeps on happening)... I have new visual themes that have emerged that compliment the story very naturally and strongly.  Things I didn't realize at first keep seeping out and I am very excited for where things are going.

I came up with some new elements for the ending which were much needed and should get it to where it needs to be.

Next up is some funds grabbing that I need to do to really move forward.  I didn't realize we are now in May... and I need to step this aspect up.

KICK - ASS

I thought about heaping praises on this film a few weeks back, but I restrained myself.  I will do it now.

It is weird to me that this film hits me so hard and I love it so much... less than a year after Inglourious Basterds hit.  I love lots of films, but for two films to be as highly regarded on personal level that close to each other is very rare.

The film may be the best comic/super hero film made up to this point.  It kills it.  It works so well for a number of reasons.

It is a great teen comedy.  It captures the anonymity and awkwardness of the age.  It shows how much friends and your circle are the universe to you.  

It is a flat out amazing action movie.  Every action piece is very different from the last.  They actually build and keep raising the bar.  The shots and choreography are spot on... old HK John Woo would be proud.  

The music is mostly existing tracks... many of which are now OWNED by this movie.  The songs gathered are very powerful and fit it like a glove. 

The cast is spot on in every role.  Nic Cage reminds you how good he can be (and makes you cringe all the more when he is so bad!).  

Matthew Vaughn, director, really reaches a level here that I didn't know he had in him.  He reaches amazing heights and joins the list of "anything they do, you should see" directors.  

That just some skip over thoughts, but the film is great.  If you can handle violence, go see it ASAP at your nearest theater.  

Busy bee...

Been stupid busy.  Will update things when I get a chance.

Things are moving along nice enough though.

I do so have a crew... Part 5

Part 5.  Being put up on a hectic day. Boo to you IRS.  Actor meeting later.  Anyways, on with the crew info.  100th post on this blog, big one.

ACTOR


Adam Bowles

Adam came out and auditioned for me (us) after I had met with him like I do most everyone that has an interest in working on this film.  So, we met and it went well enough.  He came out and auditioned and did well.  He got invited out for a second time and did even better.  We talked and he has agreed to be the lead.

I repeat, I have a lead and it is Adam.  It's exciting to have a lead.  

The audition process was actually a lot of fun and I was lucky to have almost everyone give really good reads.  But Adam owned the role.  He made it his own and felt natural.  He asked how he did after the first audition and I said well enough.  I never know for sure until I go back and check the tapes.  But he was the guy.  Doesn't have much experience either, but the audition was all him.

He doesn't really look how I envisioned the character to look, but that doesn't matter.  I think he has a good, strong look that reminds me of old WWII posters and Max Fleischer Superman cartoons .  He has a look that screams America to me. It is the lantern jaw more than anything.  I will use that to my advantage.

He has been very personable up to now and I look forward to getting to know him better.  I hope to be able to have some of you meet him in the near future.  With the lead cast I (we) will be able to start getting some serious stuff done soon enough. 

Don't sleep on this... Vol 2

This is a whenever I feel like it feature that will detail a film that I feel is under seen, misunderstood, relevant for today, or just plain needs talking about. I want this to be about movies that matter (or should matter). Movies that show the power that the art form can have on people. I will try to do one every two weeks.

PTU

I had another movie I started doing this edition with... but decided to change it.  Twice.  I had a favorite... changed it to a classic... and ended up with PTU. 


PTU is a Hong Kong film directed by Johnny To (who is incredibly hit or miss).  It came out in 2002 and details the story of a detective that loses his gun and the night that follows (yes, this borrows some element's from Kurosawa's Stray Dog if you are familiar).  Many different factions try to sway the course of their fates and gain power/favor as the night progresses.  


Story wise, I find it to be engaging and interesting, but not mind blowing.  It will definitely keep you watching and entertained.  The acting and characters are great and give a good sampling of the kinds of people you can come across is law enforcement.  There is a tag line that sometimes is present with the film or its materials, INTO THE PERILOUS NIGHT.  Great line for this film.  The night is a dark and dangerous place in this (film) world.  Some of it is made worse by the police and some of it just exists.  


The overall package of the film is very solid.  The direction, acting, story/writing, editing - all these elements come together for a great HK film.  But what elevates it for me and why I love it so much... 


The cinematography is killer.  It is right up my alley and really takes this movie to new heights. Taking place at night, the lighting is done in very bright and blown out sections, almost like spotlights.  It creates pools of light that ward off the dark of night.  The film also feels desaturated (it may be).   The full effect creates a modern day noir aesthetic that is great to bask in.


All in all, a nice film that illustrates the light battling the dark.  It does so wonderfully through story and in visual terms. Again, not one that will shake the foundation of your world, but definitely one to check out and not let pass you by.


This film is available on Netflix among other places (and can be purchased at the bottom link).  


New post soon.  Crew one.  

Lead cast.

More info soon.  Excitement.

I do so have a crew... Part 4

Part 4.  As promised.

MUSIC COMPOSER


Marshal Brabson

Marshal is one of my oldest collaborators, if not the oldest (in time working together, not age).  When I first wrote a full length script with the hopes of shooting it, I went to Marshal to see if he would be interested in working on some music for the film.  He was and we hashed some things out right there.  Not soon after there was samples of potential music for the film.  That element was pretty far along for a film that didn't get very far along.

At any step when I would ask Marshal if he wanted to work, he was always willing.  It was nice having someone who was so eager to work and collaborate.  He also has good taste in film, so that helps make wanting to work together a lot easier.  Best yet, he is a great guy and a good friend.

A lot of time could go by, but he was always ready to go.  This was still the case when I asked him about the current project.  We have spoken about a few broad objectives, but that is about all at this point.  It is good to have him back on board and ready to go.  Look for more info in this department as it becomes available.

I do so have a crew... Part 3

Alright.  Been a hectic and stressful week (last week that is).  So, here are two back to back posts detailing people who are working on this project to get back on track.  I don't have suitable pictures for either one, but look for pictures when my website is up and running in full.

HAIR STYLIST 


Henderson Willis

Henderson has actually done my hair (for the most part) for the last 8 or so years.  He is one of the best I have come across (the best for me personally).  I have always been impressed with his work and he is a very down to Earth person.  Working with him is always fun and he does a lot to put people at ease.  His country demeanor seems to be in stark contrast to his skill with scissors, but that makes him all the more fun to be around.

He has done commercial work in the past and has done very well for himself as soon as he started down this path.  I was a bit hesitant to ask for his assistance as I didn't want him to feel obligated to help.  So, I told him as much up front.  When I asked, he was genuinely excited to help and excited to be a part of the project.  I am lucky to know people with talent that can assist, and even more lucky that they WANT to assist.

As soon as my lead is cast, I expect to meet with Henderson more to discuss what can be done in particular instances to achieve the desired effect with the actors hair.  It is important to me... as is every little detail.

If you are looking for a hair stylist, let me know and I will get you in touch with Henderson.  He obviously comes recommended.

I will do another one of these profiles within 24 hours.

Updates and what nots.

Updated the script today.  There are a few small things I want to update in addition to today's updates.  After this, I will go over the script with the actors cast to clean up their dialog and make it sound good coming out of them.  The it will be time to make a massive shooting bible (best that I can with not all locations nailed down).

Fun.  Had a good audition last night.  Have some more to plan.  I am excited.  Starting to work on getting some more practical things out of the way.

Prop man may have went away (don't know for sure), but I'm working around that.  I starting looking for a new one, but have had little success.  I think I can handle it on my own though.

Should have the website in somewhat presentable form soon... soon.

Hilarious.