Hello Reader,
Some of you know me personally, others know me only through my facebook and blog. Either way thank you for following me.
No matter how you know me you know where I've been for the past 2 years. I've been through 3 jobs and 3 living locations, but there's always only been 1 "The Last Chapter". It's hard to believe that it was 2 years ago this month that I started creating this movie. 2 years ago I created River. It was June of 2009 that I sat down in scriptwriting class and began to write this story. Near the middle of June 2009 I handed it off to Erik Franklin who has been in and out of this production through out. He helped mold this into something much better than it was and helped shape the current idea. It was he who decided Charlie needed to be a woman. Months later Erik backed out of more drafts because he felt he didn't have enough time after a very brutal verbal beating from one of my favorite teachers. I was left destroyed... Naomi Hogg jumped on about October which is the same time I cast the actors, Norman Newkirk, Sara Trowbridge, and David Reyes. Naomi molded it further and finally fell off the project in late December leaving Tony and I to tweak and add. I just want to say a few words about my cast and crew before I finish my thought.
Tony Straka was a big part of this. As my co-director and co-producer he really pushed me to not think in a box and think big. We'd figure a way to do it. It's been a fantastic road with Tony making this movie. Tony fell off the project at one point, but came back full force helping me to pick up pieces left from others.
The first person I signed on for this thing was Richard Scott. His level headed and even handed way of crafting a shot in camera is one of my favorite things about how we did this thing. He is a fantastic person to work with and a natural at what he does. I will be working with Richard again. No matter where he is I'll track him down and hire him.
Chris Duerkopp was my next person to call. Chris is so laid back and so brilliant as a DP I can't imagine working without him. He takes my random bullshit pictures and ideas and makes something out of it. There were many times I or Tony came up with something, we went to Chris with it and Chris would look at us for a moment and say..."I think we can do that." There was no drama on Chris' end. He had his crew and he made something out of what could have been nothing. Arguably his cinematography is the best part of the movie.
Amber Siereveld was my AD and she helped me organize most things to keep the production moving. She did a lot of odd jobs to keep us going, like props, food, and other things. It would be hard to have done this without her doing those things.
Tyler Oquist saved my ass more than I care to admit really. I didn't have a dead body, there he was. Richard had to leave for another project, there he was. Tyler picked up where Richard left off and kept us moving. He was fantastic.
Michelle Mai Smith did a bang up job keeping the actors looking sharp and the special effect would have been infinitely more difficult if it weren't for the colors chosen. She's made a few lives much easier.
Naomi Hogg and Erik Franklin both helped me get my initial idea from something that was all over the place to the the tighter, stronger version it is now. Erik is now close to working on the special effects to help us get this done. I see it only fitting for Erik to be one of the first on the project and one of the last off.
My photographers were all fantastic and helps us chronicle this movie for most of it. Bill Doran, Brittany Bailey, and Samantha Karls really helped us out and kept our facebook and official site stocked with photos.
The latest addition to our crew is Nicholas Glenn who got Tony and I a website we can be proud of and not to mention 2 posters which are stellar. He is awesome. I'll be working with him a lot more in the future.
As for actors
Norman Newkirk came in and nailed the part before he even spoke. The guys exudes a certain cool and calm demeanor that was perfect for River. Norman not only made the character, but kept the thing moving with his flexible schedule. He was a joy to work with and is a great friend.
Sara Trowbridge came on the set and instantly lighten the place up. Between her off color jokes and happy exterior she livened up an otherwise busy crew. When casting I was looking for my Jessica Rabbit and we found her in Sara. Fantastic talent and quick on her feet. I am very happy to have worked with someone who was so much fun.
David Reyes, the pull no punches type. He came into casting and leveled the place. He embodied noir and was so well prepared we barely had to think about who Jake was going to be. David told it like it was in the best way possible and kept me on my toes as a director. When stuff was bad he asked why, when stuff was good he blended in. Terrific person and I can't wait for everyone to see what all these actors do on screen.
The long and short of it all is that the movie is getting close. I am shooting for it to be done before August. Sometimes it feels like yesterday other times it feels longer than 2 years. It's been 2 years...I want this to be done...I NEED this to be done. It's been a long journey and a roller coaster really. We're in the home stretch and as soon as this is done we're going into getting it into film festivals. It's been a long 2 year battle, but I am confident in what we have and how it's been done.
Thanks to all who have been here watching and helping.
Simon Karls
No comments:
Post a Comment