...and the Academy Award for Best Procrastinator goes to....

"Nar-co-lep-sy" - A Short Film

2009-02-01T16:18:00.004-05:00

On February 28th and March 1st, a group of filmmakers will be shooting a short script I wrote titled "Nar-co-lep-sy". These filmmakers will also star in the film as well as produce it and edit it and the whole thing will be shot in our neighborhood with borrowed equipment!

Loosing patience with waiting for the next film production to roll into town, or waiting on word back from potential financiers about our own individual projects, we have decided to write and shoot something on a NO-BUDGET deal, shoot it in two days, also star in it and then edit it to a final cut. 6 people. That's it. Simple and fun and maybe it'll be good! Own it!

'The Light Before We Land' Feature Film

2009-01-24T22:43:00.003-05:00

The Light Before We Land is a dark and mysterious story about the personal ways people deal with grief and the release of the love they once held sacred. The film blends reality with magical realism to paint a world where the main characters become ready to examine the darker, more ambiguous elements of personal tragedy.

I am currently working on the outline to begin the process of writing the first draft. I will post a synopsis to go with the above leader line next week.

Projects

2009-01-20T10:29:00.002-05:00

It has been far too long since the last update but while I sit here and watch the inauguration of Barack Obama and as it snows for the first time in Wilmington, NC in ten years, I feel a new beginning on the horizon for this country and for this writer.

I have been developing the short script 'The Light Before We Land' into a feature script and recently had the opportunity to pitch it to a studio in Georgia, with the hope that they will be interested in producing it sometime this year. I have also been working on a few new ideas for shorts that I would like to shoot with a small crew, to gain more experience directing behind the camera. Aside from these small projects, I remain involved with friends projects and continue to work with my students creating their projects as part of their video production class.

So onward with 2009.....with a new Director's reel, a new feature script and a smattering of short script ideas...

Web Links to The Calming Trailer and Reel Excerpts

2009-01-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

Excerpts from my Director's Reel

The Calming Teaser Trailer

"The Light Before We Land" script update

2008-07-28T11:33:00.004-04:00

My short script, "The Light Before We Land" has progressed into the semi-finals of the 2008 American Gem Screenplay Competition. I am very excited as the script is in the final fifty out of over a thousand entries! Not wanting to jinx anything...I'll wait until August 7th, when the top twenty five is scheduled to be announced.

A little gem from David Lynch

2008-07-20T23:27:00.001-04:00

A ridiculously belated update

2008-07-20T23:06:00.002-04:00

I have vowed to get better about updating. Now that I have finished three months of non-stop work on two big films, I might be able to find a little time to concentrate on what is more important to me. And that is family and writing.

The new short script, 'The Light Before We Land' has been quietly doing well in the 2008 American Gem Screenwriting Competition. It has currently made it into the quarter finals and I shall learn this coming week whether it is to progress into the semi-finals or not. Fingers crossed for subjectivity!

I am close to a finished draft and have been wanting to dive in and put the film into pre-production to shoot in October. But recent developments with my DP and Producer (bigger films with paychecks!) may require that we push until the end of the year to go into production. I am excited at the prospects ahead. This story started out as a one-woman story of tragedy and has morphed into a far more complex story about grief, mysticism and the need to let go of loved ones. The longer we wait to shoot it, the stronger the script has become.

I have had an incredible group of peers read this script and every little suggestion and query from them has produced a solid change within the story for the better. Writing is rewriting. I'm reminded of this every time I talk to someone else who has been kind enough to take the time to read and make notes for me. The list of personal favors owed already has a bigger page count than the script!

Crappiest blog in the world!

2008-05-22T12:13:00.003-04:00

Wow, if I knew that after a year of blogging, I would be reduced to the 'occasional' entry then I would have truly have given up there and then.

So my apologies to the seven people who read this blog!

Being a new parent, working in the movie industry full-time and not working on my own projects leads me to not feeling motivated to blog about no sleep, 16 hr shooting days and my frustration with not being creative. Who wants to hear about that? Not me.

I am working on a feature film for the next 6 weeks. After that, I will be free to begin familiarizing myself with my writing once again and to start back up again from where I left off.

Until then.

This is why I love David Lynch!

2008-03-29T13:21:00.004-04:00

David Lynch on the iphone

Feature Script Optioned

2008-03-25T19:08:00.009-04:00

It is official. My feature script titled 'The San Ysidro Leap' has been optioned to Princess Pictures in Dublin Ireland. This is my first feature script to be optioned to a production company and I am very excited to have such an incredible producer behind the script.

Sasha King is an award winning producer who previously produced my first short film 'The Hotel Trade'. Having worked together on this short film, we have been working on this feature script for the past year for her company Princess Pictures

The project is now 'In-Development'.

'The Calming' 2008 Cackalacky Film Festival Schedule

2008-03-10T13:56:00.010-04:00

We just received schedule confirmation from the 2008 Cackalacky Film Festival that's due to take place in Charlotte, NC April 17th thru the 20th.

THE CALMING will have TWO SCREENINGS, one on Friday the 18th at 6pm and the second on Sunday the 20th at 1.30pm.

This will be the last festival appearence before I retire it to the vault that is my reel...

We made this film in May of 2006 and I entered it into 20 film festivals across the country.

It was accepted into 6 of those. Not bad for a film that explores the possibilities of pre-meditated marital murder...!

A Short, A Feature and a TV Show walk into a bar...

2008-02-24T09:24:00.004-05:00

As we head into March, I've noticed that I am already feeling good about this years prospects. I have completed my first draft of a short script titled "The Light Before We Land" which I would like to shoot this summer. I have received some really positive feedback on the script from peers in the business and I'll be working on finishing a second draft hopefully by the end of this month. Shawn Lewallen has already agreed to return as DP/Producer for this short. I will be posting details on this project as soon as I lock down the script.

The TV show I was set to write and direct another three episodes for has been put on hiatus for the moment so my involvement with that has ceased for the time being.

On other news, I am in negotiations with a production company to help rewrite a feature script to be shot here in Wilmington this summer. There is a name attached to the project which will become public knowledge very shortly. I am meeting with the producers next week to talk about the script and the project in general.

Until then...

A breath of fresh air!

2008-02-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

It's pointless to rant on about how effortless it seems to be able to write a three line update on a blog every other week but when you become a new parent, (like I did four weeks ago!) even the idea of remembering to brush your teeth in the morning before her third feeding seems like a challenge!

Needless to say, I am here and all is good!

Updates on the writing front all point to greatness...

I am currently embattled in development hell/pre-production with a local television show here in town. I am writing their final three episodes, including their season finale which is scheduled to shoot in March. I will also be returning to the directing chair to finish out their season.

The first draft of my next short is complete. I have sent it out to an exclusive group of friends who I trust will tear it apart appropriately! I will update further on this follow-up to The Calming, which is the film that got me in all this trouble in the first place! :)

And I sit here, waiting on word from a producers lawyer on the next step in the option agreement for my feature 'The San Ysidro Leap', currently in it's second draft.

Ah 2008, you're a month old and you're treating me well....

Now where are those diapers?

2008 - the year IT happens...

2007-12-29T16:18:00.000-05:00

Wow, this truly is a boring blog! :) This has to get better...

And now to the 2008 list of what I hope to accomplish without losing my mind, my sense of self-worth and my house!

