Get Back - Production Journal

The End

2009-04-15T22:09:00.001-07:00

Well, the movie is over. Dead. Long gone. Kaput. Que? Yeah, we pulled the plug on production on Thursday, April 9, 2009. It had been a long journey of ups and downs, both professionally and personally, but the time of Get Back has ended. I don't have much to share here, because I have already talked with most involved, and have commented about it briefly on my own blog. Plus, until the site expires, there will be a full explanation on the website, so for now I just wanted to wrap up this blog. I've been keeping track of the production process from the beginning, and even just reading through this blog hints at how much we both learned from this whole process. The biggest key to it all is that there isn't an ounce of regret in our decision to call it. I can speak for Nick, too, because I know. It was the right decision, and we're moving on.

Oh, and just for final closure with this blog - here is what I look like today, clean-shaven and beautiful again.

We Have Audio!

2009-03-22T01:54:00.000-07:00

Today (well, I'm writing this at nearly 2 am after hanging out with some friends from my acting class, so it's technically yesterday, but I haven't gone to bed yet so I am sticking to my guns on this erroneous label) we shot our first scene. Back on November 2 (haha, 2008) we shot the intro credit sequence. That was all just me, though, walking around and looking angry. We had a couple of failed attempts at shooting since then, but today was a smashing success. We shot Anthony's intro scene with Paul, and it was great. I had fun, even if it took me a few takes to really get into Paul. I needed this one, because if we had started with a more emotional or intense scene, and I wasn't in Paul's mindset, it wouldn't be so good. Herman was fantastic to act with, though. He IS Anthony, even though I didn't know him when I was writing the script. Likewise, it was really cool to have Michael and Karen there helping out, with Michael running audio for us. Heck - this was the first time we've ever had an established audio crew member. Haha, heck... it's the first time we've ever had a crew member ;)

Ultimately, it was just very exciting to finally see it all fall into place. I was the actor, Nick handled everyone very well as the director, and we all collaborated and had fun. Now that I've had a taste of Paul again, I can't wait to shoot the next scene. Being able to be Paul in front of the camera, with another actor, was a really exillerating experience. I've spent so much time with him on my own, and partially in rehearsals, that it was almost like finally giving birth to this performance that's been waiting to come to fruition.

But that's kind of a gross analogy, so I'll just say it was a really cool day.

I'm Tired

2009-03-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

I'm done. I'm a teapot ready to be poured. It has been about 14 months since we had a finalized version of the script, and we still haven't shot any scenes. There are plans to start again this weekend, and I'm not complaining. This all came about after a recent talk with Nick. He wanted a final version, one that included all of the revised/insert scenes melded into one continuous copy of the script. I figured this would be a good opportunity to go in and polish up the rest of the script while I was at it. Whoops.

It took me a few days to reformat the script into a script-writing program Nick wanted to use (I write with an OpenOffice.org Writer template), and for the two days after I had tried to polish up lines of dialogue here and there, and make the action lines cleaner. I hit a point of frustration, though, where it just wasn't working, and I wasn't sure why. On the third day, however, I understood what wasn't working. The problem was... it didn't NEED to be changed.

I grew quite a bit during the writing process, so the opening scenes are weaker than the closing scenes and re-written scenes. It's not bad, though. I'm completely proud of the script as it is now, and altering it just wasn't necessary. My problem is that my mind doesn't stop. I have sat with this script for over a year with the knowledge that we'd eventually shoot it - but that moment still hasn't come. So, my mind is left to consider the script in every minute detail and of course I'm going to find little faults here and there. It's nitpicking, for sure, but I have been with this script for so long that I simply couldn't avoid it. I have re-written or created 6-7 scenes since the final version was printed, and they are all very strong additions, but by now I have to let it go. I decided that it was time for me to officially put the script to rest, with my blessing. So, this truly is the final entry that should wear the Writer tag.

At least, for now...

The Key to a Scene

2009-03-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

When I first wrote Get Back, it was a very different kind of movie. It was an odd mix of serious drama and "cool" action... and as time has gone on, it has only grown and matured even more. One hazard of this maturity was that certain original elements no longer fit. Originally, Paul was to shoot two guns at the same time during a gunfight - just to give you an example. These ideas have slowly been weeded out as the characters and situations have changed. When we got together to rehearse the climax of the movie, we hit this problem again. The situation and characters had changed, and we had fallen into a very realistic take on things - and mapping it all out was just not working. We've been on a bit of a break since then, but the other night Nick and I talked on the phone, and the climax came up. We ended up talking it through for an hour; back and forth with good ideas and bad ones. We kept at it, though. At points we had gone so far as to add an extra character, and erase the scene completely... but the key to a scene is pretty much going to always be simplicity. Eventually Nick mentioned an idea I had the first night we tried rehearsing it, but there was still a fundamental flaw in logic that kept it from working. This idea would solve all of our problems, but how to make it work? Then, in a very casual manner, Nick said, "What if..." and he solved it. He not only solved it, but the scene is PERFECT because of it. Haha, that one little phrase he uttered completely fixed every problem with the climax, and in turn added even more layers of character complexity. I'm still in awe that we solved the scene so simply, and I have to give that one completely to Nick. He saved that scene.

