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DIRECTOR'S JOURNAL
DAYS 11-15
DAY ELEVEN: "She Came, She Came, She Conquered" (enter MISTY)
Call to set - 10:30am ET
The first time I met Jenna McLaughlin [aka MISTY] was not during audition, it was the day of filming. Within the moments between shaking her hand and wrapping for the day, Jenna had maintained a sense of professionalism and overall drive.
As this day called for a few scenes of sensuality, it was so refreshing being surrounded by people who take such pride in what they do. Also, maintaining a sense of humor helped calm any possible tensions. Mike Voutsinous [DAVE], Ryan Feeley [SLIM], and Jenna McLaughlin [MISTY] were an awesome team on set this day. Overall, great work was done by talented artists and the shots look very good from the other end of the lens!
I am reminded of a quote this day:
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
-T.S. Eliot
Call to set - 10:30am ET
The first time I met Jenna McLaughlin [aka MISTY] was not during audition, it was the day of filming. Within the moments between shaking her hand and wrapping for the day, Jenna had maintained a sense of professionalism and overall drive.
As this day called for a few scenes of sensuality, it was so refreshing being surrounded by people who take such pride in what they do. Also, maintaining a sense of humor helped calm any possible tensions. Mike Voutsinous [DAVE], Ryan Feeley [SLIM], and Jenna McLaughlin [MISTY] were an awesome team on set this day. Overall, great work was done by talented artists and the shots look very good from the other end of the lens!
I am reminded of a quote this day:
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
-T.S. Eliot
DAY TWELVE: "Rock, Rockin' It!" (enter ROCK HELL & THE BROS)
Call to set - 10:30am ET
As far as a party turned simple gathering goes, this night was full of people who brought their spirit in such a strong manner. May they be professional actor, new up & comers, those learning the field, extras, walk-ons, models or crew members, all in attendance gave their EVERYTHING on what was a 12 hour shoot. Even when they were at their end and their eyelids were heavy and the AC had to be turned off to maintain proper sound forcing sweat in crevices, they gave a bit more. One more take. One more line delivered. One more battery changed. One more lights set-up. One more bit of energy. I can’t thank everyone enough! This day, this night has further proved my love for this craft: Enduring the long, mind-tangling, sometimes discomforting, yet ever-rewarding hours of filming with little breaks between and still finishing the day that turned night, then day again, with a very large smile glued to my face. My infatuation with this craft is enhanced.
With such a small production team and so many delegated jobs, I have such an amazing appreciation for those I am able to work with artists who recognize and understand the beautiful struggles of film making. Yes, as the days can take everything within us, they always deem very rewarding. Cast and crew alike. ROCK HELL Rocked It! THE BROS and DAVE were a powerhouse!
Although this twelfth day did not go by unflawed, I truly thank everyone for their patience, their encouragement, their off-camera humor, and for feeding each other energy via their own love of the craft. Some even had to work their dreaded “9-5s” early the next morning and still stuck with it. If that passion was not present the hours may have reached beyond 12 and fell into rescheduling. And thus, the remaining cast needed for the final shots held up their last drops of energy to cheat the Sunlight that attempted to beam its way through windows as we shot what was supposed to be a night scene.
Resilience is a powerful tool to achieve.
After blacking out the Sun and cheating the day with lighting techniques, we all gave our last breaths to wish each other safe travels. We stepped half-blind through squinted eyes out into the morning with thoughts, I hope were filled with confidence in what we have filmed this day/night/day. Confidence in not only their Director, but in their own performances with trust that everything possible will be done to ensure the movie project in which they “signed-on” to will be the work of art that they deserve to be a part of.
Day 12.
The 12 hours.
Thank you all for a memorable night:
Dave [Mike Voutsinos], Rob [Vincent Yearley], Casey [Keith Illage], Tom [Patrick Hickman], The Jett [Curtis Case], Max [Anthony White], Ronny [William Thomas], Sam [Ian Pennington], Nosey Girl’s BF [Matt Miller], Party Guy [Matt M.]
Rock Hell [Lauren Ojeda], Nosey Girl [Marcella Felmlee], Party Girl [Bethany DiOrio], Waitress/Party Girl 2 [Jen Gill]
Dimitri Voutsinos [Assistant Director], Jay Schroeder [Production Manager]
Call to set - 10:30am ET
As far as a party turned simple gathering goes, this night was full of people who brought their spirit in such a strong manner. May they be professional actor, new up & comers, those learning the field, extras, walk-ons, models or crew members, all in attendance gave their EVERYTHING on what was a 12 hour shoot. Even when they were at their end and their eyelids were heavy and the AC had to be turned off to maintain proper sound forcing sweat in crevices, they gave a bit more. One more take. One more line delivered. One more battery changed. One more lights set-up. One more bit of energy. I can’t thank everyone enough! This day, this night has further proved my love for this craft: Enduring the long, mind-tangling, sometimes discomforting, yet ever-rewarding hours of filming with little breaks between and still finishing the day that turned night, then day again, with a very large smile glued to my face. My infatuation with this craft is enhanced.