1. The final draft of my optioned feature script.
2. Add television writing credits to my resume.
3. Write and Shoot my follow-up to the 2006 'The Calming'.
4. Complete a new feature script to use to secure representation.

and finally...

5. Learn to not make too many mistakes as a soon-to-be new parent!

A good set of goals career-wise....except number 5, which will be the trickiest of them all!

A new script - work-in-progress

2007-12-06T13:39:00.000-05:00

As 2007 draws to a conclusion, I have started working on a new project for 2008. Another short film, it's working title "The Light Before We Land". I am writing this for an actress who I worked with on Whittaker Bay this year and I am excited about the possibilities of this script. I would like to shoot in june/july of next year, depending on funds et al. It's another dark thriller, along the same tone as 'The Calming' but with a lot more character development and a bigger story. Trying to keep it under 14 pages.

I continue to work on 'The San Yisdro Leap'. We are close to having a finished draft. Some revising is needed on the ending which I am excited about. I think this script is gearing up to be a pretty tight feature. Am now working on final touches and additional plot twists with the producer.

All is well with "The Calming". The film went through a slight re-edit last month to tighten some scenes up. Mainly from feedback that I had received while the film has been on the festival circuit. I think that it only makes the film stronger. I am looking forward to screening this new version at the 2008 Cackalacky Film Festival in Charlotee, NC in April.

The Calming to screen in CHARLOTTE in 2008!

2007-10-30T10:30:00.001-04:00

'The Calming' has been selected to screen at the 2008 Cackalacky Film Festival in Charlotte, NC in April 17 thru the 20th 2008.

Their website can be found here 2008 Cackalacky Film Festival

Details will be published soon.

I am considering a small re-edit for this film festival. Over the past year I have received a lot of constructive criticism in regards to the film and I'd like to put some of that to good use. This would be a great opportunity to improve upon what we already have and would give the film a new lease of life going into 2008!

A belated update

2007-10-08T12:50:00.000-04:00

Wow, ok, so it's been two months, probably the longest gap since I've posted an update. Things have been nice and crazy which is the way I like it.

To start with, the LA Shorts Fest became a small debacle with deadlines for a digibeta master looming and no time to ship a copy to them. Needless to say, we got the master to them in time for the festival and reports back from LA claim that the screening was a success!

A week ago we found out that 'The Calming' had been accepted into the 2008 Cackalacky Film Festival in Charlotte, NC. I am very excited about this festival as I have heard great things about its first year last year and I will definately be attending this one as it's only 4 hours away! So roll on Charlotte in 08'

On other projects, I have just wrapped directing three episode's of the television show 'Whittaker Bay' for H20 Studios. The first eight episode's of the shows first season have been completed and it is slated to start broadcasting on the WGN SUPERSTATION in January 08'! Testing at times but overall an awesome experience with a great crew, I could not have asked for a better shoot. And yet again, I got to work with my favorite DP, Shawn Lewallen.

So now I must crawl back into my hole and open up the feature files to have a finished draft of TSYL ready by Christmas....

LA Shorts Fest Schedule Announced

2007-08-23T21:19:00.000-04:00

'The Calming' will be premiering on the West Coast as part of the 2007 LA Shorts Fest on Wednesday the 12th of September at 7:45pm at the AMC Theatre in Burbank, CA.

Full Schedule details are available at:

The Calming at the LA Shorts Fest

The Calming to screen at the 2007 LA Shorts Fest

2007-07-23T17:13:00.000-04:00

We have just found out today that 'The Calming' will screen at this years 2007 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival in September! This is the Largest Short Film Festival in the world!

Details will be available @ www.lashortsfest.com

Needless to say, I am very happy to be excepted into the festival as this will be our West Coast Premiere! Very cool...

Notice of Acceptance:

----------------------

Dear Benedict R. Fancy,

Congratulations! Your film "The Calming" has been selected to be part of the 11th annual LA Shorts Fest September 5 - 16, 2007. Reviewing the many films submitted we found your short represents the caliber of work we want to participate in our Festival. We here at LA Shorts Fest pride ourselves on being the largest short film festival in the world. In past years, 25 participating films have earned Academy Award nominations, with 8 filmmakers actually taking home the Oscar. We are honored to be including your film in our Festival this year, we wish you good luck and look forward to meeting you.

You will be contacted via email very soon regarding your films screening time and date.

Sincerely,
Osman Ali
LA Shorts Fest
www.lashortsfest.com

and breathe...

2007-07-19T12:29:00.000-04:00

The first draft has had it's subtle revisions completed and has been emailed to the producer. Now I can breathe a little easier knowing that the first draft is complete and in her hands.

Next, I shall have to prepare myself for the hardest part of all....the rewriting. This is the part I find the most challenging. But in a good way. Allowing the story to veer off into new directions while trying to stay true to the original idea.

What now? We REVISE!

2007-07-16T10:45:00.000-04:00

The past few weeks have been spent working on the first draft, getting it completed ready to send to the producer. I have also been working on a big movie in town for the last month so trying to find the time to sit down and revise while working 16 hour days on set gets to be a challenge.

But we wrapped last week, so now there is no excuse....

Currently on Page 70 of 126. Looking at expanding a subplot to create more action to build to the climax of the script. Hopefully will provide me with a useful tool to reveal character through it's presence.

I would like to have the revision done by the end of the week.

6 days and counting. (I must always have a countdown!)

1st words-on-paper draft Complete!

2007-06-04T10:14:00.000-04:00

Number of words: 22,229
Number of paragraphs: 3,009
Number of pages: 128
Number of scenes: 131
Number of characters: 36
Number of days writing: 2 months

After 6 pages today, I have finally finished the first draft! It feels good. No, it feels GREAT! I will print it this afternoon and put it in my drawer to leave for a week.

Then I'll read through it once, without notation, reread, make notes, before beginning the first rewrite.

I feel like I've been running a marathon these past two months...today is a good day!

so close...

2007-06-03T14:26:00.000-04:00

This is the end, my only friend, the end.....

Not so much Jim Morrison but it is around the corner! I hit the 120 page mark this morning after completing three more pages. This is the average length of a feature screenplay but I know that I will be at least ten if not twenty pages past that. But that is ok. If Quentin Tarrantino can write a 300 page script for 'Glorious Bastards' then I can work with 140 pages for my first-words-on-paper draft.

So close.....I can smell it. I'm roughly 6 scenes away from being done with the 1st words-on-paper draft.

Syd Field and the up-coming rewrite

2007-06-01T11:15:00.000-04:00

Syd Field, the highly revered screenwriting teacher, whose books titled "Screenplay" and "The Screenwriter's Workbook" have occupied my shelves from day one (five years ago) is quoted as saying that the hardest part of screenwriting is finishing the third act of the first-words-on-paper draft. Writer's delay themselves in finishing this draft because they don't want to deal with what comes afterwards....the REWRITE!

I am suffering from this problem. Although I am delighted that the words are flowing very well to the enviable end, I find myself doing everything and anything other than writing to finish the first draft. I have been living and breathing this story for a long time now and it's almost sad to be finishing the first draft. It's almost done. The easy part is almost complete. What lies ahead is the drive through bumper-to-bumper traffic. That inevitable struggle of improving on what you've already written. THE REWRITE.

While I slowly progress to the end of this draft, I am reminded that it is recommended to print off the first words-on-paper draft, hide it in a drawer and take a week off. I am so overwhelmed and involved in the story that a writer needs separation from the work in order to gain a better perspective of what they have written.

