As the summer is winding to a close, I am also FINALLY finishing up production on this never ending movie!

Despite all the struggles, it has also been a blast with some memories not soon to be forgotten by me or the cast anytime soon. And of course, I have learned SO MUCH getting this off the ground that I already have plans and ideas that will make my next movie run so much smoother.

Yes, there will be a next movie. I already have an idea, and even a couple cast members on board! :)

Anyway, I stopped to blog quickly about recent events in movie-making land!

Continue reading ""Lancaster: Come for the Movie Shoot, Stay for the Gimlets"" »

Posted by Kristen at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think I like Connie's take on the whole continuity issue - if you notice then there's something wrong with you - yeah, that's the ticket!!

Really, considering I've filmed bits and pieces of the scenes in this bar, in non-sequential order, over the course of a full year, it's amazing we don't have more issues. At least I know I white-balanced properly!

Good news, though - the fight scene is finished!! Finally!!!

Just a little more to go and I can throw a Wrap Party - otherwise known as "Thank-God-we-finished-this damn-movie-after-two-years-of-shooting" Party.

Or perhaps a "Oh-my-God-how-long-will-I-be-editing-this-thing?"Party.

Or how about "I-need-to-buy-new-shoes-because-Lola-ate-them-all" Party? :)

Off-topic for a minute, check out the trailer I edited for the movie Tribute This! I think it came out pretty cool.

Maybe someday you'll see the movie in a theater near you ... :)

Posted by Kristen at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yep, here is a down and dirty update of all the crazy things that have been happening in my life!

1.) I cleaned up my "Project Direct" submission and entered it into 2 film fests - and one of them accepted it. So last month I had my very first screening on a big screen in front of an audience - thanks to Gate City Women's Film Festival!

For the more amusing highlights of our trip, check out Vicki's blogs here: Why the Super 8 in Greensboro, NC Is Not So Super
and here Expectations

2.) I finally finished my project for UPenn - and I'm actually pretty proud of it!

3.) I moved - I now have my own place, which I love. Only problem is that I don't have any couches - since I'm waiting on the check from the aforementioned UPenn project!

4.) Production on the movie is temporarily on hiatus, until I have time to shoot. Turns out I have a million things going on in May, including a voice recital, Luau, bat mitzvah, house warming party for my sister, visit from my parents ...and then on June 7th I leave for a week in London!

Yeah, so, I'm busy. But once I get back from London it's all movie, all summer. I have a goal of a Fall premier. And no body better get in my way!!! :)

Posted by Kristen at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The next shoot for Happy Hour isn't until December, but that doesn't mean your crazy Director hasn't been hard at work on other projects!

YouTube posted a contest asking people to make a 2-7 minute film that included the following:
1.) Someone passing a picture
2.) The line of dialog "I demand an explanation for these shenanigans! What do you have to say?"
3.) A character facing a situation above his/her maturity level.

At first I thought I didn't have the time to do this - but then, at the last minute, I decided to go for it. I wrote a short script, recruited two actors from Craigslist (more on that later), cast Mick's daughter in one of the parts and somehow - after lining up three different possible locations - ended up invading Mick's house on a Saturday night to shoot!

I didn't have time to audition the people from Craigslist, so I went with my gut - and boy did I luck out.

Amanda Vacharat (above left) - who plays the older sister Jenny - came with her lines memorized and was a complete pro. She "got" the character right away and I was really pleased with her performance.

Daniel Ellis (above right) already had professional experience and a music career, but he was completely dedicated to my little film, and never complained when he was slapped, or rolling around on the cold basement floor! And did I mention he's a hell of an actor?

Of course, I can't forget to mention Faith McCleery, who for a 10 year-old has a real instinct for acting. The camera just loves her and she even had *her* lines memorized! That's more than I can say for the Happy Hour cast most of the time! ;)

Anyway, I feel really lucky that everything worked out - and I hope we make the top 20, so people can vote!