Now, about that drive-by...

A Close Friend

2009-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Nick and I met with Jaclyn and Jim for a quick rehearsal. It went well, and as always, we discovered new things about characters. After that we went to meet Todd at our main location, to map out the final scene. It posed quite a few issues to figure out, but it was a good thing. After the rehearsal with Jaclyn and Jim, I needed the release. Why? It was the first time acting with both of them together, and the scene we all share is a fairly tense one. With Jaclyn there, though, I finally realized just how defensive acting out that scene makes me feel. I was ready to kill someone - and that's all because of how in touch with the character of Paul I am.

I wrote a blog entry that I'll have posted on my site tomorrow (2.12.09). It's about saying a final goodbye (shameless plug HERE), and it got me to thinking... the time is coming where I'm going to have to say goodbye to Paul. Now, you'll hear me get very excited when talking about shaving and cutting my hair - I can't wait to look like myself again, however saying goodbye to my character isn't going to be as great. I fall in love with my characters. You'll hear those who say you shouldn't do that because you won't be able to allow them to have faults, but that is not a problem for me. Discussing a situation with Nick and Jaclyn, I was having a very, very hard time accepting what they were deciding. It wasn't as the writer, because I agreed that their idea was best for the plot, it was as the actor... I was having a hard time with it because that's just how my character Paul would react. It wasn't easy for me to swallow, because as Paul.. I wouldn't be comfortable or happy with things going that way. I wasn't rejecting the idea, though it seemed that way, I was just having the same emotional response as my character. So, to say that I get in deep with my characters is an understatement.

Come shooting time, I get even deeper into character, but before that day comes, I always prepare. For a movie Nick made a few years ago called The Lost, I played a hitman. Not a reckless or action-oriented killer, but a true, psychological take on someone who was little more than a shell of a man. The performance is EXTREMELY low-key... so low in fact that it may appear that I'm a lousy actor ;) What I did to prepare myself, though, was to take away so much of my own personality that I was left with what little this character had. That was a few months of preparation... Get Back has been in the planning stages since about November 2007 AND I wrote the bloomin' thing. For over a year, I have been studying this character and learning what makes him tick. It's been a very educational and rewarding experience, but realizing that it will end is a bit hard. Physically looking like myself again (all clean shaven and adorable) will certainly help, but it's definitely going to be hard saying goodbye to Paul. He's been on my mind for a long time, and it'll be weird without him.

Of course, he'll always be in there... somewhere.

Good News

2009-01-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

Well, good news has come to my ears today - our main shooting location has been found. Wait, let me try that again. Our main shooting location has been FOUND!! That's better.

Most of the movie revolves in and around my character's house. Paul's house has been the number one priority location to find - and that has finally come to pass. After sickness and the holidays (what do you mean you'd rather spend time with family than shoot a movie?? I just don't understand you normal people), things have finally picked up again - right where they left off. Our next hurdle is finding a good bar to shoot in, but that is only for one scene. Paul's house just about starts and ends the movie, and is the set for some very important scenes throughout.

Haha, I'm really very tired... because I should be more excited about this than I am. Perhaps it's just shock, though, that is yet to wear off and tomorrow morning I'll end up running around the house like a madman. Perhaps. Anyways, thanks for the tip on the house, Todd... good find.

I look forward to seeing it, myself, to shooting this movie with some great actors, and of course, as always, I really look forward to shaving ;)

Second Month of Production

2009-01-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Haha, well... things are the same as they were last month - in that nothing has happened. Now that sickness and the holidays are behind us, though, things should start up again soon.

I hope.

I really, really hope.

------

In other news, though, last week I finally sat down and read the script for The Dark Knight. Even just reading the script left me in awe at the end. It's a wonderfully written movie. A few days after that, Nick told me we should be rehearsing this coming weekend, so I picked up the Get Back script to go over my lines. As I read through, I fell in love with the story all over again. I'm not tooting my own horn, but I really love the layers that are in the script. It was a good story, that became a better script, that has improved even more so with rewritten/additional scenes. I wouldn't dare compare ANYTHING I've done to what was done in The Dark Knight, but in some ways, I find a similarity. Both deal with personal, human issues while in the setting of something more grand and potentially cliche. When people ask me what Get Back is about, I can't sum it up by saying it's a "revenge movie," because there is much more to it than that. I know I wrote it, so it's hard to not sound arrogant, but believe that it is only because of how proud I am of it that I talk like this.