But I am battling a full-time job which I primarily work until 9pm/10pm most nights and this is when I should be writing. So not only do I find it hard to write during the day but now at night also. But all is not lost. I am so very close to finishing that I am reeling in the soon-to-be accomplishment that is finishing my first draft.

In a week or so, I will be celebrating.......and then rewriting!

Fox's On The Lot

2007-05-31T10:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know where to start with even beginning to describe how disappointed I am in myself and this show. I HATE REALITY TV! Seriously. I HATE IT! I can't believe I've been sucked in to continuing to watch this show. Maybe I secretly like watching car wrecks or something?

And now I hate Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett for producing what in writing sounded like a potentially great show but in 'reality' is quite possibly the worst show on American TV right now. http://thelot.com

This show seemed like such a good idea. Give 50 filmmakers the chance to show their ability to direct films with the chance to compete for a one million dollar development deal with DreamWorks Pictures. COOL!

But what we have been given is a complete mess of a competition with an inconsistent order of episodes being broadcast, a terrible format taken directly from American Idol which doesn't work for this type of subject matter and a total lack of regard for what is actually interesting.....filmmaking! Last weeks awards episode was like watching a trainwreck of an Oscars ceremony. And the three filmmakers that were voted off, their directing was not the worse in my opinion.

I hate to say it but I think this show is heading downhill fast and at this point, I'm not sure if anything can save it! Especially when the ratings were released yesterday and they are very poor. I'm all for creating opportunities for filmmakers to have a chance at a studio deal but this is not the way to do it. Someone should have met with Simon Cowell on this one...

Out of Control!!!!

2007-05-29T12:55:00.001-04:00

10 pages....10 PAGES! It came like a flood today! I wish everyday was like today.

I crossed the 100 page mark...

Total Page count: 101

Keep it coming!

Plot Point Two

2007-05-23T11:21:00.000-04:00

My wife will be the first to tell you that I am as anally retentive as they come! I try not to be, I can't help it but I take great pleasure in blaming my mother back in England for that trait! If the fire mantle wasn't displayed symmetrically, or picture frames weren't all level and evenly spaced apart it would be upsetting to her! :) (Love you Mum, mean it!)

So, with that being said, I am over the moon today to discover that, with all the prep I have done in regards to setting up to begin writing this script, my second plot point which is supposed to turn my protags life around again and set them up for the final part of their journey to the end of the film has hit exactly on the right page that it is supposed too. Page 90! I am most pleased. And with that, I am at a total of 93 pages as of this morning. Act One and Act Two are complete! YES!

Now the fun part. Act Three. The final Act. The last 30 pages or so where I must steer my protag to his final destination, tie up all loose ends that have been revealed during the previous 90 pages and finish with the denouement. That ever faithful closing to the story. The discovery that Bruce Willis is actually dead in The Sixth Sense, or that the majority of Mulholland Drive was the disturbing dream and imagination of Diane, or the winning of a Dodgeball tournament by a bunch of down and out loosers who had difficulty stringing a coherent sentence together at the beginning of the film!

I love ACT THREE!

'The San Ysidro Leap' - Synopsis and Logline

2007-05-21T12:20:00.000-04:00

A huge 8 pages today! I am nearing the end of Act Two. Currently writing that huge sequence of scenes that sends our protag into a spin that climaxes in Act Three! This is the bit I enjoy the most because writing Act Three is where I've been heading ever since I conceived the story. I have known that my characters have been building up their story through the last 80 pages and now their lives are about to be turned upside down by me! They must now plow through to the resolution! I'm sorry to do it to you guys, but your life is about to become hell for the next 10 pages! But it's ok, you're going to pull through and be better off because of it! Trust me!

I'm posting the logline and Synopsis so readers can get an idea as to the kind of story/script I'm creating here. These have yet to be signed off by the producer so I'm posting them for your perusal.

Welcome to 'THE SAN YSIDRO LEAP'...

LOGLINE

Abandoned in the dustbowl of a Tijuana slum, two teenage brothers, Miguel and Javier risk their lives crossing the US/Mexico border to reunite with their mother. Forced to separate and make the treacherous journey alone, they discover that life in the US is nothing like their expectations.

SYNOPSIS

Tijuana, Mexico, the stifling summer. Two brothers, Miguel and Javier, risk their lives on top of the city’s Municipal Garbage dump, sifting through trash to find objects to sell back to American tourists. This is their life as street kids. Abandoned by their mother five years ago when she crossed the border into the US, hoping to start a new life for them, Miguel is now inadvertently charged with being the father figure to his younger brother. But this isn’t the life he wants or the life he should have. He should be experiencing the moments that shape a teenage boy. Best friends, adolescence, and a girl’s first kiss. He resents his mother for leaving and for breaking the promise of sending for her sons, so Miguel tries to start a new life for them both by attempting to cross the border. But his attempts are thwarted each time it looks as though they will succeed. Not until a phone call from their mother while living at the Shelter for Repatriated Minors, does it seem that there’s light at the end of the border tunnel. But at the gates to San Diego, their mother’s smugglers separate the two boys. Assisted by an immigrant smuggler, Carlos, they make the leap into the US and begin their individual journeys amongst the mass expanse of America and its cities, hoping to soon be reunited with their mother.

----------------------------

Consistency is the key

2007-05-18T08:23:00.000-04:00

I over-achieved yesterday in compensation for a full weekend of working at the day/night job.

5 pages completed yesterday...puts me at a total of 75 thus far.

This is the part of the writing process I enjoy the most. Armed with a scene-by-scene breakdown of the script, a 4-page treatment and a detailed synopsis, I can now just sit in front of the computer, in my pink painted office (not my color choice, the house came like it and we're too busy to paint it another color just yet!) and let the story and characters do their thing.

I have such a hard time detailing character arcs throughout the duration of a 120 page feature script. I'm used to writing 15 page shorts, where I don't have much choice but to cram everything in within 15 minutes. Here I am spoiled with a whole two hours of screen time, where the audience can have the character traits, action and emotions spill out onto them over the course of an evening while they experience their story in real time. I never want my characters to be just standing around waiting for something to happen to them, I'm constantly concerned that they're not experiencing enough trauma, or drama, or life threatening events that we're not moving the story forward to the expected climax! But anyway....

I'm over halfway through the first draft. My characters have been communicating with me just fine these past two weeks and I don't want to stop the rolling ball just yet. We have 44 pages / 44 minutes of this story to experience together before it's locked onto paper.

Zero productivity is expected this weekend. Must-pick-up-pages starting Monday am.

Comments Enabled

2007-05-17T11:02:00.000-04:00

My wife would like me to point out that the ability to post comments is now 'enabled' on this blog! She's been busting me about it for a year!

Now I can accept abuse online as well!

The Heaviest Bike

2007-05-17T10:56:00.000-04:00

Ok, 6 pages completed yesterday. A pivotal scene. Close to my goal set. I find it so hard to start but once I do, I can't stop. Then I make myself late for work. Every time!

All readers of this blog should check out Eric Vithalani's blog - The Heaviest Bike . Find it here:

http://theheaviestbike.blogspot.com/

Eric leaves the USA in t-minus 4 days to ride around the world. THE WORLD! ON A BIKE!

Awesome! Most jealous....bookmark his blog...it's gonna be incredible!

Current page count: 70
Todays goal: 4 pages

The 2007 Cannes Film Festival

2007-05-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

I have four minutes to write this blog....I start my daily writing schedule at 10am.

