Happy New Year!

So we are officially in 2009 and exactly 7 days from rolling film. Yes we are going old school baby - S16mm all the way.

So much has happened since I last posted....I must confess with everything that has to be done I get a little distracted from posting and get myself wrapped up in other things. No matter.

A week or so before Christmas I had what was to be my last casting session..... Also as an aside let my lesson be a lesson to all of you out there.....never make your shoot dates of your film just after Christmas and New Year. I clearly was not thinking when I thought that I wanted to get this in the can before everyone got busy on other things or began to feel like they were unable to help out because they worried about what paying job was or was not coming down the pipe. But now I realize I should have made it a week later as what has now become very apparent is that no one is back to work until the 5th which is 3 days from rolling cameras.....but I digress and really I KNOW it will all work out as so far so good. Sometimes you just have to bite the proverbial bullet and go for it. Things always work out some way some how...that I do believe.

So back to casting.....it is hard....or for this I found it hard. My first film seemed so easy in comparison. There are so many factors that come into how you get your cast and it is such a crucial part of making your film great...really half the battle is have a great cast. Having what you feel are the right people to bring your people to life. It is hard to have confidence in your choices sometimes but I think gut is important. It also doesn't hurt to have a second set of eyes and ears that you trust to turn to. With all of that said I think I've done it. Working with the actors union and with the agents has been frustrating at times but interesting. I have certainly gained much more insight into how the system can work both for you and against you.

I also now have a really great Line Producer on board - David. He has been a god send!! He has freed me up to think about what I need to think about which is directing. My girl friend/best friend and co-writer Suesan lives out of town so she has not been able to help out as much as she would have liked to so a lot has fallen into my lap. Which is all fine and good but film is a collaboration and we can sometimes get swept up in our own shit and not look for help. At the urging of my very diligent and wonderful 1st AD Chi (he did 'moment' as well) I finally was able to find some to share the work load. Of course all of the amazing people I have been able to enlist are going to be called upon more and more now that we are days away.

I have been discussing the look I want with my DP John - we continue exchange ideas and references. It is always interesting.

I feel very lucky to be able to have the cast and crew I have not to mention the support I have had and continue to have from friends, family, investors and work colleagues.

The last big story of the week is - I found our second location. It's going to work really well and they were very kind to give it to me for a great rate!

Things are falling into place....wish me luck as we head into the last week of production - Suesan's arrival to lend a helping hand and be my second set of eyes and ears, nailing down the last few crew members, putting all the things we talked about in our art department meeting yesterday into action, finalizing the cast and equipment, tech scouting, production meeting, wardrobe meetings/fittings, hair/make-up meetings, camera tests, cast readthru/rehearsal.....you get the idea.

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2009!
Jill