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DIRECTOR'S JOURNAL
DAYS 16-20
DAY SIXTEEN: "Work Hard. Play Hard." (enter ANGELA)
Call to set - 9:00pm ET
A late scheduled shoot meant an early morning end. Prior to our 3:30am exit from the “bakery” the lead DAVE (Mike Voutsinos) and actor Leigh Ann Johnson (ANGELA) built an on screen relationship that one would notice to be uncharacteristic off screen.
Leigh Ann Johnson was met with welcoming smiles and warm handshakes & hugs. Throughout the night the occasional jokes were made- that can’t helped to be made on the set of a film such as this (use your imagination)- and all maintained their energy and talent strongly. Because of the of the laughter and the joy on their faces during pleasant conversation behind the scenes between Mike and Leigh Ann one could have assumed that it would take a while to dig into the tit-for-tat, eye-rolling, smart ass jab here and there relationship between their two characters in the film one may assume at first that it would take a while to pull that out of these actors. But, as soon as the call to action was made they transformed effortlessly and did a wonderful job!
From working in the humid night air, then a heat soaked kitchen and finally a large freezer, we went through three different extreme levels of temperature this night and stamina was held. It was fun the whole way round too! During set changes and lighting arrangements we all talked on our past, present, and future in the film industry.
With funny tales told, weird situations revealed, and new experiences underway, I look forward to this movie taking a place in our lives that will give way to brand new stories and a set of great memories of the time spent making that one independent feature film that most had feared to tell their family and friends the title to.
The Slut Always Rides Shotgun. . . indeed.
Call to set - 9:00pm ET
A late scheduled shoot meant an early morning end. Prior to our 3:30am exit from the “bakery” the lead DAVE (Mike Voutsinos) and actor Leigh Ann Johnson (ANGELA) built an on screen relationship that one would notice to be uncharacteristic off screen.
Leigh Ann Johnson was met with welcoming smiles and warm handshakes & hugs. Throughout the night the occasional jokes were made- that can’t helped to be made on the set of a film such as this (use your imagination)- and all maintained their energy and talent strongly. Because of the of the laughter and the joy on their faces during pleasant conversation behind the scenes between Mike and Leigh Ann one could have assumed that it would take a while to dig into the tit-for-tat, eye-rolling, smart ass jab here and there relationship between their two characters in the film one may assume at first that it would take a while to pull that out of these actors. But, as soon as the call to action was made they transformed effortlessly and did a wonderful job!
From working in the humid night air, then a heat soaked kitchen and finally a large freezer, we went through three different extreme levels of temperature this night and stamina was held. It was fun the whole way round too! During set changes and lighting arrangements we all talked on our past, present, and future in the film industry.
With funny tales told, weird situations revealed, and new experiences underway, I look forward to this movie taking a place in our lives that will give way to brand new stories and a set of great memories of the time spent making that one independent feature film that most had feared to tell their family and friends the title to.
The Slut Always Rides Shotgun. . . indeed.
DAY SEVENTEEN: "The 22nd Letter" (enter "V")
Call to set - 11:30am ET
First, let me tell you about the machine that is Mindy Rose (aka “V”):
Travel 6 hours from home to film.
Perform an 17 hour movie-work day (yup, 17). (1pm-6am)
Sleep 3.5 hours.
Wake to prepare, and film another 4.5 hours. (1pm-5:30pm) *see Day 18
And then off, across a few more states to another film set.
Film for a week, only to imminently return to our set for another night of filming.
Although pumped up on a diet of caffeine consumed energy drinks and soda… pop, we have confessed that it was in fact the adrenaline fused love of our craft that kept our minds and bodies in their enhanced state of performance. Another of the longest days. Another of the most fun days. How can you beat an on location shoot at the beach on a summer day? Boardwalk, arcades, amusement park, mini-golf, and of course the sands and ocean!
And through it all talent shined, and spirits were high. The chemistry between Mike Voutsinos and Mindy Rose brought charming life to the characters DAVE and “V”.
As the Sun melted away we floored it down the highway to part two of Day 17. Upon arrival on the second set we met with the patient and also adrenaline fused Patrick Hickman. Patrick plays TOM, the friend who introduces DAVE (Mike Voutsinos) and “V” (Mindy Rose). Today was neither his nor Mindy’s final day on set, and guess who cannot wait til that particular day of filming when we bring these three actors back together alongside other key players to create the climactic scene of the film where the lead finds himself . . .—no spoilers here ^_^ We’ll all have to stay tuned, and stay pumped!