The Cannes Film Festival began yesterday and I have just signed the letter of intent from Princess Pictures to option my feature script 'The San Ysidro Leap'. The producer, Sasha King, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1676125/ is leaving for Cannes tomorrow to have meetings with studio execs and financiers. I wish her all the best of luck for the coming week......

Current Page Count: 64
Goal for today: 8 pages

Looming deadline

2007-05-09T09:04:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I had a stellar day and wrote almost 10 pages! Today, not so much. I try and start my writing day by watching a few trailers on Apple.com and then reading a few pages from a select number of my favorite scripts....just to get motivated. Then it's all or nothing. If it's on....it's on. I can write until I am forced by the clock in front of me to go work my regular job. If it isn't on......it's off! And there's nothing I can do to remedy it. No scripts, no trailers, no background music, nothing. And that infuriates me. Especially when I'm wasting time on IMDB or, well, the blog, when I should be writing!

So here goes...

Yesterdays count: 10

Total Page count so far: 47

(Pic from a trip to LA in 2005 - this morning, May 9th, 2007, the Hollywood Hills burns due to a man throwing away a cigarette on a golf course. Dumbass!

(http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/09/la.fire/index.html)

The past year...

2007-05-06T14:59:00.000-04:00

So, it was a year ago to this very day that we shot 'The Calming' here in Wilmington, NC. I can't quite believe that it was a year ago! Seems like we shot it last week and that Kenneth and I were editing this past weekend!

We've been accepted to three film festivals so far and are waiting on word from seven more that will take us to the end of 2007. If we get into two more of the remaining seven I will be very happy. And I look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to screen the film on the West Coast sometime this year!

With one more year of writing under my belt, I felt it was time to change the shape of the blog which was lacking in updates over the last few months as we wait on news from film festivals. I have two exciting projects that are coming to fruition in 2007. One is another short film which I have completed the first draft titled 'Cold Comfort'. The other is really exciting, a feature script titled 'The San Ysidro Leap' which is in negotiations to be optioned by producer Sasha King of Princess Pictures in Ireland. She produced my first short script 'The Hotel Trade' and from that a great working relationship has grown and has led us to this project. I am very excited to be working with Sasha on a feature and this blog and project will consume more of my time than I think I know! :) But I would rather be writing in a blog than surfing the web aimlessly....at least my thoughts and fears will be recorded and who knows, maybe it'll be my therapy when the infamous 'block' comes!

So here's to writing.....screenwriting.......and the pursuit of getting an idea that came to me in 2002 onto the big silver screen!

All American Film Festival Pics

2007-02-28T09:19:00.000-05:00

We have returned from Durham, NC for the 2007 All American Film Festival this past weekend.

Our screening was a great success with an almost sold-out house. We were part of a block of fantastic short films and it was great to be part of a local film festival that promoted North Carolina film so well.

THANK YOU to Todd Tinkham (pictured above) who really knows how to put on a great festival! He bent over backwards to accomodate all of us visiting filmmakers and a good time was had by all!

Movie Poster Finished

2007-02-13T11:42:00.000-05:00

Here is the final proof copy of the poster.

Justin Mitchener at Batabix did a fantastic job with this. I think it looks great.

We're sending copies out to the All American Film Festival and to festivals we've already submitted to.

Schedule Change

2007-02-13T08:52:00.000-05:00

Our scheduled screening at the 2007 All American Film Festival has changed to the Saturday 7pm block. This is possibly the best time to screen at a festival as the crowds are at their biggest and we're right before the awards ceremony and the closing down of the festvial, so everything peaks that night!

Thanks again to Todd Tinkham who seems to be really pulling for filmmakers to have the best screening experience possible!

2007 All American Film Festival Acceptance

2007-02-09T15:26:00.000-05:00

Next stop on the festival circuit, the 2007 All American Film Festival in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina!

I am pleased to announce that 'The Calming' has been selected to screen at this years festival, due to take place February the 23rd and 24th at the Durham Arts Council facility, right around the corner from the historic Carolina Theatre.

Their online schedule is not correct. Todd Tinkham has been very understanding in allowing us to screen on Saturday the 24th during the 5.30pm block in order for us to make it to the festival. So thank you Todd!

We will be making the trip up to attend the festival and if anyone from the cast and crew would like to join us for the day to represent the film and Wilmington, then I'll be more than happy to organize that.

The festivals details can be found at:

2007 All American Film Festival

Poster near completion

2007-02-07T12:02:00.000-05:00

Had a final proof meeting this morning with Justin Mitchener of Batabix Design Batabix Design

The poster will be ready by the end of the week. It's looking great. I am very happy with the final product. I will post the image as soon as I get the file.

Judges Notes Part Two

2007-01-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

This is the Judges notes scan from the previous post that wouldn't load.

Judges Notes from 2007 Southern Fried Film Festival

2007-01-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

Today we received the Judges notes from the 2007 Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival that took place last week in Augusta, Georgia. I have attached copies of the notes they created when screening the film.

When I read notes like these I am very proud to have accomplished what we did. And I am very honored to have worked with such a great cast and crew who have made an incredible film. Kudos to everyone involved!

Just in case you can't read the scans or they don't publish correctly, the notes are as follows:

----------------------------

THE CALMING
JUDGING NOTES

PRODUCTION VALUE: 10 out of 10

The Calming exhibits excellent technique in terms of lighting, shot choice and camera angles. Interior and Exterior lighting is very well balanced and in keeping with the nature of the work. Sound is used effectively to add tension and comment on the narrative. Editing is smooth, each cut and transition works as a natural progression for the action.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 8 out of 10

This is an excellent film. The Calming is so well crafted that it is impossible not to be pulled into the tension of the film.

SCRIPT: 9 out of 10

Dialogue comes across as natural and the inclusion of the narration by the daughter character gives the film an ominous quality, as if the fantasizing of the father will inevitably become reality. The metaphor of the storm does not comes across as trite or contrived, and it fits comfortably within the narrative.

DIRECTING: 9 out of 10

Each of the actors does a more than adequate job, with special kudos going to the father character. The fingerprint of the director is clearly evident, as The Calming has a very unique tone and feel that is present in every scene.

------------------------------------

My favorite is the 'Audience Awarness Rating' at the bottom of the sheet..... contains 'Adult Themes and Offscreen Violence'.

If we can get the film into the hands of film audiences like this judge, we are going to have a successful run on the festival circuit this year. This only proves how subjective the film festival cirucit truly is...

Festival Poster

2007-01-18T10:39:00.001-05:00

The movie poster is currently being designed by Justin Mitchener of Batabix Design here in Wilmington, NC. I am meeting with him tomorrow to plan the layout. The poster will be sent out to film festivals who have selected 'The Calming' for screening. I will post a proof of the copy online once it is finished.

Batabix Desgin can be found at:Batabix Please check these guys out.

Screening details part two

2007-01-02T17:19:00.000-05:00

Details about the 2007 Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival program can be found at:

2007 Film Program

Screening details announced

2007-01-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

'The Calming' will be screening at the 2007 Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival on Thursday January the 11th at the Imperial Theatre in Downtown Augusta, Georgia.

The 'Tales of the Grim' film block will start at 10.30pm.