As an actor, I can't wait to give life to this flawed, lost character. As the writer, I can't wait to see the wonderful nuances of the various characters and dialogue come to fruition as we shoot. And as a movie lover, I can't wait to see the final product. I hope we can put together something that isn't just "good for our level," or "better than what we've done before," or at the very worst a "cool" movie, but something that stands on it's own simply as a good, solid movie.

I hope.

I really, really hope.

First Month of Production!

2008-12-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well, one month ago today we recorded our first shots for Get Back, and MAN has it been a busy production month! Wait... no. We've actually done nothing. Well, that's not true - I went costume shopping with/for our lead actress' character which was a total hoot :)

Ol' Nicky-boy's actually been sick, and coupling that with the holiday ensures that we haven't done anything in regards to Get Back since that first day. Perhaps this weekend shall resume rehearsals, but until we have our locations nailed down there isn't much we can shoot right now anyways. I THINK Nick's getting better (though there are some conflicting reports on the matter - good one day, bad the next), so hopefully we can start up again soon. Acting is like a heroin addiction and I'm starting to get the itch. But, hey.. he's my friend, so I hope he's healthy regardless. Obviously you can't fault a guy for being sick (well, you could.. but you'd have to be a real prick), and I know the waiting is just as hard on him - so we'll be back on the production horse just as soon as he's able, I'm sure.

Of course, if this production isn't done by the time warm weather surrounds us again - this beard is going bye-bye ;) Haha, just kidding.

OR AM I???!!!!!!!

No, I am.

I am Paul

2008-11-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul. I am Paul.

Sorry - when production is so silent for so long, I have to remind myself about my character.

National Beard Month??

2008-11-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

How fitting... that we start production on day 2 of what is apparently National Beard Month here in the United States. So, does that mean I can shave come December 1st?

Get... Started

2008-11-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

It has begun. Yesterday I woke up at 5am, and Nick and I trekked out towards Torrance to shoot the opening title sequence for the movie. On the way up it started to rain, but by the time we were there it had stopped and we were left with some beautiful, overcast skies. We spent hours and hours first walking, then driving, around the area... getting in a variety of locations. I'm just glad I didn't snap my ankle with all of the walking I did in those boots over the occasional rough terrain. I've been working out for awhile now, so I'd get a little winded, but I'm not really sore today at all. I am tired as heck, though, but that's not all related to yesterday's shoot.

The dialogue scene we had planned on shooting that evening was put on hold for another time, but I can't wait to get to it. I'm not sure what we'll be doing next weekend, but as great as yesterday was (and it was an absolute blast), I'm really looking forward to getting into the character - especially the scenes between Paul and Claire. For now, though, I'm going to go rest and happily label this entry with a tag that I haven't yet used - Production!

It's Coming...

2008-10-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend, it finally begins: our first day of shooting will most likely be this Sunday, November 2, 2008. I'm not even that excited... but that's because I don't quite believe the day has finally arrived. It's one of those things that you plan and look forward to for a long time, but when it finally happens you can't quite believe it. I really am thrilled to start shooting, haha, it's just strange to think that we're finally at this point. Shock? Perhaps. I've already learned alot during the pre-production process, and I'm looking forward to what else might come through during shooting. Get Back!

Get a Haircut!

2008-10-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day for production. Nick and I went up to Torrance to shoot some test footage. We joined up with a friend, and spent the afternoon trying a variety of camera techniques for the opening segment of the movie. All I had to do was walk around, so it wasn't much as far as acting goes, but it was a good thing for Nick to get a better handle on what will work best for him - since he is most likely going to be shooting the movie himself. We discovered an LA County Sheriff's station on the very same block as our friend's apartment, and it's the perfect visual exterior for the sheriff's office in the movie - and that was one heck of a great, random discovery.

The biggest key of the day for me personally, was... my hair. As those involved may or may not know, I usually have short hair and no beard - but as soon as the script started, I stopped shaving and cutting my hair. I've trimmed my beard quite a few times (otherwise it'd be even more enormous), but I've only trimmed my hair once - just to shape it a little. I was planning on doing the same again this Wednesday, but after watching the test footage we shot today back at Nick's place afterwards, he and I both said at the same time... the hair doesn't work as it is. Originally, I was going for Paul McCartney from the Let It Be video, and to me in the mirror at home it still looks good, but to see it on the television... it was too long. Obviously, I can't see the back of my head from a distance... or from any other angle, so it was a real eye-opener to me. Of course, Nick had said nothing about it needing to change up until this point, so I figured all was well. But, it's cool... we'll just be taking a trip to a barber sometime soon, and Nick can tell them what he's after. It sounds strange, all of this fuss over hair, but it's just another big piece of the costuming for me. I read a quote by Sean Penn once, where he mentioned that when he is coming up with a character, one of the first things he comes up with is the hair - that's his big thing, and once that's set, everything else comes into place. I relate to that, because for all of the characters I've worked on previously, the hairstyle is a huge part of the look and feel that helps me start the character off. So, as bizarre as it is... I honestly feel a little lost since I have no idea what my character is going to look like.