And with our collective adrenaline fused love and hand over fist caffeine drinks (pop), I am quite certain we will have no trouble staying pumped. See you all soon enough! *o*
Call to set - 11:30am ET
First, let me tell you about the machine that is Mindy Rose (aka “V”):
Travel 6 hours from home to film.
Perform an 17 hour movie-work day (yup, 17). (1pm-6am)
Sleep 3.5 hours.
Wake to prepare, and film another 4.5 hours. (1pm-5:30pm) *see Day 18
And then off, across a few more states to another film set.
Film for a week, only to imminently return to our set for another night of filming.
Although pumped up on a diet of caffeine consumed energy drinks and soda… pop, we have confessed that it was in fact the adrenaline fused love of our craft that kept our minds and bodies in their enhanced state of performance. Another of the longest days. Another of the most fun days. How can you beat an on location shoot at the beach on a summer day? Boardwalk, arcades, amusement park, mini-golf, and of course the sands and ocean!
And through it all talent shined, and spirits were high. The chemistry between Mike Voutsinos and Mindy Rose brought charming life to the characters DAVE and “V”.
As the Sun melted away we floored it down the highway to part two of Day 17. Upon arrival on the second set we met with the patient and also adrenaline fused Patrick Hickman. Patrick plays TOM, the friend who introduces DAVE (Mike Voutsinos) and “V” (Mindy Rose). Today was neither his nor Mindy’s final day on set, and guess who cannot wait til that particular day of filming when we bring these three actors back together alongside other key players to create the climactic scene of the film where the lead finds himself . . .—no spoilers here ^_^ We’ll all have to stay tuned, and stay pumped!
And with our collective adrenaline fused love and hand over fist caffeine drinks (pop), I am quite certain we will have no trouble staying pumped. See you all soon enough! *o*
DAY EIGHTEEN: The 2nd Coming of "V"
Call to set - 1:30pm ET
Mike Voutsinos (DAVE) and Mindy Rose (“V”) join us for another day of filming which bythtis time the days seem to blend together. Today we shot a scene where their characters converse via video chat on their computers. The juggling of crew, equipment and cast in order to maintain both perspectives of the conversation was that of a three-card monte game. Working with a one camera independent budget, it certainly kept the day interesting.
Again I brag on the cast and the energy and talent that Mike and Mindy possess in the presence of their artistic passions. These two were a great match I am very glad things played out the way they did with casting, for Mindy was originally cast as “B” (girlfriend to one of DAVE’s former lovers). Long story short: After seeing her in action in another movie, then upon meeting her in person we agreed she would be best for “V”- after first transforming her blonde locks to brunette, which she scores super-ultra-mega points for doing- and with that Mindy Rose went from “B” to “V”, her more suitable letter of the alphabet. With every passing hour I knew the decision was the right one.
Thus, with every passing film day I know the decision to take on this project was the right one. I thank all involved and all who support.
Now I must find a nice little spot to fall unconscious until Day 19.
Call to set - 1:30pm ET
Mike Voutsinos (DAVE) and Mindy Rose (“V”) join us for another day of filming which bythtis time the days seem to blend together. Today we shot a scene where their characters converse via video chat on their computers. The juggling of crew, equipment and cast in order to maintain both perspectives of the conversation was that of a three-card monte game. Working with a one camera independent budget, it certainly kept the day interesting.
Again I brag on the cast and the energy and talent that Mike and Mindy possess in the presence of their artistic passions. These two were a great match I am very glad things played out the way they did with casting, for Mindy was originally cast as “B” (girlfriend to one of DAVE’s former lovers). Long story short: After seeing her in action in another movie, then upon meeting her in person we agreed she would be best for “V”- after first transforming her blonde locks to brunette, which she scores super-ultra-mega points for doing- and with that Mindy Rose went from “B” to “V”, her more suitable letter of the alphabet. With every passing hour I knew the decision was the right one.
Thus, with every passing film day I know the decision to take on this project was the right one. I thank all involved and all who support.
Now I must find a nice little spot to fall unconscious until Day 19.
DAY NINETEEN: "V-3"
Call to set - 9:00pm ET
Our third day with Mindy Rose (“V”) was short and sweet. As short as a film night can go, and as sweet as the night air.
The night was lit gray by the moon and the artificial light of the college campus we stormed through with camera, boom mic, and wardrobe in arms. Any moisture in the air was filter by a cool breeze that kept us refreshed during the bit of running around we did. At the risk of disturbing the peace we got some great shots!
There was one shot where Mindy had to scream into her phone the words, “Fuck You!” and during a few takes of this we got a couple of eyebrows raised from some bystanders. Great stuff! Also, in our crunch-time schedule, the Assistant Director’s [Dimitri Voutsinos] car acted as dressing room (we’re so high class right-heheh). Then it was back to home base for some final voiceovers.