-----------------

Thursday January 11 Imperial Theatre 745 Broad Street

10:30 PM Tales of the Grim, Part Two

The Calming Benedict Fancy NC Short 12
Perception Jeffrey Teitler GA Short 5
Love in the Key of Z Brian Burger FL Short 9
Phase Anthony Cothron FL Short 2

Southern Fried Flicks website

2006-12-25T17:11:00.000-05:00

In the new year, the offcial selection for the 2007 Southern Fried Flicks film festival will be posted on their website. Details can be found at:

2007 Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival

The Calming @ 2007 Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival

2006-12-21T17:39:00.000-05:00

Great News! We have been Officially Selected for the 2007 Southern Fried Film Festival to be held in January in Augusta, Georgia.

Here is the confirmation email:

----------------------

Southern Fried Flicks Update
December 18, 2006
Happy Holidays!

Thank you for your recent submission to the Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival in Augusta, Georgia. We are thrilled to inform you that your film will be screened and judged during our festival! Southern Fried Flicks began in 2004 as a vehicle to inspire and encourage Southern film makers. The response has been overwhelming - we have received more submissions than last year yet again, which makes your place in the festival all the more special.

All filmmakers will receive notification of their screening time in the first week in January, but pack your bags, you will be in the festival! We appreciate your patience and understanding as we proceed. We hope to see you in January! Again, thank you for your submission and best of luck!

Sincerely,

Lara Plocha and Sarah Childers
Imperial Theatre/Southern Fried Flicks

----------------------------

Let's hope this is the first of many for 2007!

Cucalorus Pictures

2006-12-05T12:45:00.000-05:00

Photos Courtesy of Meg Lansaw:

Q & A w/ Traci Dinwiddie after the Screening

Dorothy Reynolds (Megan) and Benedict R. Fancy (Director)

The Calming on IMDB.com

2006-11-14T17:31:00.000-05:00

We now have a page on IMDB for the film. It can be found at:

The Calming IMDB Page

THANK YOU

2006-11-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to everyone who came out this weekend to support the film as it made its Festival Premiere. We had a sell-out screening with 25 extra people standing!

Unbelievable!

I could not have asked for a better night. The whole Festival was an incredible experience from the parties and brunch to the opening night show downtown and the excellent Q & A's that took place all weekend, Cucalorus has become a force to be reckoned with. I don't think that I will ever have another opportunity to experience three days of meeting great independant filmmakers and film-folk who are so passionate about filmmaking.

Onwards and upwards...photos of the weekend coming...

US Festival Premiere is upon us....

2006-11-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

In the true fashion of self-promotion, here's one last announcement prior to our festival premiere screening.

'The Calming' will be having it's US Festival Premiere at the 2006 Cucalorus Film Festival here in Wilmington this coming Thursday the 9th of November at 9.30pm at Jengo's Playhouse. 815 Princess St, Downtown Wilmington.

Please try to get to the screening at least half an hour before the start to secure a ticket. They're just $7 for the block of four films and I've been told that pre-screening tickets are going like hot-cakes (I believe that's an Angloism!) and I don't want anyone to miss out!

Here's a wonderful quote that our good friend Gwenyfar found that sums up the film perfectly...

"Between the dark and the daylight, when the light is beginning to lower, there comes a pause in the day's occupations... a time to explore the darkness of human desperation on the verge of action." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The Children's Hour."

-------------------------

'The Calming' Synopsis:

After an argument with his wife, a harried working-class businessman succumbs to images of himself killing his wife when he turns the clock back an hour for Daylight Savings. Insomnia accompanied by a massive thunderstorm aids his journey into the possibilities of premeditated murder.

-------------------------

Jengo's Playhouse - Thursday @ 9:30 PM

Schedule:

The Life of a Kaleidoscope Death
Director: Khang Mai
12:09

The Calming
Director: Benedict R. Fancy
13:00

Dragon
Director: Troy Morgan
7:35

Angelmakers
Director: Astrid Bussink
33:00

I'm really looking forward to it and I hope to see some familiar faces all festival long.

www.cucalorus.org

Lower the lights and start the reel......

Best Regards

Benedict

Low Res version of the teaser trailer - YouTube

2006-10-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

It's not the best of quality as the file transfer was delayed but here's an opportunity to view the teaser trailer...

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Cucalorus screening time announced

2006-10-07T18:47:00.000-04:00

Our screening time for this years festival has been announced...

Thursday the 9th of Nov @ Jengo's Playhouse. Our 9.30pm film block looks like this:

---

Jengo's Playhouse - Thursday November 9th @ 9:30 PM

The Calming
Director: Benedict R. Fancy
13:00

The Life of a Kaleidoscope Death
Director: Khang Mai
12:09

Dragon
Director: Troy Morgan
7:35

Angelmakers
Director: Astrid Bussink
33:00

---

I hope to see a good crowd and am especially excited to see the film projected in its festival premiere!!!

Benedict

Cucalorus announces full 2006 film list

2006-09-17T17:24:00.000-04:00

The Cucalorus Film Festival has announced their full film list for this years festival. You can check it out at:

Cucalorus Film Festival

Scroll down the page to find our entry and click on the link.

Trailer now Online!

2006-09-12T22:52:00.000-04:00

The teaser trailer for 'The Calming' is now available online for downloading and viewing.

It can be found on Legion Production Services website:

Legion Production Services Indie Film Services

The trailer is a 30-second long teaser edited by Kenneth Price.

While on their site I highly recommend checking out their other downloads, in particular their promo reel, which is excellent.

Sill waiting with baited breath for further festival news.

Festival Press Kit

2006-08-14T19:39:00.000-04:00

I have completed the final touches to the films Press Kit which I will be sending out to film festivals. It includes all details regarding pre-production, casting, the shoot and post-production, contact details, screening info, statistics on budgets, technical specifics, filmmakers bios, cast and crew listings et al.

I am also sending out six (6) stills taken from the film to accompany the kit.

Over the next couple of weeks, we should hear back from Asheville and Austin, so fingers crossed.

And the teaser trailer should be online and ready to download next week.

2006 Festivals part 3

2006-08-08T20:21:00.000-04:00

This week I entered the film into the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

2007 Sundance Film Festival

If, by some act of god we get in I will surely be overcome with sheer joy and excitement! I believe that if you make a film of a certain caliber, you have to at least try Sundance. It is the epitome of film festivals, some say over-exposed and now no longer about independent films but I believe that if I don't try for the bigger festivals to get the film an audience it deserves then I'll regret having never tried it in the first place.

Yesterday I received a message from the New York independent Film and Video Festival about possibly screening the film in either NYC or LA later this year. They run four screenings a year, two in NYC and two in LA. I returned the message and hope to hear from them this week.

Official Selection of the 2006 Cucalorus Film Festival, Wilmington, NC

2006-08-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

Great News!

Yesterday I was informed that the film has been selected to screen at the 2006 Cucalorus Film Festival here in Wilmington, NC. This is our first official selection! And what a great honor. We are part of the first 35 films that have been selected to promote the initial film schedule for this years festival!

--------------

Official Notification:

--------------

4 August 2006

Dear Ben,

With pleasure, sorrow, and euphoric chaos, Cucalorus congratulates you! Alongside three shouts of pointless joy, we announce that your film, The Calming, is one of our early selections into the 12th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival! As one of 35 films tagged as an early selection, your film really was truly remarkable.

Cucalorus 12 will be held November 8-11, 2006 in wonderful downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.

Cucalorus will include screenings of over 100 of the finest independent films which we could find, some really dazzling and educational workshops, a few lectures, and of course - outrageous parties thrown in your honor which taper on into the wee hours of the night.

We will be in touch soon. Don't hesitate to call or email us with questions, notions, comments and dreams. We'll do anything we can to get you here for the best Cucalorus Ever.

Hang On! Slang On!

Cucalorus

--------------------

Let's hope that this will be the first of many!

Benedict

2006 Festivals Part 2

2006-08-05T20:35:00.000-04:00

This weekend we entered the film into the 2006 New York City Short Film Festival in Manhattan, NY and the 2007 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

The inaugural 2005 short film festival in New York City was such a success that they have doubled the capacity of programmed films and doubled the length of the festival duration itself. And it goes without saying that the Slamdance Film Festival is a one of a kind festival, especially when paired with the Sundance Film Festival that both take place at the same time in Park City, Utah.

More info can be found at:

2006 New York City Short Film Festival

2007 Slamdance Film Festival

Teaser Trailer

2006-07-27T15:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I received a copy of the Kenneth Price edited 30-second teaser trailer for the film. It's short, sharp and stylish, utilizing the low reverberating tones of the Kaplinsky Noise Generator soundtrack and some additional footage that was not used in the final cut of the film. I like it a lot!

The trailer should be available for download on the Legion Productions website in the next few weeks. I will update as soon as I know it's online.

As a Writer/Director, I am toying with the idea of getting a personal website to promote my work. If and when I do, there will be a link to the trailer on there. I would also like to have a link to my other short "The Hotel Trade" which was produced by Sasha King of Princess Pictures and directed by Martin Brennan.

Last Night's Premiere

2006-07-22T09:29:00.000-04:00

In February of this year I called three people who I thought would be interested in reading my script. I secretly wanted to coax them into helping me produce it into a film!

The first was Mr Shawn Lewallen. .IMDB Credits Shawn actually read the script a year previous and was interested in the project but at that time he was in prep for 'Cocaine Angel' down in Florida so was unable to commit. Which actually was a good thing because we were not far enough in to the funding of the film to be able to greenlight pre-production at that time. When I got back in touch with him earlier this year, the script had undergone a few changes and he was still interested in shooting it. As you can see from previous posts on this blog, Shawn has since won awards for his work on Cocaine Angel and from the images posted on this site of 'The Calming', has shot incredible images for my film.

The second person I called was Meg Lansaw. A personal friend of mine who I had worked with on Erica Dunton's movie RedMeansGo in 2004, Meg had last year just shot her short film '80 Windows' and was still reeling from her screening. I gave her a copy of the script and wanted to see if she would be interested in helping me cast the project. She jumped onboard instantly! And for that I thank her because as you will see if you look back through past entries of this blog, Meg had come to my rescue many a time during the final days leading up to principal photography! But to top it off, she had single handedly set-up 43 scheduled auditions from an incredible 200+ headshot submissions, confirming all the details while on vacation in LA the weekend before the auditions were set to take place!

The third person who signed on as an original interest back in February was Mr Rick Pour. CEO of Evolution Digital Studios, Special Effects Make-up artist IMDB Credits and also a good friend of mine. Rick signed on as a Production Advisor to me. His help in every aspect of pre-production was invaluable. From allowing me to invade on his studio for auditioning and screening to putting me in touch with insurance companies and informing me on legal matters to do with release forms et al. A whole world of which I had never encountered before. Ricks help made pre-production painless. And then he came on set and Gripped for me when we were down two men!!!!

These three people were the backbone to get this film off the ground. They trusted my vision and had faith in what I had written. And that is incredible. I owe last night to them!

When I started this blog, I wanted to capture everything that I was experiencing on a weekly basis and log it so that I could go back and see how crazy it had gotten. There were numerous highs followed by exhausting lows. Same story for every production ever produced I am sure. The blog was to document every aspect of pre-production, photography, post and it's first screening. Which was last night...

The 7pm screening was standing room only! I was so happy to see so many people out last night to support local filmmakers. This town breeds talent and that was evident last night in the six films that were shown. Even the 9pm screening had every seat filled! When your film is complete and you show it for the first time, it feels as though you must let it out into the world to find an audience. I imagine this is how it feels to be a parent when you let your child move out of the house for the first time!!!! Festivals are its future and my future for that matter. Even though I stated that this blog will conclude when the film screens for the first time, I will continue to update it so that I have a record of everything that happens to this film now that it is complete.

As I move on to another project, I will never forget my directorial debut.

I want to thank EVERYONE who came out last night to Jengo's Playhouse to watch the selection of Short Films that were screened. You make filmmakers want to continue what they're doing.

Thanks.

2006 Film Festivals

2006-07-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

This past week we have entered the film into three film festivals that will take place in the latter part of the year. The Cucalorus Film Festival, the Asheville Film Festival and the Austin Film Festival.

The Cucalorus Film Festival
The Asheville Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival

The Austin Film Festival runs October 19th thru the 26th and the Cucalorus and Asheville Festivals run on the same weekend. Nov 8th thru the 11th. To be selected for screenings in any of these festivals would be an amazing achievement for us. I would be over the moon if we got selected.

Cucalorus 'Friday Nite Films' Press Release

2006-07-14T18:57:00.000-04:00

'Friday Nite Films'
Jengo's Playhouse, 815 Princess Street
Friday, July 21
Screenings: 7pm and 9pm

Local Film Nite
Join Cucalorians for a celebration of local filmmakers. For our July 21 edition of 'Friday Nite Films' Cucalorus presents six local films - including the world premier of Ben Fancy's film "The Calming." All the filmmakers will be in attendance to answer questions during a discussion period following the screenings. Every Friday, always free, refreshments available. Call 343-5995 for more info. Celebrate the weird and wacky during our 'Blue Velvet Festival' on July 28, with screenings at 8pm and 10pm, with a sampling of strangeness throughout the night.

July 21 Films:

Orange
Director: Buckley Hubbard
7:24

An escaped convict takes a casual stroll down the highway in the afternoon sun...

Halloween Revisited
Directors: Bryan Kupko and John Slade
18:00

A short film that sheds some light on Michael Myers whereabouts on the night of October 31, 1978, like a deleted scene from the original two Halloween films.

High School Haunting
Director: Denver Hollingsworth
12:00

Encore Scary Movie contest winner Denver Hollingsworth's short film follows an intrepid convoy as they explore the dark, demonic corners of an abandoned school.

Off the Wall
Directors: Chris Bowen and Charles Stovall
7:00

Daryll has a problem: he’s afraid of walls. When his girlfriend dumps him because of his fear, he decides to confront his demons head on in a tennis game. Can he overcome his fear and win his girlfriend back?

Lost and Found
Director: Erica Dunton
11:38

“Not til we are lost... in other words... not til we have lost the world... do we begin to find ourselves.” -Henry David Thoreau
A girl finds love, but a boy does not expect to lose it. A beautiful and true story of a stranger’s first night in New York.

The Calming
Director: Benedict Fancy
13:00

After an argument with his wife, a harried working-class businessman succumbs to images of himself killing his wife when he turns the clock back an hour for Daylight Savings. Insomnia accompanied by a massive thunderstorm aids his journey into the possibilities of premeditated murder.

Star News Article - June 13th 2006

2006-07-14T18:51:00.000-04:00

This was published yesterday in the Wilmington Star News.

The Calming - Star News June 13th 2006

'The Calming' DP wins Best Cinematographer in Barcelona

2006-07-08T10:32:00.000-04:00

M. Shawn Lewallen wins Best Cinematographer for his work on the indie feature 'Cocaine Angel' at the Digital Barcelona Film Festival!

I feel honored to have worked with this talented Director of Photography on my film 'The Calming'. His work is nothing short of amazing!

Congrats Shawn!

Cast and Crew Premiere, Free Screening

2006-07-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

As part of the Cucalorus Film Foundations 'Free Friday Nite Screenings' I am pleased to announce that we will be screening the film for its first public Premiere on July the 21st at Jengo's Playhouse at 815 Princess Street in Downtown Wilmington.

There will be two screenings, one at 7pm and the other at 9pm. The 7pm is the official Premiere. The screenings are free and open to the general public but is also a thank you to the Cast and Crew of the film for their dedication and hard work in making this film what it is. The film will be shown as part of a five film block of local Wilmington films and there will be a Q & A with the filmmakers after each screening.

I look forward to seeing everyone there and cannot wait until the Premiere.

Legion Production Services, Wilmington NC

2006-06-28T20:37:00.000-04:00

While we finish the final edit this weekend, I want to take the opportunity to thank the team at Legion Production Services for all their hard work in creating a film that not only looks professional but encompasses everything that I had envisioned this script looking like on the big screen.

Please take a minute to check out their website.

Legion Production Services

If you are seriously considering production.....call these guys!!!! They are professional and talented individuals and artists and I cannot say enough good things about them.

Cheers Damian, Shawn, Kenneth and Neil!

Stills from the Film - Part One

2006-06-24T17:47:00.000-04:00

Stills from the Film - Part Two

2006-06-24T16:29:00.001-04:00

Locked Picture and ahead of Schedule!

2006-06-24T09:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Kenneth and I agreed that the film is now locked! The film is 99% finished in the editing room!

All Kenneth has to complete is HD Color Correction and the last couple of audio tweaks and we have a finished film! I love the fact that at Legion Production Services you can edit your film in the editing suite and then walk into the room next door and watch your new edit projected on the big screen. Their screening room is the perfect size to allow you to get a feel for how the film is going to look projected. It's a great feeling to see your work take place in one room and then watch your efforts in the screening room next door. They definitely have one up on anywhere else in town when it comes to practicality of editing.

We are on schedule for a July 15th submission for the Cucalorus Film Festival and now, also a July 28th deadline for the Asheville Film Festival.

I am about to confirm details on the 'cast and crew' screening for July so I should have the details posted this weekend.

I am also about to post stills from the actual film this weekend here on the blog.

Stay tuned.

First projected screening

2006-06-23T08:37:00.000-04:00

Last night was the first time we watched the entire piece projected in the screening room at Legion Production Services. The difference on the big screen is fantastic. The quality of the colors and tone of the film reads so much more when projected.

We were able to pin point the last of the tiny adjustments that we need to make prior to Kenneth being able to lock the picture and start color correction.

This film has come together very quickly. And that's a good thing. I feared that we would be laboring over the smallest of details and yet the whole editing process has (in my opinion) been quick and relatively painless. It's been a great learning experience for me. It has also been one of the more enjoyable aspects of making this film. (raising money and pre-production being the least enjoyable!) And it's been a pleasure to work with the talented Mr Kenneth Price.

We should have a finished film in two weeks, with color correction and a mastered dvd. I am going to have Kenneth produce a digibeta master for any film festivals that we are lucky enough to get accepted into. This will look great when projected. An uncompressed digital master of the film, able to be projected up on the big screen.

I have stills from the movie which I will publish online here on the blog for everyone to see.

24hrs away

2006-06-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

We are a day away from having a locked picture! Then it's final sound editing and color correction and we are done!

Tomorrow night (Thursday) we will screen the film in the screening room at Legion to make sure we have everything close to completion then Kenneth will work his magic with the finishing touches.

A completed film is just around the corner....

....and the cast and crew screening is right behind it!

More info to follow.

Soundtrack

2006-06-19T07:34:00.000-04:00

The opening credits will be playing with a track by a now defunct British group called 'CURVE'. Huge in the 90's, this band dominated the UK indie scene with the likes of My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive and others from that era. In my opinion, they got stronger with every new release, peaking with 'GIFT' a couple of years ago. I have been in contact with one of the founding members of the band, Mr Dean Garcia who now creates his own multi-media, music, visuals et al under the name 'Mushi Mushi'. He has kindly agreed for us to use the track 'STORM' from the record 'Open day at the hate fest' for free! This is our opening credits track.

Our ambient music and composed soundtrack for the bulk of the film is by 'The Kaplinsky Noise Generator' A UK experiment under the wing of a good friend of mine, Paul Maskell. This guy has been creating noise and sounds for the last twenty years and its with great pleasure that I can use his work to compliment the film. His tones and moods are really taking the picture to another place. I'm excited to be using his work.

A belated update

2006-06-15T19:33:00.000-04:00

For the past two weeks, Kenneth Price has been editing the film with myself sitting in on the proceeds for the last week. The film is taking shape in a major way. And I am very excited.

The very first rough cut I saw proved to be true to what I thought might happen. And that is that the sequence in the middle of the film that was written out of chronological order does not play as well as it does in chronological order. I am ok with this as in its previous state, we were concerned that it will confuse the audience and ultimately lose the pace and tone of the film as it builds towards the end.

Last week we had a scary moment when the hard drive crashed and took all of our stored footage with it!!! This would not be the end of everything as we still would have had the actual tapes from the camera but even so, three days of loading it into the computer would have been a nightmare! Luckily, the guys in California who manufacture the hard drive were able to retrieve everything and it was back in the editing suite within three days! Close call!

Today, Kenneth and I sat down for three hours and worked on notes from yesterdays editing and the film took a definite turn for the better. Scenes play into each other so much better when we switched the middle section of scenes around and now with Kenneth's 'ears' as well as his eyes working overtime, the music is now also helping set the tone of the piece and allows us to bring a new side to the picture which was not there prior to adding sound. It just goes to show the upmost importance of how sound quality and choice of soundtrack provides the viewer with so much more...

Sitting in and editing this film has been a real eye opener. You get to see what does and does not work as far as scene transitions go. I also get a clearer picture of how good or bad a job I did of directing the actors in regards to pacing et al. When you see these scenes play in order, creating your film as a whole it's a relief to see the directional pay-off during principal photography!

Tomorrow Kenneth will continue with the end of the film and additional editing on sound. Saturday we will get together in the afternoon and view the latest edit and then work from there. There may be a possibility of having to shoot two additional scenes but I won't be able to decide that until I see the latest edit this weekend. If so, then I think we may need one more short night to shoot two scenes and some establishing shots of the thunder and lightening storm.

Onwards and upwards...

Editing begins at Legion Production Services

2006-05-31T13:00:00.000-04:00

Kenneth Price begins editing today at Legion Production Services. A rough edit should be complete within two weeks.

The stills from the shoot are back and they look great. There are definately some good pictures we can use for publicity and a potential movie poster later on down the line.

On-Set Stills from the shoot

2006-05-21T22:58:00.000-04:00

The stills should be ready this week. I'm looking forward to seeing what Meg shot during the three day shoot. It'll be good to remind myself of the shoot while we prep to edit in a few weeks. I am looking at using a few of the stills for the films promo stuff as well as a possible movie poster.

Post-Production Begins

2006-05-18T12:49:00.000-04:00

Post-production for the film will begin at Legion Production Services. You can check out the awesome company who will be piecing this film together at:

www.legionproductionservices.com

Kenneth Price will be editing.

I know a lot of people are looking forward to seeing how this film starts to look. I for one have been experiencing nervous anticipation since we wrapped photography!

Dallies

2006-05-15T12:38:00.000-04:00

Last week Shawn, Kenneth and I finished watching the dallies. I am very happy. I love the feel that this film has. Shawn has managed to create a dark and moody look without making the footage look like it's been shot inside a barrel! I cannot wait to see how this film starts to shape up once we start editing. We are looking at a first rough edit by the second week of June.

A very good friend of mine in the UK, Paul Maskell will be donating a few tracks of his compositions to the films soundtrack. I spoke with him last night and we have talked about mastering the pieces that we are going to use on to DAT so that we can edit them into the final piece easier.

There may be a chance that we will have to shoot two more scenes one evening at the beginning of June as we didn't manage to shoot them over the weekend of production. One is a driving shot, the other is an interior car shot. Then we have some additional establishing shots of the storm that we need to shoot outside the house. We should be able to get all of these in a single night. To be organized.

July 15th is the deadline for the Cucalorus Film Festival here in Wilmington. This is my goal for it's world premiere.

and that's a wrap!

2006-05-09T15:32:00.000-04:00

23 Scenes,
12 5/8 pgs,
66 Camera set-ups,
4 hours of footage,
72 hours of production....
....and one hell of a rainstorm on day three!

We're done. Photography has wrapped and now we go to watch the footage this evening.

Day Two in the HOUSE was one hell of a tough shoot. Night shoots aren't fun at the best of times but when you're already a little behind and everyone's body clocks are still adjusting to the night schedule, things can get a little slowed up. But we ended out Day Three on a high! Even though we got caught in the craziest rainstorm I've ever seen out on location. The sky just dropped itself.

We have two scenes to capture later, two that we can get without a big crew so apart from those, we are complete.

Time to name drop the entire crew! Without these crazy insomniacs, this film would not have been made!

DP - Shawn Lewallen
1st AD - Craig Rogers
Camera Assistant - Neil Boone
Gaffer/Grip - Derek Tindall
Script Supervisor - Candice Grubb
Lead Grip - Zack Atkinson
Dolly Grip - Seamus Bourne
Grip - Michael Kuhn
Grip - Michael Selawski
Grip - Kenneth Price
Grip - Dominic Novall
Production/Special Make-up Effects - Rick Pour
Sound Mixer - Tim Cargioli
Boom Operator - Tony Cargioli
Casting Director/Stills Photographer - Meg Lansaw
Casting Production Assistant - Stephanie Harris
Key Hair and Make-up - Lance Howell
Catering/Craft Services - Emily Gorman-Fancy
Catering Production Assistant - Jessica Sheaffer

And it goes without saying that I should mention my fantastic and very patient cast...

Bill Ladd - HENRY
Dorothy Reynolds - MEGAN
Susan Auten - CAITLIN
Devin McGee - JIMMY

All of the above mentioned are true troopers of film. Without them, there would be no film.

Tonight Shawn, Kenneth and I will sit down and watch our footage at 7pm. Nervous anticipation lies ahead.....

....and Action!

2006-05-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

Ok, so the blog's updates will be a little lax during photography....

It's 1:34pm on day two. Our call time tonight is 6.30pm.

We finished day one early this morning around 3:30am having started at 5pm. First we recorded all of Megan's V.O. with the Cargioli brothers and then Meg Lansaw and I recorded the V.O. for the infomercial that plays on the television (o.s.) during Henry's front room scenes. Our schedule then had us shooting all of Megan's scenes first and then switching to the front room and master bedroom for the characters of Henry and Caitlin. Our actress, Ms. Dorothy Reynolds (Megan) did a stellar job! We ended her shoot by having to wake her up our of her (well deserved) sleep to shoot the last scene which (conveniently) was her waking up and walking in to talk to Henry. I could not have asked for a better actress to work with.

We switched our shooting schedule around as we picked up a lot of the close up shots of Henry's eyes and face which meant we would had to of relight the whole room tonight. This also worked to our advantage because by 3am, Bill Ladd's eyes looked exactly like we wanted them too.......comatosed!

Today we have two scenes left in the front room then we move into the Kitchen for the arguement scenes and then the Jimmy / Henry scene to end the evening. Last night we shot 10 scenes, tonight we have 8.

Then tomorrow night we are on location. Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Muter's Alley and EXT. House.

Rolling!

Furniture moving and other Wilmywood pastimes!

2006-05-03T23:45:00.000-04:00

We've started to dress the house. Tomorrow will be spent delivering the last of the front room and Megan's bedroom furniture. The afternoon will be spent co-ordinating dressing and meetings with Shawn and Craig. Shawn and I will also head over to Cine Partners to finalize the Grip Package we're renting from them and we may also drop by Evolution Digital Studios to take a look at the Dolly and track we're planning on using.

Tonight Shawn and I went through the best part of the script, we made some changes according to the new location but overall, I think it's going to work great. We will complete our meeting tomorrow.

Now I must wade through call times, shooting schedule and some final script revision before I crash, and crash hard I will.....and it's only midnight with two days to go!

Set Dressing begins at New Location

2006-05-03T12:37:00.000-04:00

Tonight we start to move in furniture and start the process of set dressing for the house. I have a meeting at 6pm with Shawn on set and will then continue to dress the set until it is finished!

Tomorrow will be mostly tidying loose ends and final props shopping before a rehearsal with Bill and Devin in the evening.

1st AD meeting will happen sometime tomorrow as well. Craig and I need to go over the scene by scene running of the shooting schedule. Call times and schedules will be completed by tomorrow and sent out to cast and crew later that night.

And the drama goes on...

2006-05-02T22:20:00.000-04:00

So, in true indie form, when you think you've gotten everything organized and you're plain sailing towards your shoot, the little fine thread at the end of seam begins to undo itself!

We lost our HOUSE location monday lunchtime and I have spent the last 26 hours on the hunt for a new location! And we found one....by the kindness of my casting director, Meg Lansaw stepping up and letting me use some of her historic house! Meg you are a true star....now I have to dress it!

On top of that, last night we had to recast the part of Jimmy as Cullen Moss has become unavailable this weekend. I am sad to lose him on this project but I understand when duty calls and I hope to work with him on another project in the future.

But all is not lost!!!!! We are blessed with the talent of Devin McGee (One Tree Hill, IQ-145, Port City PD) who steps in at the last minute to play the part of JIMMY. After an indepth discussion with him this evening over the phone, we are now up to speed with the character and the script and we will organize a rehearsal with Bill Ladd on Thursday night on set to run their scenes together. Overnight, Devin has JIMMY down pat! I'm looking forward to working with him.

Another great discussion took place tonight with my Script Supervisor, Candice Grubb who has an incredible eye for detail and it would appear has stripped apart my script down to the very bone to get to grips with the story! I am incredibly impressed with her comments and thoughts on the script and am really looking forward to working with her...She has her pulse on this story.

So, the drama goes on. Tomorrow I must set dress the house and get ready for a shot-by-shot meeting with my DP Shawn at 6pm, where we will walk thru the whole script. Then it's more set dressing, the last of the prop purchasing and then final prep on thursday before a last rehearsal with Bill and Devin. