Shoot day #8

All the scenes today were exteriors - that is, they were shot outside. All three in different sections of Seattle's Lincoln Park, ending with a memorable sunset scene.

Our long days of work have been smooth and the dailies look great. Our editor, Stephen Myers, is already building the film. I love editing.

The shout out today is for our extraordinary costumer, Rebecca Luke. Believe me when I say our costumes are nothing short of sensational. She's also been able to get many product placement clothes, worn by our stars so you'll get an eyeful when you see THE WHOLE TRUTH.

Such busy days mean short blogs - but everything is going so very well. We are very very fortunate to be blessed with such magnificent talent in front of and behind the camera.

A newspaper reporter called - she wants to cover the story of our film. I've asked our producers to be our media representatives, since I need to keep focused on making the film until it's finished.

There are no weak scenes in this film - at least so far. They've all been a joy to shoot; my fervent hope is that the story will be woven so well and so tightly you'll enjoy watching it several times.

Rehearsal

Oy.

We didn't have all of our four hours of rehearsal time - which we desperately needed - because one of the main actors didn't show up without an explanation. So we ended up waiting, starting late, I read for her until I decided to fire and replace her - she was safe at home, just tired.

It happens more than it should. Some people who say they are actors - or that they want to be actors - are not because their behavior is unprofessional. They end up hurting all the other actors and show itself because we've been stripped of precious, necessary rehearsal time.

I'm usually very good about spotting wannabe's, but slipped in this case. So in the end I have to take responsibility because it was my casting choice as director.

I then switched to plan B and recast the role - to an excellent actor whose work is so fantastic I can't complain. It's better for the replacement actor, too, because this opportunity will give her a chance to stand out much more for the audience and VIP's. Not to mention her terrific contribution to the performance.

We were so busy at rehearsal I didn't have time to take pictures for you, but I shall for the theater performance tonight (Monday, Jan 28) to share with you tomorrow.

Honestly, I feel so fortunate to be working with these actors. My last note to them read, "I expect every one of you bandit actors to steal every scene!" I didn't say, "and the show" because my goodness - I have to give them *something* to shoot for!

I'm very proud to be working with "my" cast - you'll meet them Tuesday, as well as Executive Producer Chris Koruga. I'll also include my review of the evening!

If Chris and I make the film (our fervent hope investors in the audience step up to sign checks after the performance), all the actors in the reading performance will be given the opportunity to audition for roles.

Auditioning for The Herbalist staged reading

I auditioned many terrific actors all day Saturday for the staged reading of my new feature film script that we're holding at an impressive Seattle theater later this month.

Most staged script readings are set up to just hand the script to whatever actors show up half an hour before they read the script aloud.

I cast the roles (most actors play more than one role), have a long rehearsal and include props and costume touches for the characters that make the experience as entertaining as possible for the audience; as professional as possible for the performers and fun for everyone.

Executive producer and biz partner Chris Koruga has also arranged to have some nice programs printed as well as warm appetizers and refreshments served.

We're expecting a packed house, including some VIP's repping studios from LA as well as investors in a financial position to write checks that would cover the entire production if they wish, so of course that's an added incentive to do everything First Class.

Chris has also been invited to meet with some accredited studio chiefs (there are some pretty iffy studios there as well) in China next month; there is a keen interest there for the script.

Meanwhile, none of that would matter if the script were not extremely well written. Any problems will be picked up in rehearsal, but there should be few, if any.

I'm also working on another romantic comedy script, Nothing But The Truth, with my LA mentoring group, and have started writing my first animated feature, Home For Christmas, which is an incredibly enjoyable adventure!