Ok, yesterday was a big day. For some reason I got it on my crazy head to create the biggest, most elaborate scene with as many people as I could possibly muster up. This is a difficult task for may reasons; the first being that there are three other crews shooting three2 other films around town, so gathering extras that aren't being used by another crew is challenging to say the least.
The scene I'm referring to is out opening scene which takes place outside the La Grande public library, which is the location I drew out of a hat on Monday. We set up the outside of the library as a promenade of street performers with crowd members watching an wandering around while our lead actress walks past. I was so impressed with the turnout of volunteer actors who dressed themselves as mimes, belly-dancers, magicians and more.
The highlight for me was that my friend Benjamin Morgan, the award-winning director of Quality of Life showed up with his family to be crowd members. When Ben realized that I was just about in over my head in dealing with the 30-ish people who had showed up to act, he offered to help in directing the extras. This was a live-saving gesture that completely ensured our success for the day as far as I'm concerned.
I've been behind the camera for the majority of the shoot, except for the two scenes where I'm actually on camera. Chuck Peters had been awesome at taking the reigns during those times. We've worked together on several projects over the years and I was blessed to have drawn his name out of the hat. I'm having an awesome time working with him on this film.
This morning we shot the final scene in Bud Jackson's Sportsman's Bar and Grill. The scene featured Josie Quillan and myself, and is the most dialogue-driven scene of our script. It ties the story together like The Dude's rug. It went very well to say the least.
This evening I've laid out a rough edit just to see how long the film will be. It's looking like a healthy 12 minutes. That's gonna work out just fine.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day of editing. I'm stoked. I've been experimenting with some digital orchestra through Garage Band, and I will also be recording some original music that I wrote for the film. Miranda is interested in the editing process, so I think she'll be my sidekick for as long as she can hang :)
P.S. I stopped by the Firestation Museum for a few minutes and watched the Action Team filming a fight scene. It was incredible. I cant wait to see all these movies on Friday Night!!!
See you at Max Square!
Mike Surber
2 comments:
This sounds awesome! We had enough trouble rounding up two more people ... so I have no idea how you did it. Must be those striking good looks.
Speaking of favors, I mean compliments, I mean ... favors. Can I use a Sons of Guns song for my short? I only need about 15 seconds of it.
I'll try and get ahold of you later, or you could responde here, or give me a call: 541-910-2929
I think it was actually the striking good looks of my fiancee' that pulled the crowd -- I can't take full credit. And of course- you are more than welcome to use a Sons of Guns song. That's exciting! I can't wait to see what you guys have put together.
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