Pfft, actors... they're all crazy, right? Yeah, we sure are.

First Rehearsal

2008-10-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we had our first rehearsal with a couple of actors (myself included). A couple of the other actors weren't able to show up because things came up, but we had a great time with those who did make it. By the way Herman, I hope the best for your grandma! Anyways, up until this point we have spent time reading with a few actors, but these were still just an extension of the audition process. Today there were three of us actors who were all confirmed in our roles, and we were just able to go over it all and study together. Of course, I had to fill in for one of the actors that didn't show, playing a role that's not mine (as it has been with many of our auditions), but I did get to eventually play Paul - and it was really great. Months ago, when we first met with Jaclyn for her initial read-through/audition, I had to hold myself back a little. I've talked with Nick, and he even mentioned something about it afterwards, but the scenes with Jaclyn's character and mine are so emotional, and she's so dog gone good, that I had to hold myself back as an actor or I'd start crying right then and there. Today, I was still SLIGHTLY self-restrained just because of the surroundings and the lack of props and costuming, but I let myself go so much more. For the first time, I actually FELT like Paul as I delivered my lines. No doubt this is due to my recent dive back into the script, but it felt really, really comfortable to be able to finally step into this character's shoes. I wrote the script, sure, and I've always known how he needed to be - but to actually perform it, well... that's just a whole other thing.

And it's a great thing.

Lines Shmines

2008-10-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote the script for Get Back, so I should know it, right? Yeah... that's what I thought when I first started reading through it to go over my lines many months ago. The problem was that I HAD written the script - so I didn't have my lines really well, I had EVERY character's lines mediocre. I became more involved with pre-production and I pretty much put the script down for a few months. After the recent shift in responsibilities, I've been able to pick up my script again and really start focusing on learning my lines. I was a little nervous at first - my character is in nearly every scene - but I took comfort in the fact that most of my dialogue is reactionary to what the other characters say. Much to my surprise, though, I knew the lines really well this time around. I think, perhaps through the re-writing of scenes and auditions and whatever else, I absorbed my character's dialogue a little better, and now I'm really confident in being able to have my lines memorized for shooting. I've always been lacking in that area, so I'm glad to know that this time it'll be different.

Taking My Place as Actor

2008-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a good day - I've been demoted. Not what you'd expect to hear after hearing that it was a GOOD day, but let me explain. I first wrote this script for Nick. It was an act of friendship - it was a gift. I knew what it was like to struggle with your own script (oh Lawdy, do I ever!), so I wanted to help. The script was eventually finished, and my role quickly became that of co-producer. I still am, this hasn't changed, but all along the plan was that he would be the director in charge, and I would relegate myself to only being an actor - which is what we have both wanted to do for years.

The problem, though, was that I was spending more time with the story than Nick. I'm not bashing the guy - he knows this. For various reasons which are unrelated to myself, he was putting aside his personal vision of what the movie would look and feel like, and that had all but cut out his ambition for making this. So, it only got worse, because the less time he'd spend, the more I'd spend, and that wasn't good for either of us. This weekend, though, he came to realize all of this, and he's come back to take charge of it all - and that means I'm officially demoted to actor now.

This is a very good time - it means shoot time is near. Together we set a goal for starting production on the weekend of November 1, but in his own words today, Nick has said that we WILL be starting that weekend, no way around it. I'm really, really happy to make this less a cooperative effort, and finally turn it into a collaborative one between an actor and his director. I'm not complaining about the work I've done for this movie... I've earned my co-producer title, and I enjoy everything about it, but I'm glad that he has taken charge - because this always was, and always will be his movie, and that's how it should be. We're all here to help him make it, but it's his story to tell, his vision that needs to be on screen. So, exactly one month from today we should finally be shooting our first scene of this movie!

Wait - I still have to memorize all of my stinkin' lines! Crap, I gotta go!

Third Time's a Charm

2008-09-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning was our third day of auditions. While we found some great actors in the first two, there were also the usual no-shows and a few lackluster auditions. Yesterday, though, every actor showed up (on time or even early), and every actor got their part. It was a real variety, too - we had a pimp's mom, a kind neighbor, a gun dealer, a waitress, a coroner, a construction worker, and a mob-related criminal. Those are the roles that were cast, of course... not a description of the people who came in to read for us.