The entire night wasn’t just business. We all bonded a bit before we said our “see ya laters”. Although still running on liquid energy and lack of sleep, we made time for some discussions of our craft, our projects in the works, and future endeavors. Online videos made for a great break period, full of laughter through dark humor. Not one day of filming has gone by without laughter peppered throughout (and that’s not a bad thing).
Then in the early AM after we each said our farewells, I headed back to my apartment once again, thinking to myself as I climbed the stairs to my door: Through all the scheduling issues, lack of locations, minor miscommunication, sleep deprived, long into the morning shoots, lack of money, and any other hiccups during the period of filming this movie . . . this has been a VERY educational, self-building, people bonding, beautiful form of madness! A madness that I welcome, and that I so willingly smother myself in. I am so grateful.
May the remaining days hold the same shape as the previous.
(…become better.)
Call to set - 9:00pm ET
Our third day with Mindy Rose (“V”) was short and sweet. As short as a film night can go, and as sweet as the night air.
The night was lit gray by the moon and the artificial light of the college campus we stormed through with camera, boom mic, and wardrobe in arms. Any moisture in the air was filter by a cool breeze that kept us refreshed during the bit of running around we did. At the risk of disturbing the peace we got some great shots!
There was one shot where Mindy had to scream into her phone the words, “Fuck You!” and during a few takes of this we got a couple of eyebrows raised from some bystanders. Great stuff! Also, in our crunch-time schedule, the Assistant Director’s [Dimitri Voutsinos] car acted as dressing room (we’re so high class right-heheh). Then it was back to home base for some final voiceovers.
The entire night wasn’t just business. We all bonded a bit before we said our “see ya laters”. Although still running on liquid energy and lack of sleep, we made time for some discussions of our craft, our projects in the works, and future endeavors. Online videos made for a great break period, full of laughter through dark humor. Not one day of filming has gone by without laughter peppered throughout (and that’s not a bad thing).
Then in the early AM after we each said our farewells, I headed back to my apartment once again, thinking to myself as I climbed the stairs to my door: Through all the scheduling issues, lack of locations, minor miscommunication, sleep deprived, long into the morning shoots, lack of money, and any other hiccups during the period of filming this movie . . . this has been a VERY educational, self-building, people bonding, beautiful form of madness! A madness that I welcome, and that I so willingly smother myself in. I am so grateful.
May the remaining days hold the same shape as the previous.
(…become better.)
DAY TWENTY: "Slim Pickens"
Call to set - 11:00am ET
Another day with Dimitri, Mike and Ryan. Just the fellas. Day 20 was an emotional one. The conversation between the two characters DAVE (Mike Voutsinous) and SLIM (Ryan Feeley) was soaked in the testing of loyalty, life changing consideration, and decisions that press on the sensitive lines that make or break friendship.
Aside from the dialogue in the scene, not much more interesting events resulted, except maybe the off camera talks and jokes and gags of four guys filming a movie. This was one of the easy days, laid back and healthy with good cinematography and performance.
With the 2nd part of our day cut short due to weather, we all ended the night with a 9 man poker “tournament”- to which I was the 4th man out.
And we did indeed savor this “easy”day, for we know what magnificent challenges await us on Day 21 . . . that of a large cast of extras, a party scene, and some minor stage-combat. Yes, the 312 party (for those who know-those readers of the book and such)! Excited can’t even begin to describe! ^o^
See yall at the party!!!
Don’t forget to RSVP *.*
Call to set - 11:00am ET
Another day with Dimitri, Mike and Ryan. Just the fellas. Day 20 was an emotional one. The conversation between the two characters DAVE (Mike Voutsinous) and SLIM (Ryan Feeley) was soaked in the testing of loyalty, life changing consideration, and decisions that press on the sensitive lines that make or break friendship.
Aside from the dialogue in the scene, not much more interesting events resulted, except maybe the off camera talks and jokes and gags of four guys filming a movie. This was one of the easy days, laid back and healthy with good cinematography and performance.
With the 2nd part of our day cut short due to weather, we all ended the night with a 9 man poker “tournament”- to which I was the 4th man out.
And we did indeed savor this “easy”day, for we know what magnificent challenges await us on Day 21 . . . that of a large cast of extras, a party scene, and some minor stage-combat. Yes, the 312 party (for those who know-those readers of the book and such)! Excited can’t even begin to describe! ^o^
See yall at the party!!!
Don’t forget to RSVP *.*