Facebook takes me back!

What an overwhelming day… See, after wrapping on NJBB, I got a Facebook page going because I thought it would be a great way to keep in touch with our truly fantastic cast and crew. Then because the acting/film group in Austin is pretty tight, I was connecting with all kinds of friends from around here. Then last night an email came reaching out from the past, right into my world. Someone from my college theater days had tracked me down through Facebook. Funny think about Facebook, because in the last 24 hours, I have now reconnected to a group of super cool, incredibly beautiful and exceptionally talented friends I haven't heard from in 16 years. I see their pictures and it doesn’t seem like they’ve aged at all. (Which truthfully kinda pisses me off, cause I look like hell!). But I especially love that when I look at their picture, I can still hear the sound of their voices and the way they talked and laughed. The easy way we had with each other. It reminds me, even after all these years, of how much I cared for them.

I got to thinking about school and how much I loved taking acting classes. That I still dream of going back for my masters in acting, but that it will have to wait until I’m finished raising the kids.

It’s a wonderful feeling of being connected and they remind me of the girl I used to be and I wonder how much of her is still with me. Pretty heady stuff, but also really really good.

no easy way

I’ve been thinking a lot about the film that just wrapped, and wondering where I am going to go next and how this all fits into being a mom. After the last day of shooting, I felt invincible, like I could direct my own film, or even get back to the stage. Now though, after a week without the panic of preparing for the shoot, I’ve slowly fallen back into the sameness of domestic life. Where I’m once again rushing around to get everything done, but nothing to show for it. Where piles of insignificant chores seem monumental and endless. Is this change due to the blues of not being on set, or simply a reality check? I don’t know, but this past weekend, as I helped with homework, cheered Little Guy’s basketball game, listened to Big Little Guy’s music concert, drove them to movies, grocery shopped, laundry, dishes, etc., I wonder how much more time could I have dedicated to making a film, without everything at home seriously falling apart. I’m not saying I prefer making films to being with my kids. That’s absurd. As it was, there were times I missed my kids so badly, it was like I was homesick or something. But the fact is, I was only away for a few weekends and in that time, one kid's grades dropped, the other one felt alone and ignored, and Mr. Bread Winner, wasn't winning any bread. But damn it, working on this film not only pushed me past my comfort zone, it blew the doors off and it was great to bring down those doors and let in some fresh air!

If only there was an easier way.

OOF! POW! BAM!!

Watch out! She has Fists of Fury!

It's Ms. Kat "I'M TAKING YOU DOWN!"

(Photo by Larry Furnace)

O.K., here's proof that I was really there on set. Not just running away from home to avoid housework and kid's homework.

(Photo by David Overturf)

post filming panic

Since wrapping for Ninja James and The Beast Boy, I have still been going like crazy. Finding receipts, setting up an account on Shutterfly.com so I can post photo's of the shoot, writing thank yous to everyone that helped us get this film made (O.K., I actually wrote a measly few compared to Kat, Alicia and Scott, but hand written notes make me nervous. I always smudge it!), and lo' and behold Xmas is in two weeks. TWO WEEKS!! yikes!

One thing that's been a lot of fun, is down loading the photos on to Shutterfly.com. They are taking a really long time, because the files are huge, but I love seeing them!
I'll post some here soon.

Filming day #6

Today we wrapped shooting Ninja James and The Beast Boy. From what I’ve seen, the footage looks super, which I think is a true reflection of the talent, professionalism and hard work of everyone on set. The cast and crew are fantastic, really cool people and I hope we can work together again soon!

Now we start post production. I’m going to miss being on set, but I’m looking forward to this next stage of film making. There’s editing, effects, music, sound, etc…. etc…, to finalize. Then submissions to the festivals and beyond!

Thanks to everyone that worked to get this film on it’s feet and running (in Mr. Smith’s case - running and running and running). You all Rock!!

Mom goes back to Florida

Mom was here for the holidays and went back to Florida today. It was a really nice visit and it was great to hang out, be fussed over, and have someone around who is in my corner. No one loves you like your mom and that's the truth. I was sad to see her board the plane.

Now though, it's time to change into my Producer Hat now and go over tomorrow's shoot. It's our last day of filming and there are going to be some crazy shots and I want everything to go smoothly and professionally.

Happy Birthday To My Sweet Dad.

Dad - Crystal River Florida, 2006

Today is my father's birthday and if he were alive, I would kiss his nose and cheeks, and hold his hands. Oh, how I loved my father. Our family was big on affection and even as an adult, I still delighted in smothering him with kisses. That kind of affection may seem over the top to some people, but I adored him. Of course, with Dad's great sense of humor, he'd stop all the fawning, by feigning overly dramatic properness and say something (that probably came from an old play), like " Please Madam! Control yourself!" or "Decorum, Decorum!" or "Excuse me Madam, Do I know you?" This last one he said to me when he was at my high school and I ran up to him to greet him with a great big hug. He said it loud enough for all my friend to hear, which they thought was pretty damn funny.

My Mom and Dad back in the day (and yes, I know I look just like my mom:)

Last week, my mom came for the Thanksgiving holidays and is staying a few extra days, so we can remember Dad's birthday together. As much as I love my father, I know it is much worse for my mother. They were so connected and adoring of each other. Mom told me that she feels Dad's absence like the sky. It's always there. You may not be looking directly at it, but it's always around you.

Right now, looking outside, I see a clear bright blue sky. It's framed by the dark green leaves and rich brown branches of large oak trees that grow just beyond my window. The blue stretches forever. It touches the horizon and seeps into the earth. Like my father, it's beautiful and comforting.