We also visited our first potential location yesterday, and it looks like it has a real promise. As casting draws near to a close, I'm hoping our search for locations will go even faster - and we can meet our desired start date on the first weekend of November.

The Jabba of the Internets

2008-08-31T01:11:00.001-07:00

I just realized that this is going to be the first entry without a tag - and that's because it's not technically about the movie itself. I recently finished redesigning the website for Get Back. I spent quite a few hours on the thing, but it turned out well. As is usual, some of the bigger problems come from working out the cross-browser kinks - making sure it works the same in Internet Explorer as it does in Firefox and Opera or even Safari for the two folks I know who have a Mac (hi Nick and Jaclyn). It's up and running, though, so I'm happy.

Another Meeting

2008-08-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Nick and I are getting this thing going, and we've dedicated ourselves to meeting at least every weekend in preparation. We still have another casting call coming up (hopefully next weekend), and locations to hunt down, but it's coming along. Last weekend we met with Todd for a read through to confirm him for Donovan, and it was a great time. As we all talked about it and read through scenes, the character grew and evolved into variations, and I really like where the character ended up. As has been the case repeatedly with this movie, it only keeps improving with every conversation Nick and I have, every meeting with the actors, and with the few insert scenes that I've written. This movie is really going to be something special - and that makes me proud :)

Chugging Along

2008-07-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly two months since the last post, and guess what - we're STILL casting. Holy crap, I know, but this past Sunday we finally had an open audition. Through it we found a definite actor for one of the 4 main roles, and 2 possibilities for other roles. I'm very happy that we may finally have the major roles cast, and will be a bit more free to move on to more minor roles and to also begin our location scouting. I'm really tired today, so I suppose this isn't much of an entry, but I can definitely say that after the auditions I was literally dancing over finding the right people. And, that's the key here - the RIGHT people. No matter how amazing someone may be, if they don't fit, they don't fit. I'm a fine actor, but I'm not quite right for the role of Superman or the lead in the Michael Jordan Story... I just don't fit. So, I'm happy to be starting up with all this again, after such a painfully long delay, and hopefully I'll continue to have reasons to post new entries more than once a month :)

Oh, and a PS for Lu: If for some reason you stop by here - I'm glad you've fully come on board as Stephanie.

The Joy of Acting

2008-06-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, today I can finally post my first entry with the sole tag of Actor attached to it. Two of our main roles, Arlington and Claire, were pretty much confirmed as far as the actors go, but today was the first time we were able to sit down with each one and read through the script - and basically make it official. Let me tell ya - I had a complete blast the whole day.

First, we met with our Sheriff Arlington - Jim. He's a great guy, and we had alot of fun when we first met him weeks ago, and the read-through with him today went great. Both of our actors today brought things to their characters that never even crossed my mind - and I've said before that that's what I'm looking forward to as the writer - but Jim's take was even more varied from what I originally thought it would be. It works perfectly, though, and it's even better than what I had intended. Then, after he left, our lead actress for Claire came in - Jaclyn. I first met her in an acting class a few years ago, and we hit it off really well. She ended up moving out of the area for awhile, and a few months ago when Nick and I were first thinking about casting, I sent her an email to see if she knew of any actors from when she lived down here. It ended up that she was actually moving back down to the area - and that was just a perfect coincidence. Like Jim, she brought some really interesting things to the character, and it was fun seeing it all come to life. Since she is playing such a crucial role in Paul's redemption of sorts, it's important that she and Paul are able to have a deep connection, and while I felt it as we were acting ( a credit to Jaclyn's ability combined with how well we get along anyways) - Nick said that it comes across perfectly, and that made me really happy to hear. Speaking of which, I was able to see my friend Nick really start to show his director's voice with us actors, and it was great. Haha, I sound like a mom, but it made me proud. But, really, what excited me the most about today, was the acting itself.

I love movies, and I love having fun as an actor. Being able to go through scenes, and talk about them, and figure out motivations and just every little thing that goes along with being an actor - it all thrills me to no end. Up to this point, I've made movies with friends, and it's always been pretty fun, but I have not yet had the chance to really work over a script this intimately with true actors who are just as passionate about it all as I am. I am not talking down about any of the friends I've done movies with - I loved it all, but it's just a different thing entirely when you get actors together. I tell ya - it was just such a freaking blast. If either Jim or Jaclyn stop by here, I'd just like to say thanks guys...I'm glad you're able to be a part of this fun little journey with us. But, really...the best part - is that this is just the beginning.... :)

"...love was such an easy game to play..."