With such a small production team and so many delegated jobs, I have such an amazing appreciation for those I am able to work with artists who recognize and understand the beautiful struggles of film making. Yes, as the days can take everything within us, they always deem very rewarding. Cast and crew alike. ROCK HELL Rocked It! THE BROS and DAVE were a powerhouse!
Although this twelfth day did not go by unflawed, I truly thank everyone for their patience, their encouragement, their off-camera humor, and for feeding each other energy via their own love of the craft. Some even had to work their dreaded “9-5s” early the next morning and still stuck with it. If that passion was not present the hours may have reached beyond 12 and fell into rescheduling. And thus, the remaining cast needed for the final shots held up their last drops of energy to cheat the Sunlight that attempted to beam its way through windows as we shot what was supposed to be a night scene.
Resilience is a powerful tool to achieve.
After blacking out the Sun and cheating the day with lighting techniques, we all gave our last breaths to wish each other safe travels. We stepped half-blind through squinted eyes out into the morning with thoughts, I hope were filled with confidence in what we have filmed this day/night/day. Confidence in not only their Director, but in their own performances with trust that everything possible will be done to ensure the movie project in which they “signed-on” to will be the work of art that they deserve to be a part of.
Day 12.
The 12 hours.
Thank you all for a memorable night:
Dave [Mike Voutsinos], Rob [Vincent Yearley], Casey [Keith Illage], Tom [Patrick Hickman], The Jett [Curtis Case], Max [Anthony White], Ronny [William Thomas], Sam [Ian Pennington], Nosey Girl’s BF [Matt Miller], Party Guy [Matt M.]
Rock Hell [Lauren Ojeda], Nosey Girl [Marcella Felmlee], Party Girl [Bethany DiOrio], Waitress/Party Girl 2 [Jen Gill]
Dimitri Voutsinos [Assistant Director], Jay Schroeder [Production Manager]
DAY THIRTEEN: "Rock Hell, Rock On!!"
Call to set - 6pm ET
This day was round 2 with ROCK HELL.
As Lauren Ojeda maintained her original hairstyle for her second day of filming, she also maintained the natural chic of Rock Hell. During the resolution of a “wardrobe issue” with the Lead, I was fortunate to earn a few moments with Ms. Ojeda. These moments helped me to understand further why she auditioned for the role of Rock Hell, and also why our decision to cast her was the best.
At the conclusion of this day, I added another color to the palate of my style of directing. Often times my style (if you may) is one in additional collaboration with the actor. I enjoy an actor who takes a role as their own and melds it into their own characteristics, adding spices of their own persona and such. Now this isn’t the only way to work with every character on every set, but during most of this production it has been working quite well with some of the cast. Rock Hell included. The whole fusion of the director’s mind vs the actors vs the character to bring life to a performance is neural-ecstasy. It’s part of why I do what I do. It’s what I hope to see the audience appreciating.
Another day of filming with her has been added to the schedule to do Rock Hell some justice and to tug a bit on those ponder-strings that’ll have an audience locked in.
See you on your third day, Rock Hell… and I’ll see everyone else soon at the wrap party! ^_^ We’re almost there!
Call to set - 6pm ET
This day was round 2 with ROCK HELL.
As Lauren Ojeda maintained her original hairstyle for her second day of filming, she also maintained the natural chic of Rock Hell. During the resolution of a “wardrobe issue” with the Lead, I was fortunate to earn a few moments with Ms. Ojeda. These moments helped me to understand further why she auditioned for the role of Rock Hell, and also why our decision to cast her was the best.
At the conclusion of this day, I added another color to the palate of my style of directing. Often times my style (if you may) is one in additional collaboration with the actor. I enjoy an actor who takes a role as their own and melds it into their own characteristics, adding spices of their own persona and such. Now this isn’t the only way to work with every character on every set, but during most of this production it has been working quite well with some of the cast. Rock Hell included. The whole fusion of the director’s mind vs the actors vs the character to bring life to a performance is neural-ecstasy. It’s part of why I do what I do. It’s what I hope to see the audience appreciating.
Another day of filming with her has been added to the schedule to do Rock Hell some justice and to tug a bit on those ponder-strings that’ll have an audience locked in.
See you on your third day, Rock Hell… and I’ll see everyone else soon at the wrap party! ^_^ We’re almost there!
DAY FOURTEEN: "Poke Her Face" (The Bros)
Call to set - 7pm ET
This night… this table… this set could not have had in its attendance any better a group of guys to play out the scene that took place. DAVE (Mike Voutsinos), TOM (Patrick Hickman), CASEY (Keith Illage), MAX (Anthony White), THE JETT (Curtis Case), and ROB (Vincent Yearly). The Bros [minus two- RONNY (William Thomas) and SAM (Ian Pennington)], sit down to play a couple hands of Texas Hold Em, during which they conduct a conversation that covers a key question that drives the film.
What is a slut?