Little black dress

My mom is visiting, which means, I get to go shopping. Of course I can go shopping when my mom isn't around, but this is something she likes to do and who am I to say no if someone wants to buy me a cute little black dress!! Especially if it's someone with really good taste!

So mom and I have been shopping like mad mommas and I have a new dress.

Thanks mom!

Happy turkey day !!

~L

Filming day #6 - POSTPONED!

Argh. The weather ruined our last day of the shoot. Which means that very early this morning, there was a lot of phone calls to tell everyone saying: "It's raining, the shoot is cancelled, thanks, but now go back to bed."

Now everything, and then some, is moved two weeks out to December 6th.

See everyone then!!!

Filming day #5

Simple day of getting pick up shots. Very laid back and lots of fun!
For a while I was hunkered down and hiding in the back seat of the stunt car to tell our lead when it was "Action!" (I was on my cell phone with Kat who was filming from another car with various crew folks) and making sure he always had a lit cigarette. Yup, there I was lighting up and trying no to inhale. Not that I'm too worried about my health, but the taste was horrrid. For a non smoker, lighting up must be the equivalent of licking an ashtray. yuktoowy!

Still though, a very very fun day!

Filming Day #4

Day Four of filming started out as another super cold day, and turned into a super cool day. The best part of the day was when Kat, Scott and I were coordinating a bunch of cars, to come together at a traffic light. Everyone was on their cell phone to the cast and extra’s in their various cars, and to the extras’ on the street, and it was fantastic to see it all unfold with the call of “Action!” I’ve done some pretty neat things working on this film, but none of them have equaled the rush I got when I yelled action. It was thrilling. Absolutely great!

Filming Day #3

Nothing like setting up for cast,crew, and extras, in a dark downtown parking garage at 5:30 in the morning, and the wind is blowing and it’s 30 degrees outside. Holy Moly was it cold!!!
It turned out to be a clear day though and we got some great shots. Many thanks to Zen for providing us a hot lunch and for the enthusiasm of the extras!

back to filming!!

Tomorrow we all get back to location and filming. The van is packed, my book of "Everything I have to remember" is ready to go and I'm feeling mighty prepared. I'm feeling like I can take on the world. During this time, I've thought a lot about a friend of mine who I've looked up to as a Producer and a really cool person She always came across as calm, put together, in charge and she really knew her stuff. Thinking of her has given me so much strength. From the bottom of my heart - Thank you Stacy!!

Two of Me and Guilt

There is the "producer" me and the "family " me. And juggle as I might, they just don't mesh very well. Is there ever any balance?
Maybe I've gotten back into this too soon. Little Guy is only 10 years old. He still wants me to volunteer at his school, do arts and craft projects with him and snuggle on the couch and read books and tell stories. At 15, Big Little Guy is getting to the stage, where I really need to keep an eye on him! But working on a film is awesome too. Meeting new people, pushing myself and moving past my comfort level, seeing something materialize through a team of talented people. It's like magic really. But for some reason, I can't seem to do both as well as I would like and one area always suffers for the other.
Damn, I think I have guilt. argh! no! guilt!
~sigh~

Happy birthday KAT !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

No FIlming Day 1

I am completely wiped out!!!
This filmmaking stuff is exhausting!!

Filming Day 2

So the idea was to get a little bit more sleep this morning. And I really wanted to sleep an extra thirty minutes. but I couldn't. At 4am, I was up and going and again, got to the set earlier than my 5:30am call time. No problem though cause Will, who's house we were using for our location, was also up.
This morning's shoot was so easy compared to yesterday's. Simple set ups, shots, action etc. Oh, so easy. I was beginning to feel completely unnecessary. Then lunch, and off to the next location where we set up for extras, etc.
Once at the next location, Curtis, our lead actor, basically ran and ran and ran, for the rest of the afternoon. He ran around corners, down streets, around people and through a group of adorable school children. There must be an hour of footage just of him running!

No doubt, we were really tired by the end of the day, but the weather had been so beautiful and everyone seemed to have had a great time on set. The footage looked great and the crew again impressed me with their enthusiasm and skill.
Overall, it had been a great day to shoot a film!

First Day of Shooting

After a broken night's sleep and a wake up call at 4am, I got to the set a little before 5am. I was nervous and excited and thrilled to finally start filming. It was such a big day production wise, so much planning and a zillion details to keep after. Unfortunately the morning didn't start off as smoothly as I had anticipated and my enthusiasm took an about face. No doubt about it. This day was hard. But as I told myself throughout the day, "Challenges are life's way of seeing how badly you want something." and "if it was easy everyone would do it!"
My objective was - be a positive producer and keeping the production moving forward.
Fortunately, we have an awesome cast and crew assembled. They totally cranked it into high gear and we became a movie making machine!

Friday - Getting Ready, Part 2

After my second near death experience from the Starbucks employee prank, I was very happy to get the Uhaul and get to the furniture store, so our burly helper crew men, could start loading it up.

El Paso Imports furniture store, was absolutely awesome in loaning us all the furniture we needed to dress our set. It was darkly stained, deeply carved, gorgeous wood pieces, that all together may have easily weighed 1200 pounds. Really. I'm not exaggerating. These were massive pieces. MASSIVE! and the guys had to load and unload the van and then bring them up a narrow flight of stairs - All within a few hours.

While they broke their backs, Kat and I picked up more production gear and headed over to the school where we would film tomorrow morning.

For the look of the film, we really needed to use a school for our location. It just wasn't something that would look good if you tried to fake it. Fortunately, we got into one that looked great, and the admin and teachers were helpful and gracious. Thank you for opening your school to us!!