2008-05-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

For surprisingly unrelated reasons, starting this past weekend I began to watch my Beatles Anthology DVD set. I actually haven't seen it since watching the original airing (and it's repeat performance a few months later), and it's been really fun to go through again. The episode I watched this morning, though, really got me excited. People often will cite Rubber Soul as the great turning point for the band, but as I watched today, I think that label belongs to Help! instead. Through the first few episodes, the concert footage has been nothing but hysterical, screaming girls - and then I saw Paul sing "Yesterday" in concert...and the audience (save for a few screams) was dead silent. For the first time, I saw people not just rocking out and going crazy over the phenomenon that was these 4 young men from Liverpool, but actually listening to the music. That, coupled with Lennon's "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" (two of my favorite songs of theirs), one can see the tide already turning. Likewise, as the series is progressing towards the more musically meaningful time of their career, I can't help but start to be reminded more and more about Get Back. As I'm hearing more of these songs, and as I'll eventually see Paul McCartney slowly transforming into the look that inspired the look of the main character in Get Back....well, I'm as giddy as a school boy. The wheels of production are finally starting to turn again, and everything is coming back into place.

I can't wait :)

The Writing Process

2008-05-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since last I posted, so I want to come say SOMEthing. Nick recently moved into a new apartment with his wife (their first), so things in his life have been too hectic to continue through the casting process. Now that he is settling down again, though, we will be right back to it. I'm going to post the cast list again, and we will start reading with the actors we've already met.

For today's post, though, I thought I would share a little bit about the process of bringing the Get Back script to the page. A few years ago, Nick and I talked about an idea for a movie he had. It was going to be a dramatic story about a guy coming back home after his father died, and dealing with those issues with his friends and the remainder of his family. It was just another random idea that sparked no continuation. Fast-forward to the fall of 2007, though, and the idea emerged again, with a slightly different alteration. Inspired by listening to The Beatles, Nick had come up with the groundwork for Get Back - a man comes home, after being away for years, to get revenge on his father's death. Nick is well known for hating to write - it's a personal struggle of his that I can't mock because I have my own creative issues myself. We all do. To help encourage him in writing Get Back, I even started to grow my beard and hair (as it was previously decided that my character should look reminiscent of a Beatle member). At this time Nick was working two jobs, and after a couple months, he was burnt out on trying to write. So, I offered to write the script for him. At first it was taken as a joke, but as soon as my sincerity was understood, he was all for the idea. Now, it was all up to me.

I am a very different writer than Nick. Heck, I'm a very different movie-maker all together. He wouldn't make the movie I would, and vice versa. So, when I started to rewrite the opening few pages he had, I at first tried to match his style. That only lasted a day or two, though, when I realized I needed to just write the movie following his story and ideas, but using my own sensibilities. As soon as I understood that, the script took off. I was amazing myself, really, by how well it was going. Talking with Nick later, we both saw how much easier it was for me not just because I'm amazing (that's up for debate), but because it wasn't my own story. I was less concerned about making my own personal masterpiece, so I was able to freely enjoy the process and concentrate on characters and ideas. I only hit a snag once, on page 41 - but after a few days of going through the possibilities and writing and re-writing the scene, I pushed through.

One of the most notable differences between Nick and myself is how verbose I am. It can be seen in anything I'm passionate about, blogs, stories, anything - I like to make sure nothing is skipped over. So, as I was writing, Nick asked how I was going. I let him know - that I was on page 16 and I was just getting to a certain scene....a scene that he had reached on page 5 of his version of the script. By the time I was done, my script was 87 pages long, but, even by Nick's own admission, there is nothing in the script to cut out - it's all necessary and valuable.

I finished my first draft in just under 3 weeks. For myself, I was rather impressed by that time. I'm generally not known for such a fast turn around creative work - but perhaps this was a sign of changing times (my more recent work on animations and other writing has shown this is not true). Nick and I spent the next couple of weeks going through it, and talking about what might be changed, but the changes were all really minor. A couple weeks later, we had a final draft.

I'm glad I was able to write the script for Get Back, both for my own creative confidence and so Nick can make his movie, too. This was always his story, the front page of the script even says so, but I was able to add my own little touches throughout that I think has made for a great collaborative effort.

Now I just look forward to making this thing....

All quiet on the.... everywhere

2008-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

We have been in the midst of casting for a little while, and though it feels like an eternity, it truly hasn't been. At the end of February I made a post saying that I had posted our first casting notice - and that was a bit of a lie.

It seems that craigslist can be extremely picky about what it accepts - so it took me more than a few days to get it to actually post, and by that point the ad had been buried underneath a mountain of other acting notices. I will definitely post again, and now that I know the magic formula, we will have a better chance (don't ask me exactly how it works or what it accepts, I don't even think CRAIG knows). Other than that, though, I posted on a couple of other casting specific websites, even MySpace, and we've garned a number of submissions. With all of this, you'd imagine that there's alot going on here in pre-production land, but you'd be incorrect.