If you want to watch my submission, here it is:

To see all of the other entries, check out this playlist, kindly put together by a fellow youtuber: Project: Direct Playlist

And wish me luck!!! :)

Posted by Kristen at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since the last time I blogged so many things have happened I can’t even begin to cover them – and it really doesn’t matter anyway. What matters is that we are VERY close to finishing production, and I’m bothering my cast constantly asking for their availability as we try and try again to schedule the last few scenes.

But, while I struggle to make this happen (it is my job) I thought I would share an amusing email thread from a little over a week ago. I was laughing so hard reading it, I decided I had to put a transcript on the web for posterity – rather than have it die in my in box.

So, it was late Friday afternoon and I sent an email asking for extras for the big bar fight scene. Little did I know that craziness would ensue because of that “reply all” button!

(As you read, keep in mind this went out to about 20 people – at their work email addresses! It makes it more amusing …) Enjoy! :)

Continue reading "A little laughter … and sexual “harassment”" »

Posted by Kristen at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So, I feel the need to "blog" a quick update on the movie front for anyone who cares to read. (probably just my mom, but she'll appreciate it anyway! ) Especially since there are no pictures from this weekend, since our resident photographer was busy in front of the camera, trying to remember the line "latte, skim, no foam."

A picture of Vicki, looking smug -
this was when she thought she wouldn't be in the movie at all!

Anyway, I was supposed to finish off all the scenes with the three "bitchy" ladies and Ani, with a short shoot on Friday night and then one all day on Sunday, with extras joining us for the last half of the shoot on Sunday.

To say things didn't go as planned is an understatment. I can't even get into the convoluted mess - but suffice it to say we only actually filmed on one day, I had to ask Connie to call and cancel all the extras, and Lauryn pulled herself together at the last minute and dragged herself through heavy traffic to Narberth to fill Vicki's role, since Vicki's part had been "upgraded." Thanks Laur and Vick - you are life savers. And quite funny too! :)

Lauryn laughing, almost as much as the rest of us
when she ad-libbed "Did you punch her?"

Anyway, despite the fact we lost a total of 6 hours shooting time, we still managed to get everything except about 4 pages done. I'm not sure when I'll fit those fours pages in, since I'm on a pretty tight schedule and once fall hits - well we know what happenes. But such is the life of an independent movie director.

Oh, and to top it off, I've been sick with a nasty cold the past few days. I'd like to blame it on being stuck in the rain while lugging everything around, but lack of sleep probably didn't help either. :P

Oh well, next up is a shoot with Mike and Tony, and they'll sail through their lines. I just know it! :)

Posted by Kristen at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, so the time has come for some explaining, so you can all catch-up with the fast and furious way things are moving in "movie-land."

Connie, who has been an enormous help with this movie (not even including playing a lead role) has just taken it a step further. She has offered to let me use her Hula studio - which hasn't opened yet, as a shooting location for the ever troublesome bar scenes. So, we bought a tiki bar (which will later be used as a check-out counter for the retail store) and now I am happy to say we have a set!!!

Our new location - Aloha Style!

Continue reading "Aloha Style and a new cast member" »

Posted by Kristen at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, there is really too much to update on the movie front, with audtions, new cast members, new sets, I can't handle it all! (or rather, I don't have time to type it all out!)

So, for now, I'll summarize key points.

1.) WE HAVE A WORKING SHOOTING SCHEDULE!! :)
2.) WE HAVE A LOCATION FOR THE BAR SCENES!!!!
3.) NEW PHOTOS FROM THIS PAST SUNDAY'S SHOOT ARE ON THE WAY!!!!!!

Keep your eyes open, Happy Hour Fans - we are rolling! :)

What does a hibscus have to do with the movie you wonder? ... Just wait and find out!

Posted by Kristen at 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So, this is kinda off-topic - but while it may seem I am slacking in my Director duties (at least based on my blog entries) it is simply not true!

I am actually busy doing other video projects - like, for example, filming the wedding of cast members Amanda and Mike! Congratulatiosn guys! The reception was a blast! :)

I am also working on a project for the Greenfield Intercultural Center at UPenn. It's going to be a great piece about Native American students attending college and some of the challenges they face. I'm actually learning quite a lot!