The idea was to clean out the classroom, bring up the furniture, and dress the set, while Kat rehearsed with the actors and Costume could finalize the clothing for the actors.

My third stab of panic came, when I realized we were going to totally clean out the classroom. Like as in - Everything was coming out. These are 2 (out of 90) pictures I took to help us know where to put stuff back.

Fortunately, the crew on this detail was fantastic. I had devised a system to get everything out of the room and Wonderful Associate Producer Alicia found a great way to organize the shelf detritus, so that it would go back the exact way it came off.

This is what the hallway looked like after we got everything out of the classroom. The stuff goes to the end of the building.

Then because of the hard work and keen eye of our Set Designer Extraordinaire Alexis, the room miraculously began to transform itself from a Super Hero themed 4th grade classroom, to polished, imposing, prep school headmistress' office. It looked fantastic! I'm sorry I don't have a better picture of the finished product, (there are two more huge bookcases you don't see in the picture), but we were all pretty busy.

It took us from 3:30 to 7pm to dress the set. It was exhausting, hurried and we were hustling! But we totally kicked it out. and tomorrow, with a call time of 5am, I know we will be ready to do some serious movie making! Saturday Part 1, coming soon!

Friday- Getting Ready. Part 1

To get ready for tomorrow's shoot, it was important that today, everything run smoothly from the get go. There was a ton of stuff to do and not a lot of time. Unfortunately, I awoke to a God awful smell and discovered that during the night, my old dog had become a canine Jackson Pollock of poop. Talk about a waker-upper! So after cleaning that up, I raced the kids to school, grabbed a cup of coffee, met my Associate Producer Scott to go pickup our prop car, dropped it off at Sunday's filming location, drove him to Uhaul to get our moving van, and then almost died twice from panic. First attack happened when I went to pay for the moving van and discovered I had left my purse at Starbucks. The second time was after Scott had called ahead and a Starbucks employee assured him that they still had it, but when I asked for it at the counter, he said someone just claimed it. I had been punked by a starbucks employee and he thought it was pretty funny. I bet he wouldn't have thought it was funny if I strangled him!

Anyway, I didn't die and neither did anyone at Starbucks, and I got my purse back, so back to getting ready for the shoot.

The First Family of America !

magic

This morning, I was only going to glance at my emails as I hurried out the door. Just check it briefly, see if there was anything super important to deal with and out I go. I had things to do, places to go - film folks to meet up with, find money/donations for the film, price a few items that are needed for the set and if, just if I had time, stop by DSW to check out their latest batch of shoes. (have I mentioned I love shoe shopping!) Anyway, when I opened up the inbox there were about 30 emails yelling at me to be answered. So I sat down and started answering a few and then the strangest thing started happening. For every email I answer, three more came back. I'm not talking about spam or a glitch in the system either. It was like there was some strange reproductive process going on behind the send button. So many emails kept popping up in my inbox you'd think it was a veritable love fest! EGAD!

The funny thing about being a producer, on a small indie film, is that producing is really the "Do Everything" job. I mean, I'm swamped and I'm delegating like crazy and hoping the director, associate producers, design team, craft services, camera dept, and my sweet family don't go crazy. Perhaps the term movie magic should refer to how takes a bit of magic from everyone involved, to bring an indie film to the screen.

same job, different hats.

Running around meeting people, making lists and checking them off. Get more food donations, Help find tattoos for the gang guys to wear, set up hair and make up, Does she have a rack to hang the clothes?, getting emails all the time and don't' have time to respond to them all. etc, etc, etc,.
But also,... Need to help in kids classroom, figure out kids basketball schedule, find someone to stay with kids while I'm on set, need to pick up milk (as usual), help kids with homework. Be there as mom to kids, be there as producer for film.
Actually they are very similar jobs :)

BOO!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Busy busy

Time to get moving again. Time to get busy!! The to do list is mounting up and I'm getting in gear. Each area of the film is becoming more and more demanding.

Two years ago this evening, my father passed away. Two years and I think of him every day. I miss him so very much. I love you sweet dad.

READ THROUGH

Today was the read through with the cast and I couldn’t be more excited about this project!!

SEEKING WINDOWLESS 1970's CAR!!

O.K. here's the scoop. We really need a beat up ol' 1970's type sedan (El Camino, Charger, Chrysler sedan, etc.), for our lead character to drive in our short film Ninja James and the Beast Boy.

We've been calling auto shops, repair shops, auto schools, car clubs, salvage yards, car rental places, and emailing friends, neighbors, and colleagues. It's getting to the point where I've started stalking beat up cars!

We need it for three weekends of our shoot, November 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd (2008). It's doesn't need to be pretty at all, but it would be great if it's up on it's various tags, so we can drive it on the street, without getting a ticket. Oh, and we would like to be able to take the windshield out for the duration of the shoot. Then before we return it, we would have it professionally replaced.

I know this may be a tall order, but if any of you have any leads or ideas or a car we can use, please let me know.

Thanks!!

fountain vs. fire hose

I never thought producing a short film would take up so much time. Or maybe I didn’t have that much free time in the first place. I don’t know, but one thing’s for sure, I don’t have any now.

It’s really something that’s given me pause. I felt I was at a place in my life, where I could take on the responsibilities to produce a film and still be able to provide a steady stable environment for the kids and spouse. Instead I seem to be running around like a chicken, constantly short changing one area for the other. Nothing’s quite done, and everything is mixing up. - Find a parent to take kids with them to school functions, Get the film insurance paid. Don’t forget that one kid stays home for Columbus Day, but not the other one, forgot a location meeting, reschedule a kids dentist appointment. Out of milk. Always, it seems I’m out of milk!

