Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Busy bee...

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

Things are moving along nice enough though.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

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. 


Tuesday, April 13, 2010

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.  


PTU: Police Tactical Unit







Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Lead cast.

More info soon.  Excitement.

Monday, April 5, 2010

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.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

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.