Shaking hands with the Lenape Indian Chief, while filming interviews at UPenn's All Ivy Native Conference

But, no matter what, my heart is still with this movie and summer shoots have been scheduled. Starting next weekend I (and hopefully the cast!) will be back in full movie-making mode!

So WATCH OUT! The director is on a role! :)

Posted by Kristen at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wow - it's been way too long since anyone has been blogging on this site! :P

I guess I'll be the one to start it up again, by saying that the summer season is almost upon us and I am scheduling those last scenes, finally!! So look for the site to start becoming active again soon!

Recently, we even wrapped Khyri's final two scenes before he got married and moved off to Texas! Thank God he was generous enough to give us an evening only two weeks before his wedding!

Of course, nothing went the way I had originally planned, but I did manage to surrepticiously shoot a scene while we were eating dinner in a busy chain restaurant on a Friday night. People kept looking at us funny - but luckily we got in and out before management asked any questions. Shhh... don't tell anyone. ;)

The busboy got really curious when I pulled out the camera ... but we snuck in and out without causing a stir!

Then it was on to Rittenhouse Square to be eaten alive by mosquitoes - but it looked lovely!

Now I just need to figure out how to get the damn bar finished and the movie can officially move into post-production!! Stay tuned and find out if I actually manage it! :P

Posted by Kristen at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Not much new to say, except that I wish all my dedicated cast and crew a fabulous 2007! The year we WILL actually film all the bar scenes!!

Seriously, movie-making is a team effort and I feel lucky to have such a great group of people to work with. Don't worry guys - I promise it will all be worth it in the end.

Your Humble Director,
Kristen :)

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

Yes, it is official, members of the female cast have asked for a "Boy Toy" for Christmas.

I just mentioned I was trying to schedule, among other things, one of *our* Boy Toy's scenes, and ... well, what can I say? We're a rowdy bunch ... and it is the gift giving season!

Unfortunately, there is only one of him - and he might have something to say about being "given away" indiscriminately.

So, I am going to have to search elsewhere to fulfill our "boy toy" needs ... There's got to be a good sale somehwere this weekend, right? I think Page mentioned Walmart ... ;)

On that note - Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! (If anyone is actually reading this, that is!)

K :)

Posted by Kristen at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I read an interesting an article today on YouTube (yes, YouTube - I am addicted, just like the song says!)

Anyway, it was about recruiting talent - and it advised against using friends and family in your movies, "unless your friends or relatives are also very talented and can take direction, you should avoid this talent pool." And it enumerated the problems you could come across, including the fact that after a 10 hour shoot, the glamour of being in a movie is gone, and they won't like you anymore! :(

Kinda amused me, considering that my cast is completely made up of friends and family - and they're pretty damn good actors too! No mutiny on my hands so far...

My favorite bit of advice, however, is something I learned early on in my "days as a director:"

"Of course, it also helps to have a bit of food around as a bit of incentive."

;)

Read the full article HERE.

Posted by Kristen at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, I would like to take a minute to go a little off-topic here. This weekend I went to go see the movie "The Prestige." Now, I had pretty high expectations - Christopher Nolan directed one of my most favorite movies of all time - "Memento." Plus, I'm kinda partial to Hugh Jackman.... OK fine, I think he's really hot ... but that's beside the point ...

Hugh Jackman - not bad looking, huh?

The point is: THE MOVIE ROCKED!!! I am not going to spoil anything, just say that you need to pay attention, there is more than a couple of twists - and some I guarantee you won't see coming. But, if you like thrillers, go see it.

I have always been picky about movies, and since I've learned some of the "tricks of the trade, " I've only gotten more so. But I unequivocally recommend this movie. :)

Christian Bale in The Prestige

Posted by Kristen at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I haven't posted recently, cause I've been kinda busy (as usual) - but that doesn't mean that things haven't been going on in Happy Hour land! Like what? you ask. Well, here are the highlights:

Another shoot in parkside completed, but 2 cancelled due to last minute schedule changes and unfinshed sets! :P

The presence of Tony's (2 year-old) daughter on the set causes radical script changes during an intense scene between him and Connie.

I learn that I should always keep, not only extension cords, masking tape and garbage bags in my trunk - but also spare lightbulbs!