Originally we were planning on gathering any potential actors and then having a large open casting call. However, with the uneven casting post dates, the actor submissions have come in as a constant trickle, instead of a flash flood, so planning a large casting call wasn't a great idea. What we've been doing instead, however, has proven to be a much better route. We're meeting with potential actors in some relaxed environment, like a coffee shop, and seeing where things go from there. It's much more personal, and it let's us get to know the actor better - much more so than if they just come in and auditioned for us.

It has definitely been quiet, though, compared to the beginning. I first finished the script and then BAM we were off posting casting notices and shopping for suits and guns and really going strong and then....nothing. Not nothing, exactly, in fact we are hopefully meeting with a potential actor tomorrow morning, but things have at least slowed down since the initial rush. This is how movie making goes, though, especially when we don't have a studio or 50 people working on different aspects. From casting to costuming to location scouting, and a thousand jobs in between, every pre-production job is falling on the shoulders of Nick and myself, and so things can go slowly at times. I work and go to school full-time, and Nick works a 9-5 and has a wife - but our free time is devoted to Get Back. We may not be in rocket-fast mode right now (rocket-fast? I'm a writer??), but we are still constantly moving forward, even if we're trudging slowly through the mud.

Like I said before, it's only been about a month - but since the pace has slowed so much, it feels like it has been at least twice as long. That's probably just something that he and I are feeling right now, though, so I guess you can basically ignore this post :) Compare it to a special event that you are eagerly looking forward to - and it seems to take forever to arrive. That's where I am. I'm not impatient about it, just very very eager to see what's next!

Actually, I'm just trying to avoid some homework that I can't seem to focus on....so, um, now let me regale you with stories of my past loves........

"Just make me look good!" - The Cinematographer

2008-03-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Do I love to act? Yes.
Is acting the only part I love about making a movie? No.

The Cinematographer - Alex Meade

Acting always has, and always will be, possibly my greatest passion in life, but in the realm of movie making I love every aspect like my own children - I can't choose a favorite [no, I don't have children, it's a metaphor]. This past winter I enrolled in an 8 week cinematography class at my local community college, because out of every movie making role there is I have been more fascinated by the duty of creating beautiful images than anything. Cinematography simple amazes me...but what is it?

A cinematographer is the person who is in charge of how a movie looks, through the shots and the lighting. The term Director of Photography (or DP) is also used, but personally I've always preferred cinematographer - there's something more artistic feeling about it.

The class was very illuminating (not a pun), and I learned alot from the teacher. He's a professional, so I really got alot from his approach to things. But, beyond the few things I learned, there was an even better benefit - I met Alex.

The class was divided into groups, and we spend the short semester working with these groups on different types of lighting styles and situations. My group was fairly able, but there was one guy who really seemed to get it. Alex and I shared the same ideas many times, things the rest of our group wasn't focusing on. They weren't horrible, but he and I definitely shared the same mindset. We got to talking, and we've both been been in and around making small movies for a number of years. Neither one of us was producing anything at the time, but I told him that I'd let him know if I ever needed help.

Get Back was in the beginning of the writing process while my class was in session, but a few months later, when the script was finalized and Nick and I were starting to cast, I suggested we approach Alex for our cinematographer. Thankfully Alex was interested and very game to join. I haven't known him for years, like I have with Nick, but we all get along very well and even more importantly, we have the same ideas and hopes for Get Back. So, as much as I'm excited to finally act opposite some great and varied actors, and as much as I'm excited to finally see what Nick can do as a director, I'm just as excited to have Alex along with us and to see just how great he'll make this movie look.

Man - this movie's exciting!

"Please stop yelling at me." - The Director

2008-03-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Does the director really yell at me? Yes.
Is it all in good fun? Yes.

The Director - Nick Reiber

Nick Reiber and I have been friends for about 7 years now, and making movies together for just as long. The first two movies we worked together on were never finished, but the third was a success - something we still love and talk about today. All of our initial collaborations together found him as the director/writer, and myself as the actor, but as time went on and we worked together more often, the balance began to find a slight shift. To this day, I still have not directed my own project (yet, I say I am a director - sweet, painful, bitter irony), but for Nick's movies I have become more than just the actor. We are good friends now, and we both love movies, so we're often discussing plots and characters, and always talking about our next project. He still has his own movie ideas, and I have mine - but as friends we're always discussing things and getting the other's opinions. With Get Back, we've reached an even more mature level of movie making.

