If you read Kristen's last entry you know that Jordan was filmed talking to the bird feeders in Colleen's back yard. Yes, bird feeders. One source is reporting that Jordan has NO boytoy. In addition to the "boytoy" she has been insisting that Kiristen invite "Harvey" to the bar. Harvey, she says is a six-foot white rabbit. Boytoy, birdfeeders, bunny rabbits---think about it.

The surprising finale of Happy Hour will reveal that ten years ago, after leaving the bar with Eric, Jordan was abducted by aliens. While captive, she had a tiny computer chip implanted in her cerebral cortex that makes her THINK she has a boytoy when in reality she's --well, let's just say that in the pinball game of life, her flippers are a little further apart than most. This could explain her attraction to Eric and his juvenile antics or it could mean that Eric IS an alien. We'll have to wait and see!

Posted by Connie at 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

My favorite saying, as a independent film director (way to make myself sound important, huh?), is "We'll make it work." Although I use it less than I do, "One more time," it is nonethless a very important and useful phrase.

So, when I heard it was supposed to rain on the night I had scheduled an outdoor restaurant scene, I said "We'll make it work!" And when we got a late start because everyone got stuck in traffic on their way to Colleen's, I said "we'll make it work." I also said it when I realized that Khyri hadn't seen the script yet, Angie had forgotten her copy and that one half of a couple that was supposed to be in a scene wasn't able to be there.

Oh, and I can't forget about hearing the thunder crash in the background as I was shooting outdoors. Although, I may have preceded "We'll make it work" with an expletive that time.

But you see, the amazing thing is - is that it did work! Khyri was a total pro and memorized his lines on the spot. Everyone just stayed up late so I could finish my scenes and through a miracle of teamwork we finished the last scene *and* got all the equipment and props packed away before it started to downpour! We even caught Max, the runaway cat, before he got too far into the yard. :)

So, overall the evening was an amazing success - special thanks to Colleen (& Craig) for being wonderful hosts, having a gorgeous house and letting me keep them up late.

Thanks to Khyri for jumping in sight unseen and being brilliant in his role.

Thanks to Khyri, Angie, Lauryn and Vicki for putting up with my barking orders as we raced against the rain.

And finally, thanks to Connie, for having a scintillating conversation with the deck railing, just for my own continuity whims. I promise - next time, you won't have to call Michael Nash! ;)

Max the runaway cat!

Posted by Kristen at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

So, last night I had a shoot on location in Narberth, PA and these are the things I've learned about this lovely little town ...

1.) Go to The Greeks bar and restaurant!!! Great food, even better service and their patrons don't mind when you drag them into your movie!

2.) Everyone who's anyone knows Jean, the wonderful woman who helped facilitate the shoot. (and she knows all of them,too!) Thanks Jean!

3.) The police officers are much nicer than in Jersey - instead of trying to shut us down, they want to read the script! :)

4.) And finally, if you're driving around between like 6:30-7:00 at night, there are an awful lot of hot guys taking their evening jogs - without shirts, of course. (That itself made it worth the trip for me ...)

Seriously, it was a great night - extra special thanks to Drew and Young for being such gracious hosts (and to Young for his ingenius substitutes for a payphone!)

Young teaches us all an important lesson in comic improv

Posted by Kristen at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just thought I'd take a minute to post a brief comment (it seems like I'm the only one posting lately - c'mon people!!) before launching into a full blown attack on ... HOMEWORK!!

Because yes, you see, besides trying to make a movie, working a full time job, and moving into a new apartment, I am also taking two online courses. Basically, I am masochistic. Or, I like to see how long I can go without sleep.

So, I have to say that the unexpected cancellation of the two shoots this weekend (more about that and other scheduleing snafus later! ) is actually a blessing in disguise for me. Now I can catch up on my school work.

Before I sign off though, I'd like to take a minute to thank some people who have, in one way or another, gone above and beyond to help me with this movie. I couldn't do it without their support and enthusiasm. So an extra thanks to:

Tony - for offering his talents up to barter and going all-out building the bar that will be my set.
Vicki - for her web skills, beautiful photos and investment in a project that isn't hers.
Mick - for all the advice he's given in the past, all the knowledge he passes on, and his willingness to keep helping even when he' s busy doing his own thing.
Connie - who has taken this project to heart and who is constantly begging, borrowing and stealing everything she can to make my job a little easier, and the movie a little better.

Thank you all! :)

Posted by Kristen at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night we shot the opening scene for Mike Brooks' character, Jackson. Now, I knew the shoot would go well, because Mike is a pro. Serioulsy, he is such a good actor, people comment on it in my school projects. You would never know he didn't have a long list of performances behind him.

Anyway, the scene calls for Mike to hurl a glass against the wall. I had it all worked out so I could edit the glass breaking with little damage to anyone's property - since I was shooting in Mike Dameron's apartment, and really didn't want to destroy it. I even brought 3 of my own identical glasses (purchased at the dollar store), in case we didn't get it in one take.

What happened, you ask? The "Mikes" went out on a limb for the sake of my movie. Mike D. donated his blue glasses, which were much nicer than mine. He also had 8. He let Mike B. hurl a glass at his wall - which Mike B. did with perhaps a little too much vigor (pent up frustration, anyone?). Mike D. even said it was OK for Mike B. to have liquid in it, for the sake of realism, and let him do it again - even after the first time scattered glass shards all over the apaprtment. I think the pictures that Vicki will post soon can tell the story more accurately than words - but let me just say we got some great takes (even if Mike will have to wear shoes on his carpet for the next couple of weeks).

Now I just need to find someone who can fix the paint on his wall...

So, Thanks Mike D. for a being a true "friend of the arts!" The movie will be better because of your sacrifice!

And thanks Mike B. for a giving it your all, as usual!

The Mikes

(NOTE: On an unrelated topic, I have decided to keep track of how many scenes I film where someone makes a joke about it being a porno (including random guys driving through surburban neighborhoods at night and shouting their opinions). At the end of production, I will let you all know exactly how depraved our cast is. So far, I think we are 5/5...)

Posted by Kristen at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... is Connie's daughter, Lia! During last Friday's shoot, Lia was immeasurably helpful by: helping actors memorize their lines, keeping an eye on continuity issues, operating the boom mic, and being willing to do whatever was needed - including running inside to get drinks for Connie and Tony (who were *very* patient as I made them do the same scene about a million times!!)

I am now officially dubbing Lia "Production Assistant" and as soon as I have a picture she'll be up online with the rest of our motley crew. Thanks Lia! :)

Lia - Our new Production Assistant

Posted by Kristen at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First, yes, I have returned from my week-long, incredibly relaxing vacation in the woods of the Adirondacks. I somehow survived with neither cell phone service nor the internet, but barely. And since I'm back it won't be quiet on the set for very much longer. In fact, I have a very ambitious schedule for August - so my cast and crew need to be prepared!!

Second, I find it very interesting that the subject of this blog seems to always veer towards men in various stages of undress. I mean, I hadn't planned any nude scenes, but if guys keep volunteering (I can't afford to pay for a butt double - Now if you want to work gratis, Rogers, that's another story) ...

I know I keep saying "It's not that kind of movie!" But, really, what am I going to do when I film that unscripted hot tub scene?

Hmmmm ...

;)

Posted by Kristen at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)