AND, to keep morale from sagging while our leading man goes to Africa, I put together a quick trailer, so everyone could begin to see the results of all their hard work!!!! Hopefully, in a short period of time, I will be able to get it up on this website and around the globe for everyone to see! (OK, maybe just youtube and myspace ... but still ...)

Of course, in order to do that, I will have to stop coming home every night and tweaking it just a little more ... It's hard to control a perfectionist, what can I say?! :P

So, stay tuned Happy Hour lovers, more soon to come! :)

Posted by Kristen at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, that's right folks! This Sunday we finally had our first shoot at Parkside! Fran was on hand to help set-up tables, while I taped garbage bags on the windows (if you've made an independent film you'll understand), and the place looked fabulous. Even the half-assembled bar showed loads of potential - I can't wait to see it when it's finished (ahem - TONY!!!)

Despite getting a late start, we were still able to get a lot done and i have to say that I have assembled the three most perfect "bitchy" ladies ever! Vicki, our fab photographer, agreed to step in and take over the part of Krissy since Dorothy had to drop out. The combination of her (snotty), Page (snide), and Marsha (snooty) was very entertaining. I was laughing my ass off at their ad-libbing! Juan Valdez - that's all I'm saying!

And, for some reason, they were all such naturals in their roles.... I wonder why that is ... ? ;)

Posted by Kristen at 9:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At least, that's what I hope, anyway. After yet another delay, it looks like our shoot this weekend will be postponed again. It seems that getting ahold of people to coordinate installing the bar for our set is not as easy as it sounds, and transporting it is no picnic either, so we just have to wait until we can get something set up.

It's just frustrating for me, because trying to juggle everyone's schedules is hard, and will only get worse as we apporach the holidays.

But, like I told Connie earlier today, I know it will all be worth it once we get in there to shoot. Because the location is so perfect - and we couldn't ask for a better set-up, since it looks like a bar, but we don't have to work around customers! (Especially the ones who want to know why I don't want the jukebox playing in the background while I shoot! It's *non-linear* editing people! :P )

Oh well, I guess this just means I'll be doing some much needed unpacking and cleaning on Saturday! Or maybe I'll go and see a movie myself - there's certainly nothing wrong with that! :)

Later ...

Posted by Kristen at 4:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I know I have been remiss in my blog entries - please forgive me! I just finished moving and for some reason it was the most horrific move I have ever dealt with. I don't know why - but I am still exhausted from the ordeal! :P

Anyway, what I am logging in to say today is that I am discovering something, as I film, that is really inspiring to me as a director. What I am discovreing is that, as Vicki so aptly put it "Your peeps are taking this seriously!"

What does this mean? It means that everyone comes to the shoots with their lines memorized (well ... except Stephanie...) It means that they ask questions about motivation, wardrobe and how they fit in to the big picture of the whole movie. It means they're willing to work hard - and it shows.

Case in point is the shoot this past Saturday with Angie and Jenny. They were pros while I positioned them, and asked them to not only remember their lines, but their blocking and - oh yeah - they had to act too! They were even rehearsing while I set up the lights! I watched the footage back and I can't wait to edit. It's gonna be a great scene.

And I feel that way every time. I keep watching the tapes and thinking, how lucky am I that I somehow assembled a group of cast members who not only are willing to volunteer huge amounts of time to my project, but are also really damn good actors!??!!? It doesn't seem possible.

So - a big thanks to all of the cast members! My movie is going to be better because of your willingness to "put yourself out there," and I couldn't do it without you! :)

Posted by Kristen at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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)

.... For reminding me to thank Buck Wheat!! How could I forget to thank that darling guinea pig who let us chop up his carrott for our scene. Thank you, Buck Wheat!

Only kidding Laur - sorry I forgot to give you mad props for your crazy boom mic skills! ;)

Lauryn puts up with being the "boom girl"

Posted by Kristen at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Saturday and Sunday were our first two days of shooting. And all I have to say is WOW!

The actors really stepped up their game and I was just blown away by everyone's commitment. I know it isn't easy to do the same scene over and over, just so i can get all the shots I need. but everyone did it, time and again. Now I just hope my videography and editing skills are up to par enough so I can do their acting justice.

So, special thanks to:

Ilene - for letting us invade her house, rearrange her furniture and put garbage bags on her windows!
Stephanie - for forgetting about "lines" and channeling her own rage to create a performance that was real (but will be a bitch to edit!) :)
Connie - for her pitch perfect acting and complete professionalism
Amanda - for suddenly, out of nowhere, transforming from the sweet, respectable woman we know into a hysterical drug addict.
Mike - for always being "in the moment" and always looking for ways to give the script more meaning.
Vicki - for putting up with my tendency to prefer low-lighting.
and finally, to Tony, for the quote that sums it up, I think:
Tony (after we fininshed the first scene): "So, Kris, are you going to need to do it that many times for *every* scene?"
Kristen: "Uh, yeah, probabaly..."
Tony: "It's gonna be a long summer ..."

A long one, but a good one ... :)

Now, on to the next take!

Posted by Kristen at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

mmmm.... Oh, sorry, I was distracted for a minute ...

Now, Vicki, I ahh... "interviewed" each of those men extensively. And they know they can have any part they want, at any time. But, unfortunately, they were all previously engaged this summer. And I needed to get on with the production - I mean how often do I get such a stellar cast assembled, on a volunteer basis!

Hopefully, however, they will each be able to make a cameo appearance in the infamous "Hot Tub" scene, which will only be seen in the Special Edition Director's Cut of the movie.

So, Jake, Ewan, Johnny - give me a call. You have my number. ;)

Posted by Kristen at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I mean, really! Don't you think, if there is a hot tub scene, the Director should get to be in it?! It's hard work keeping all you actor-types in line! (Especially the ones with multiple personalities!!)

I think, as the Director, I need a nice relaxing soak after a hard day of bossing people around. The question is, who do I want to join me? Gianluigi is certainly an option. You know, I originally tried to cast him in the movie ... but he never returned my calls (go figure!)

I might just have to co-opt Jordan's Boy Toy for myself ...

;)

Posted by Kristen at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Well, maybe not all of them. But most. (Read the entry by "Ava" if you don't beleive me...)

Anyway, yesterday I came home from spending the day in DC with my mom (she's been visiting and my sister and I have been taking her on fun little road trips) to some very goofy messages from my cast/friends/co-workers. They were all at a get together at my former bosses house, that I couldn't make because of my "mom" plans. And they are now obessesed with shooting in her hot tub, since she's volunteered her house as a location if needed.

Forget the fact there is no scene in a hot tub. :P

All I could do was laugh when I heard the messages... Really, I'm just flattered my movie is such a hot topic of conversation.

And that's not all - before production has even started I already have men coming into my office and taking off their clothes. Is this a reverse twist on the traditional casting couch scenario? And what kind of production am I running here where everyone just wants to take off their clothes and jump into hot tubs!?!

Below - evidence at the scene of the crime - a shirt discarded by one of the leading men - on my office floor!!

Posted by Kristen at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, here it is, the first official blog on this site. And I already have so much to say!!

First, kudos to Vicki for her web design skills - she was the one who got this whole monstrosity up and running, and was very patient with my lack of knowledge about anything website oriented. Thanks Vick! I still owe you dinner (at least!)

Second, I am thrilled to say that after a lot of brainstorming and negotiating and help from Connie, we have a place to shoot our bar scenes!!! This was the thing I was worried about the most, since a little over half of the script takes place in "Joe's" bar and getting that much time in one place would be hard. But Parkside Studios has agreed to let us shoot there. The people were wonderfully supportive, the space looks fabulous, and we will be able to have the run of it while we're there shooting. That would be good enough to make this director happy, but there's more! As part of the barter, Tony is going to build a new bar in place of the old one they've already got in there. So I will have a brand new bar to shoot in. I love it when my friends are all multi-talented!

And, wait - even better than that, the band Prime Time (who totally rocked our last fundraiser!) will have a cameo in the movie!

I think it's safe to say this movie is off to an exciting start. Let's hope the streak of good luck and good people continues - especially since production starts next week! :)

Posted by Kristen at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)