For the first time in our long and un-illustrious movie making careers, we have taken definite roles. Get Back was Nick's story, but I wrote the script. We have found a cinematographer, and both Nick and I are producing this movie together, but once we're into production I will be solely the actor - and he will finally be able to just direct. But, I hear the audience say, is he any good?

Many times, I have told Nick, "You've got the mentality of a great director - I've just never seen it in your movies." Now, that sounds like a jab, but it's not. I know he's good, but for all of our previous projects, there have always been other distractions or hindrances - truthfully, though, that's just how learning goes. I'm not speaking from a pedestal, because there is video evidence of myself being a less than amazing actor in the past. As with my own learning process, however, I have seen Nick grow a lot over the years, and that's not a weight joke (haha, sorry Nick, I couldn't resist). In all seriousness, though, for the first time I think we're all going to get to see what this guy can really do with a movie, and I really can't wait to see what that is - as his actor and as his friend.

P.S.

2008-03-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

As I said previously, the past couple of weeks have held a number of distractions, some school related others more personal, so the next few posts are going to be a little after the fact. I apologize for that, but I'll be back on a better post schedule after the catch-up.

A Suit and a Gun - What more do you need?

2008-03-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

The Suit:
A few weeks ago, Nick, his wife, and I went out in search of a suit for Paul, my character, to wear in the movie. The pre-production teaser features me in one of my own suits - and since we were after more of a mod look, and since I don't really like the idea of roughing up and getting blood stains on my own suit, we realized a different suit was necessary.

After weeks of looking online, our trio set out to rummage through thrift stores. After what was supposed to be a great vintage store was a let down, instead of wasting more time, Nick's wife suggested we just run over to Burlington Coat Factory. It ended up being a wonderful decision...

Personally, I've always worn my clothes large. Why, exactly, I couldn't tell you, but the basis of it now is comfort. This is the first time I have actually owned a suit that fit me properly - and it does feel a little strange. I guess this is how suits are supposed to feel though. My world...it's turning upside down! The sky is falling!! All in all I'm just another brick in the wall!!! AHHHH!

Sorry.

So, after a few weeks of distractions, I finally got to taking some pictures of me in Paul's suit the other day. Of course, being the theatrical nut that I am, I couldn't just take a dull picture, hence the dramatic take. It's a real smart looking suit, though, and it was a perfect find!

The Gun:
Ah, harmony. Peanut butter and jelly (honey for me, though), eggs and bacon, movies and guns.
Some things just go together.

Nick and I, sans his other half this time, met with our cinematographer (post coming soon) for lunch two weeks ago, and then proceeded to a number of hobby stores looking for the perfect airsoft pistol for the main character.

The reason a gas-powered airsoft gun is our choice over a gun that fires blanks is simplicity. When there is a blank-firing gun on a movie set, no matter how small the gun or the set, there are a number of legal restrictions on who needs to be present and how it needs to be handled. With the airsoft route obviously those laws don't apply. Also, I can tell you from experience that a plugged gun firing a blank cartridge sounds exactly the same as a real gun firing a real bullet - and that isn't a great idea for a movie production that will be trying to maintain a low profile when in public.

After a few in store searches proved futile, I convinced Nick that we'll have better luck online, even though we won't get to see the gun in person first. He found a perfect gun - small, compact, but great looking - and made the purchase after I concurred on it's loveliness.

Happiness is a warm gun - even if it's shooting air!

And the search begins

2008-02-29T00:54:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight (early morning for the detail sticklers), just minutes ago, I posted our first casting call on craigslist, and this has made me very excited. I wrote the script for this movie, so as a writer it will be very interesting to see the characters end up coming to life. As an actor, though, I will finally have the opportunity to be involved in a movie with true actors who aren't there as a favor to a friend but because they love to act - and this is the highlight of the movie for me.

As someone who loves acting with every inch of his being, I can't describe how thrilling it is to perform with someone else. I'm really looking forward the variety of character types and actors I will be able to act with in this movie. I also imagine that the eventual casting sessions are going to be extremely interesting - seeing how different actors bring the same characters to life.

The first major step was finalizing the script. Casting is step two, and I'm happy to be on it.

Upcoming blogs:
A Suit and a Gun - What more do you need?
"Please stop yelling at me." - The Director
"Just make me look good!" - The Cinematographer

What a tease

2008-02-03T00:42:00.001-08:00

My friend, Nick Reiber, and I got together for our first production meeting last Sunday. After going through the script for our joint effort production, Get Back, we quickly shot some footage for a pre-production teaser trailer. We wanted to have something to show people we are interested in working with, to give them a sense of what the movie is going to look and feel like.

See it here.

Everyone who has watched it has really liked it, and that's been very encouraging. This is the first feature length project we have worked on, and I'm happy that it's on the right track.

Now, on to casting, location scouting, finding a crew.......