Although this question is viewed from a male perspective, it gives way to further discussion outside of this particular table talk. The very best moments in filming this scene is unanimously agreed to be all of the ad-libbing that occurred. These guys not only kept in tuned with their individual characteristics, but also gave a sense of truth to their performance due to their own personal experiences. The varied personalities surrounding this table enhanced the reality of the moments. I don’t know how this cast of men came together, but supreme satisfaction was the result. I thank you gentlemen.
This night… this table… this set. These guys.
It was an honor.
(and… how many of you were REALLY drinking the Belgian-style wheat beer? Heheh ^_^ )
Call to set - 7pm ET
This night… this table… this set could not have had in its attendance any better a group of guys to play out the scene that took place. DAVE (Mike Voutsinos), TOM (Patrick Hickman), CASEY (Keith Illage), MAX (Anthony White), THE JETT (Curtis Case), and ROB (Vincent Yearly). The Bros [minus two- RONNY (William Thomas) and SAM (Ian Pennington)], sit down to play a couple hands of Texas Hold Em, during which they conduct a conversation that covers a key question that drives the film.
What is a slut?
Although this question is viewed from a male perspective, it gives way to further discussion outside of this particular table talk. The very best moments in filming this scene is unanimously agreed to be all of the ad-libbing that occurred. These guys not only kept in tuned with their individual characteristics, but also gave a sense of truth to their performance due to their own personal experiences. The varied personalities surrounding this table enhanced the reality of the moments. I don’t know how this cast of men came together, but supreme satisfaction was the result. I thank you gentlemen.
This night… this table… this set. These guys.
It was an honor.
(and… how many of you were REALLY drinking the Belgian-style wheat beer? Heheh ^_^ )
DAY FIFTEEN: "Desperate, Deranged Housewife" (enter ERIN and ROY)
Call to set - 12:30pm ET (+Misty pt2.-9pm)
One of the best feelings I have had the pleasure of experiencing more than once during my times directing is to work with family. For those who have asked and may wonder, Mai Lyles is my dear talented cousin. I am so glad that our schedules agreed enough to be able to work together and help one another on this project. Her presence on set was really strong and professional for exactly what was needed to play the role of ERIN. The chemistry between Mai and the two gents she played opposite was awesome. We had much fun this day! Super productive!
Now let me tell you about the up and coming Miles Dausuel [ROY], and how much of a trooper he is! He and mike Voutsinos [DAVE] became their own stuntmen during the end of the day. And pulled off what I thought the impossible right in front of my eyes. Those who have read the book know the scene that takes place between the characters Dave and Roy, and until Mike and Miles performed the “wrestling/chase” sequence I admit I was a bit on edge about how I was going to pull it off without one of these guys getting hurt or it not looking authentic enough. But they quickly convinced me that they could do it… and they did it. I sense that Miles has a very bright future in this field if he continues on this path as he has been. Doing what it takes.
I do look forward to working with Mai, Mike and Miles (collectively if possible) again in the near future in what they each expressed as their genre of choice: comedy. What magic may come!
---
As the night overtook the skies Ms. Jenna McLaughlin took over the role of MISTY yet again, and yet again a pleasure to work with. With time being a bit of a factor, Jenna and Mike [DAVE] maintained patience and then as soon as it was time to go maintained super-skill. One-take wonders over here! ^_^ heheh! This night was a wrap for the character of Misty, Erin and Roy. And what a grand dya and night it was!
Thank you all again.
Call to set - 12:30pm ET (+Misty pt2.-9pm)
One of the best feelings I have had the pleasure of experiencing more than once during my times directing is to work with family. For those who have asked and may wonder, Mai Lyles is my dear talented cousin. I am so glad that our schedules agreed enough to be able to work together and help one another on this project. Her presence on set was really strong and professional for exactly what was needed to play the role of ERIN. The chemistry between Mai and the two gents she played opposite was awesome. We had much fun this day! Super productive!
Now let me tell you about the up and coming Miles Dausuel [ROY], and how much of a trooper he is! He and mike Voutsinos [DAVE] became their own stuntmen during the end of the day. And pulled off what I thought the impossible right in front of my eyes. Those who have read the book know the scene that takes place between the characters Dave and Roy, and until Mike and Miles performed the “wrestling/chase” sequence I admit I was a bit on edge about how I was going to pull it off without one of these guys getting hurt or it not looking authentic enough. But they quickly convinced me that they could do it… and they did it. I sense that Miles has a very bright future in this field if he continues on this path as he has been. Doing what it takes.
I do look forward to working with Mai, Mike and Miles (collectively if possible) again in the near future in what they each expressed as their genre of choice: comedy. What magic may come!
---
As the night overtook the skies Ms. Jenna McLaughlin took over the role of MISTY yet again, and yet again a pleasure to work with. With time being a bit of a factor, Jenna and Mike [DAVE] maintained patience and then as soon as it was time to go maintained super-skill. One-take wonders over here! ^_^ heheh! This night was a wrap for the character of Misty, Erin and Roy. And what a grand dya and night it was!
Thank you all again.