I thought I would be sipping from the fountain of knowledge, but instead I’m drinking from a fire hose!

Picking up speed

The cast is almost set which feels great! Our leads are professional, incredibly talented and to make matters even better, Super Nice People! As for the locations, both Kat and I are giving great sighs of relief to have that locked. We looked them over today, talked about what will go where, who needs to be where, cars, buses, extras, lights, when to shoot, how it will look. outside on the streets, inside buildings and hallway, etc., etc., etc.,.. It was thrilling and exciting and well, truthfully, over whelming. There is just so much to think about.

But now I’m really tired. Like bone tired. I’ve been going to sleep around 1am almost every night this week and then getting up for the day around 6am. Hey, I’m a 9 hour sleeper! I’m talking serious sleeper. Five or six hours of sleep just doesn’t cut it for me. Even now, I feel like I’ve got the flu.

So I’m gonna go to bed now and try not to think about every little detail that I hope I won’t forget before I awake tomorrow. I'm so excited about this film... I'm so tired.

I've stopped making sense.

Funding

We are so close to being funded for this film. So close, so close….

CALLBACKS

1^st round of auditions are done. It wasn’t easy, but after a bit of teeth gnashing (more on my part, than Kat’s) decisions were made and soon we will have our callbacks!

1st Day of Auditions

After a full day of watching everyone audition, I don't know if I have a tough enough hide to be a casting director.The talent worked hard and tried their best, but whether they did well or not isn't really the point. Being an actress myself, I know how badly they want to get cast and how crushed they'll be if they don't get the part. Hey, I've been there before - many many times.
I wish I had a part for everyone one of them.
I don't think I'm ready for this part of the job!

Presto Chango

This weekend we're holding auditions for our film. I'm excited and nervous and I can't wait to see the talent. I've totally got my head in Producer mode. But wait - my agent calls me up today and asks me to audition for something later today. Wow! Insto-Presto-Change. Change gears from Producer to Actress.

Locations

It looks like locations are locked and I couldn’t be happier. It’s amazing how the story in my head is taking shape into something that everybody will soon be able to see. Pretty darn cool this moving making stuff!

THEY ROCK!

Working on Ninja James and the Beast Boy, shows me again and again, how important everyone is when making a film. With that in mind, I just gotta say - I HAVE THE MOST AWESOME ASSISTANT PRODUCERS IN THE WORLD!!! ALICIA and SCOTT ROCK!!

AUSTIN HAS TALENT!!

These last few days have been all about Talent. Or I should say, all about scheduling talent for our auditions. I have poured over headshots and resumes, agonized over who should come in and who shouldn't, shuffled times and dates.
So far I have the casting dates almost booked up solid with amazing actors. I can't wait to see them all!!

My Life

For this picture to be more accurate, put two kid in picture, make them 8 and 13 years older, put an empty fridge in the background and move it into the minivan.

AWESOME

Zoticus Design guys are really the best!! LOOOVE IT!!

PRODUCER FOR THE DAY LIST

SO HERE'S WHAT I'M DOING AS A PRODUCER:

Working like mad to secure locations.
~~This includes figuring out which insurance works best for this project.
~~Getting the proper paper work to the City to hold the locations.
~~Finding out the property we wanted to shoot on really belongs to the State. Need to put together info packet, and submit it to the State for consideration.
~~ Driving around scouting for just the right place to film (not as easy as you would think. Takes up scads of time!!)

LOGO for Ninja James and the Beast Boy
Need to stop by and check out the logo that the Zoticus guys are doing for us. Already it looks fantastic. They are tweeking it a little here and there and all it needs is the O.K. and we'll start plastering it all over the place. I can't wait to see it! (Zoticus Design guys are awesome!!)

Working like made to secure the Talent,
~~ This includes combing through emails, sorting emails, setting up audition times, Shuffling audition times to help the talent get in.

Securing Audition Location,
~~Mr. Spouse is helping us greatly here by letting us use his office space - THANKS HONEY!

WORKSHOP
Going to hold a special workshop in October. Should be really fun!

FUNDING
~~ This is never far from my thoughts. we are half way to our goal of 5k. Thanks to everyone who has helped get to the half way mark! Being supported really makes me feel invincible!

GO WOMEN FILM MAKERS!!

(Of course there is a lot more, but I need to stop gabbing about it and get a-going!)

FUNdraising

NOTE FROM KAT:
We're getting there with our fundraising efforts for Ninja James and the Beast Boy. We're a little over the half way mark. Unfortunately we missed all of the grant opportunities and now we're scrambling to make up the difference through friends and family donations and other creative ways of putting together funds. We're hoping to do a kid's workshop in October. We did this with jumping off bridges and raised a few thousand. We're also working on sponsorships through local businesses. We've assembled an amazing team from Key Crew down to Production Assistants and they're been super smart and resourceful so far. We're barely into major pre-production and already I'm super proud.

Ninja James and the Beast Boy

A note from Kat:

Ninja James and the Beast Boy tells a simple story about the length a dad would go through for his little boy. Car chases, fights, harsh words and little old ladies on Vespas.So we're in the midst of our fund drive to raise the budget to get this film off the ground. If you want to help donate some cash, you can click on the button below. Or if you're interested in making or buying a meal for the film that would be incredible. Just send me a note at katcandler@gmail.com . We have 6 days of shooting and a cast/crew of about 50 who are going to be working their little butts off to make a cool, fun film that we all can be proud of.

CEO, That's me!

I didn’t realize producing would be so very hard. It’s not like acting or directing hard, it stands on it’s own two feet kind of hard. Stacy told me that it’s like being the CEO of a business, and I think that sums it up completely. As a producer you have to know about everything, coming and going. There is just so much stuff to keep connected. But it’s also very fun. I’m meeting really crazy sweet people, doing things I’ve never thought to do before and it’s exciting getting this production off the ground. I absolutely can’t wait until we start shooting. Being on set is truly the icing on the cake. The very bestest part.

Today was location scouting. Hours of slowly driving, driving, driving. Stop. Walk around. Drive some more. Drive, drive, drive.

IT’s funny to drive very slowly. People get very suspicious. J

I’m thrilled to say thank you to everyone that is pitching in to make this film a reality.

That little orange “DONATE” button loves you and so do I!

Auditions rescheduled

Right now, I should be sitting through auditions for “Ninja James and the Beast Boy” but unfortunately Hurricane Ike will be causing 30 mph winds this afternoon, with possible wind gusts to 50mph. Throw in a little rain and it’s not a scenario I want to put our auditioners through. So, I’ve rescheduled the auditions for two weeks. Why two weeks and not next weekend you ask? Well, because Mr. Spouse and I will have been married 21 years next Saturday and we are going to celebrate our anniversary. (yea! Go Love!)

As for the film, we are getting excellent talent submissions for the cast and I really can’t wait to see everyone. I mean, hey, actors are my thing you now?

To make the best use of our now, very open, weekend schedule, I’m going to take the kids to a shelter, where they can give some of their toys to the children there, and then tomorrow, Kat and I are going to do location scouting.

Of course, in between all of that, I will be working hard to figure out how to get some funding to make this awesome film.

BTW: I’m looking for a restaurant or business that would be cool with donating money or supplies/food to support women film makers and a family friendly action film. Anyone??

There's a new button in the neighborhood. You might have seen it to the left of this blog entry. It's ovalish, and orangish and is says DONATE in enticing black letters. I know I don't usually put these kind of buttons or even advertisements on this blog, but I've come to the stark realization that it's going to take a village to help fund our film Ninja James and the Beast Boy. Just so you know, everyone associated with making this film is donating their time and equipment. I'm not making any money and although I wish it was otherwise, no one else is making money off of it either. It's a creative effort to show that women filmmakers can make a kick ass action film with heart. It's about how a parent will go to the ends of the earth for for his kid. It's about seeing the humor in everyday craziness.

So if you believe in the village approach to support filmmakers, please throw a few quid towards the paypal account and know that I love ya for it.
Thank you.

Women FIlm Makers Making Action Film!!

Recently, Kat Candler (Writer/Director of Jumping off Bridges) and I were talking about the scarcity of women film directors, when we came to the realization that of that small group, even fewer were directors of action films. Kat and I sensed a challenge and decided to write, direct and produce “Ninja James and the Beast Boy,” a funny, gritty, action packed short film (think Crank and Kung Fu Hustle) that centers around one man’s attempt to make it across town in 15 minutes, or else! Along the way he must negotiate with teen drivers, gang guys, a granny that that won’t be pushed around and the ominous Ms. Burchette. Whoever says action films can only made by men will have to reconsider after they see our film!

the money search

Lessons in making a film.
Lesson one: FIND MONEY!!!
It doesn't matter that everyone is donating their time, and that most of the equipment is donated. To do anything creative costs a bunch of money!!
(Oh man, what have I gotten myself into!)

film

o.K., forget the beach, back to working on the film!!!

Beach cancelled!!!

Argh!!! Was really looking forward to spending the weekend with friends at the beach but that pesky hurricane got in the way. :(

Dream Team crew!!!

Thrilled to announce a dream team for our film Ninja James and the Beast Boy. Everyone is awesomely talented and excited to make this happen.
Will be casting in a few weeks, woohoo!

Time for some action!

By the numbers, there are very few women directors and there are even fewer women who make action films. Is it because no one will give funding when a women is at the helm of an action film. Are guys uncomfortable with it? It is about the good ol' boy network that runs Hollywood? It's probably those and much more. But none of them are good reasons. Not one! So now I'm thinking, I could make an action film.

Unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge yet to direct my own film. But I know I can write and produce. So, during lunch with my exceptionally talented friend and director Kat Candler, I told her my idea. And now just a few weeks later, we have co-written an awesome action short. It's going to be 10 minutes of gritty, bloody, funny, fast action, in your face film. Kat's directing it and I'm now wearing "Producer" hat.

Hold on tight folks, things are going to start happening around here!

back on track!!

It has taken me a while, but I'm back on track, baby!
Things are happening and lot's of things are coming together to make this Fall a really kickass couple of months.
More later, but I'll tell you it has to do with acting, producing, and writing.
Hey! Everybody! I got my mojo back!!

Happy BIrthday to me

It's my birthday!!!
Unlike other birthdays where I tried to hide it from everyone and pretend it wasn't happening, I'm totally owning this one. Yes, indeed. I've made it this long and as far as I'm concerned, it's something to be damn proud of.
Yes, indeedy do!

Goodbye Summer

Summer is always full of possibilities and adventures, of getting away, going far and for sleeping late! Oh, how I really love summer! And this Summer was full of music camp, tennis camp and a water fun camp for the kids and a wonderful family trip to Maui.

Wowie Maui! The ocean is so clear, you can snorkel in the reefs just off the beach and see beautiful sea creatures and even sea turtles. The beaches have wonderful squishy, golden soft sand. I love those beaches! But now it’s all over. Oh, how I hated to say goodbye to Maui.

OOOOHHHHH, How I hate to say goodbye to Summer!!

But now we are back and trying to look forward to the coming school year.
~sigh~

Hitchhiker's guide

Saw this one the other night and loved it. Really funny. I think it was my mom's first time seeing it and she was liking it too.

The Fast and Furious, Tokyo Dirft

This is my first foray into the teen/muscle/fast car films. I'll admit, I ended up fast forwarding through a lot of the dialogue and the sexy girl scenes. What is up with this strange little girl/sexy girl thing. On second though, don't answer that one. it's too wierd. But I will tell you I thought the racing scenes were impressive. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about this sort of stuff, but, for my two cents, it looked pretty neat. I found myself wondering, how did they shoot that.

I think teen boys must have loved this film.

Very busy week. My mom is visiting, kids are in music camp, Mr. Spouse is working, working, working.
The fact that my mom is visiting has nothing to do with Mr. Spouse working so much, really!

The Last Picture Show

The Last Picture Show is a flawless film. It's as relevant today as it was when it was made back in 1971. It's timeless. It's listed as one of the top 100 films ever made and now I know why.

The Fall

I have been disappointed in most of the block buster films that have recently hit the market (that is, except Wall-E). Then last weekend Big Little Guy (15yrs) and I saw The Fall at the Arbor. What a truly great film and I'm stupefied as to why it isn't getting more press. It is stunningly beautiful, the story is awesome and I savored every bit of it. Even my kid loved it. I know I'm not the first to say it, but thank you Tarsem Singh for making a incredible film!

WALL-E - Review and spoiler

(Note - Spoiler Alert!. If you are one of the 10 people in America who hasn't seen this film yet, stop now or you will find out the ending!!!)

Saw Wall-E this afternoon with the kids. Big Little Kid (15yrs) thought it was good and he recommends it to everyone. He felt it was kind of a sad movie in that earth was left behind and got the short end of the stick while the people left for several hundred years and during that time became helpless and stupid. But other than that it was a good movie. Little Guy (10 yrs) thought it was good too. He wasn't sad about the state of earth because it got better and people came back to earth and started to depend on themselves. I was left on the sad side after seeing the film because it reminded me of how transient humans are and that, outside to the make believe world of films, we humans really are messing up the world.

It was a very cute movie though and I did like it. But I left a little saddened.

Our New House Guest

Meet our new house guest "Spike." Little Guy's friend has gone off on summer holiday, and now we are caring for his bearded dragon lizard. Definitely a pretty cool looking lizard and believe it or not, it has a lot of personality. I mean for a lizard. I wouldn't say it's as affectionate as a golden retriever, but it likes to hang on shirts, and will run towards you. I think it has to do with body heat and learned responses to get food, but to a kid, it's an affectionate cute thing. Who am I to argue differently.

(p.s. This is not really spike, my computer can't up load picture right now, but it looks like his identical twin)

Short filming

I came out of acting "semi-retirement" today to act in a short film for a director I didn’t know. O.K., o.k., I know I said I’d never do that again, but a friend called me up and asked me if I would like to do it. And because I love little Ms. T. to pieces, I said yes. I figured that if Ms. T. was on it, then everyone else associated with it, would be cool. And I was right. The director, cast and crew were great! The shoot was well run and I'm sure it's going to look great.

One thing I learned from working with Kat and Stacy, is the importance of working with folks who are nice. And these folks were very sweet.

Good thing to keep in mind for when I start the ball rolling on my own projects!

Florida - The Early Years

I'm the butterball on my mom's lap.

HA! I just added my headshot to my blog and I realize that I match with the chocolate picture.
Humm.... what can this mean?

Writing = Chocolate

I was up until 1:30 last night writing. I'm a night person, so staying up late and writing is like eating chocolate! I love it. But I'm also a parent, which means that I have to get up early. Argh! what was I thinking. I'm going to be a short tempered zombie all day (watch out kiddos).

I guess I was got carried away, playing out my story in my head, a zillion different ways. Finding the right word to exactly convey my feelings and intent.

I think choosing words is like pairing different desserts with wines. When the go together, the experience is delicious!

Writing!!

I’ve been working on a poem now that I'm pretty excited about. Only two or three more stanzas, then some tweaking, then perhaps move a few lines around to see what flows better, more tweaking, etc.

Then I’ll subject Mr. Spouse to yet another read aloud. Then I’ll give it to Lauri to look at and offer notes. Then grab Stacy before she heads out again to places unknown and get her clear thinking on it. Then on to Kat - who will tell me “dude, this is definitely a film!” And I’ll know she’s right. Even now this poem has been finding little ways to try to turn itself into a short story, which will then lead to a screenplay.

My writing process: idea to poem, poem to short story, short story to screenplay, Screenplay to thinking I can make a film, make a film to FEAR!!! ….WHOA! No! Not going to think about that. Nothing like overwhelming oneself with what is going to happen and how hard it may be, to squash the thrill and fun of the creative process.

So I’m going back to my poem that is making me very happy. J

Weekend Recap

Many things were going on this weekend, so instead of boring you with details, how 'bout a quick recap:

Friday: Took kids to an evening baseball game.


Saturday: lots of films!! - Saw "The Promotion" with Sean William Scott and John C. Reilly. Great acting, cute film. Definitely speaks to the GenY group. I'm more of a GenX, but I still liked it. There are life questions, behaviors and feelings that transcends ages.

Saw The Hulk" - It was an alright action movie. The effects were very well done, but the story was very predictable.


Saw Ben performing with Master Pancake Theater, which spoofed the James Bond film "Gold Finger" Can I just tell you it was incredible funny. I laughed my ass off!!

Sunday: Father's Day - I missed my dad and my spouse had a lousy day. Overall not the best Father's Day on record.

Here's me when I was about 4, and my dad's giving me a piggy back ride. Cause he was so tall, the view was always great!



Monday: Start week again!

Roach Tales

Two weeks ago, I had my first roach encounter of the summer. I was in the shower, grabbed the towel, was about to wrap it around me when this monster roach creature fell off the towel and landed, with a thunk, by my foot. Did mention I was in the shower, drying off, which meant that I was NAKED! Hence the screaming, shrieking, mass hysteria. My very own Psycho shower scene. Probably the roach saw me naked and jumped for his life, but to me it was a horrid encounter with a reviled bug in my most vulnerable state. Fortunately, Mr. Spouse was able to knock the segmented demon unconscious before flushing it. Then yesterday, as I was putting some pretty plants on the front stoop, a mondo biggie roach jumped off one of the plants and high tailed it into the house. The front door though, is right by my office. My office that overflows with paper, boxes, cables, dvd, cd, computers and is the perfect place to hide if your 1/2 inch high and three inches long. (eeerrr, I'm feeling so buggie writing this!) So I had to act quickly. I couldn't squash it with a shoe, it was too damn big. I don't have roach spray. The neighbors were gone and the dog was scared of it. I was scared of it. But I had to act fast, or I would never be able to step foot in my office again. So I ran and got the broom. But as much as I hate roaches, I hate killing things even more. I thought maybe I could sweep it back out the door. So with broom in hand, and with a mighty sweep, I sent that roach flying, but not out the door. That Kung Foo Bug, was pretty pissed off that he couldn't stay and did a double aerial flip, ricocheted off the wall and was flying back at me, doing a superb impersonation of a flying power puff girl. This roach though, didn't know that I'm from Florida. And Florida roaches snort roach spray for kicks, they own Harleys, and they fly! So pulling from the strength of my Florida roots, I did my very own Matrix, dodge-the-flying-roach contortion. And it flew on by, all the while shooting me a bird.

I realized then, that this had become personal and with the words "THE BROOM IS MIGHTIER THAN THE ROACH!" I squashed that sucker and flicked him out the door.

I really really really, do hate roaches!

party time X 2

My kids have their birthdays a few days apart, which means it gets really crazy around here for one week out of the year. One weekend is full of a zillion elementary kids, running higgly piggly through my house, and whining for more ice cream or cake. Ice cream, cake, ice cream, cake!!! This birthday had a splash theme and there was water everywhere. Really. Then with all of them hyped up on sugar, they literally went out of their minds. Dripping wet crazed children flailing about the lawn and screaming for more cake. Got the visual? Oh, and I should mention, that when kids are at a party and have mass amounts of sugar, they become deaf, which causes them to scream louder. Then because I too am out of my mind, the party was also a sleepover (note: it was too hot last weekend for them to stay in the tent outside, hence they ended up spread out like puppies, chattering the night away, in the room next to mine). Did you know there is an unspoken competition among children to see who can stay awake the longest? O.K. so major sleep deprivation on my part. But Little Guy absolutely loved his party, told me I was the absolute best mom in the world and gave me a great big hug around the neck. As every mom knows, this is the best feeling in the world and of course I let him have extra cake and ice cream.
Then this weekend my high schooler had his big party and sleepover. His party started with everyone meeting up to see the new movie "You don't mess with the Zohan" and everybody pretty much hated it. I didn't see it, but you know a film must be pretty bad, when it's naturally crude audience pans it. A few of them thought the film was like attending a bad Human Development class. Then we loaded up a couple of minivans and brought them all home for pizza/cake and ice cream (yes, urp, more cake and ice cream) and they played video games, guitars, band hero etc., until the wee hours of the morning. I don't think when kids are this age, they try to see who can stay awake the longest. They just lose track of time and don't want to stop. If I hadn't put the cabash on the activities, I think they would still be playing. I wish I could have taken a photo that showed how it all looked - a bunch of kids in the front room playing Band Hero, a mess of them connected with their laptops, playing some war game, a few more at another TV playing some game or another, one or two on the electric guitar figuring out a riff, and a few wolfing down the food.
It's funny how the parties change as kids get older. The little ones had games, activities, and things to keep themselves busy and away from jumping off the roof. The older ones were only interested in food and not having a parent around. In thinking about it: the passage of time, the change in the kids, the bitter sweetness of it all, I'm surprised to find I'm good with it. I enjoyed my kids and had fun. A lot of fun. It's the way it's supposed to be.

"Hey, Weren't you in..."

This weekend, someone came up to me and asked me if I was in the film Stop Loss. 'Yes, Yes, I am." I most happily replied.

Now, if anyone reading this is an actress, or if you work with actors, you know that when we(actors) are recognized, we absolutely love it a zillion times over. For some reason, getting recognized for other more noble things, just doesn't compare, but when someone sees your acting and they notice you later for it: Wowzee! What fun!! I would not be out of order to say that many of us feed on such recognition. I think though, this mostly goes for us small change actors. The big names, who are always being asked for an autograph, probably don't think it's such a wonderful thing. Maybe more of a hassle. But not me!! I'm always thrilled if someone has seen me in a film.

Unfortunately, the down size is that people then start thinking that they've seen me in other films. Films I've never been in. And then I have to keep telling them "um.. no, I wasn't in that one. Oh, huh, no, that wasn't me. " And when I tell them what I have been in, and they haven't seen them, well, the conversation gets down right awkward and depressing.



When I was talking about this with one of my actor friends, he told me to just lie about it and say I was in them. His angle was that the person I was talking to would be extra thrilled to know such a star. HA HA, Oh Boy, wouldn't that be great. What a list of films I would have to my credit! Really, if I was to start lying, why not throw in some really good stuff, like... I just got back from shooting in LA with Brad Pitt (Really great guy! and much more handsome in person!) and while I was there I had dinner with Spielburg and Hanks (Can you believe Steven was the funny one? Kept the rest of us in stitches!), and lastly, ... I keep my Oscar on the mantle!



But if you really know me, you know that lying is not what I'm about. In fact, if you ask me for my opinion, I'll give you my take on a situation, even if it's not the popular one. If I've done something wrong, I fess up pretty quickly. If someone has done something wrong, I'll call them on it (or I won't have anything to do with them anymore).



So to sum up my ramblings for today. I would say - I love acting!! I love it when someone occasionally recognizes me for being an actress. I do not love it when the conversation gets awkward and that I'm not nearly as exciting they would like me to be. And lastly, I'm not a bullshitter!

Perhaps I jumped the gun a little when I said that summer was officially here. That’s because only one of my kids, had finished with school. Now though, everyone is out and the season can “Officially” begin.

So what do we do now? The routine of school, while not exactly a thrill a minute, provided some stability and academic challenge. Now though, it’s free time. Unstructured, devil may care, la de da, time. Which, after a few short days will inevitably lead to ….massive BOREDOM.

I can hear it now…”Mom, I’m bored….”

To have some adventure, I have set the kids up in a few camps here and there, but mostly, I want them to be bored. I want them to slow down and catch up on sleep. Stop the crazy, higgly piggly , running around like crazy that seemed a constant theme during the school year. I’m looking for a lazy, lazy lazy summer. I’m looking for everyone to just take it easy and be a kid (did I mention that goes for me too?).

I love being a kid.

Ben Bartley is My Adopted Little Brother

Today, I made Ben Bartley eat dirt (in this picture though, he is eating something far nastier). I also slapped him about the head and face, threw rocks, sticks and dirt at him, choked, strangled and screamed at him, twisted his arm and made him cry mercy. He in turn, taunted me unmercifully, wrestled me into the dirt, flipped me over (in the dirt!), and threw rocks at me. And because this was for a short we were filming, it was often very hard not to laugh ourselves silly. It was Ben’s story idea, Kat was directing and Brian was on the boom. Then Brian did some directing which was cool. It was a collaboration of sorts, and the most fun I have had in a long time. There is definitely something rejuvenating about loading up the minivan and shooting a short on the fly. Oh, and did I mention it was in a cemetery?
Anyway, with all that sibling type fighting and all, I’ve decided to adopt Ben as my little brother. He’s sweet, and funny and most importantly, I won’t have to wait to be filming, to make him eat dirt!

Relations

Holy Moly, I didn't know Roger Daltry and Robert Redford were related!

When They Were Young...And NOT", Part 1

o.k. now this is going to be fun.


For your viewing pleasure...
here are some - "When They Were Young and Not" Part 1:


ROGER DALTRY










Dang, Roger, still lookin' goood! (considering everything and all...)

Alice

Speaking of Alice Cooper. Wow! Take a look at his before and after.
Personally, I'll take the hagged out, shock rocker. You know, a face like that has seen it all, been around the block and still ready to rock it out.
Just keeping it real and all.

SUMMER = ROCK AND ROLL

Which of course leads to Alice Cooper's rock classic:

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!

Woo Hoo

SCHOOLS OUT !!

My kid, Big Little Guy, studied his brains out, burned the midnight oil, scrambled to get notes, had sleepless nights and fretful days and is now, finished with his first year of high school finals. Hallelujah!, school is out and Summer is officially here!!!!

I’m not sure about him, but I’m exhausted! Whew!

To be honest, his school is a seriously academic school. But he loves that place and is willing to work to stay in it. Which I guess is a good thing, because it’s so hard, I couldn't make him go.

YEA for Summer!!!

Screenplay

Funny how ideas can strike when you least expect them.
I had been thinking about an unfinished screenplay off and on for the last few days. It's been bothering me that I haven't worked it out and I've been disappointed that instead of tackling it, I've sidetracked to other stories and ideas.
I really love my characters, but the story kept going in circles or just nowhere.
Then the other day, as I'm staring blankly out the window (in my usual fog), a wonderful, rich layering for that story flooded into my head. I love the ideas and I can't wait to put it down.

(now to just ignore the fluff and Go!)

Fluff and Stuff

Been super busy filling my days with Fluff, dealing with Stuff that can't be ignore, and ignoring the big picture.
Fluff is = Making meals, cleaning, laundry, food shopping, running errands, running errand, run, run, run...
Stuff is = Finishing up the excruciatingly boring defensive driving course I have to take for going 9 miles over the speed limit (note hint of irritation), Cleaning out my office, cleaning out the garage, organizing everyone's schedules, continual postponement of personal goals and dreams, and always catching up, yet never moving forward.
Big Picture = Even with all the Fluff and Stuff, my life is pretty darn good!


.

This is one of my favorites!

Cow Abduction

I know you're thinking "Wow, that cow is actually floating up into that space craft! Look there are real aliens in the windows!"

HOLY COW!

Sea Cow!

The very rare and endangered Sea Cow.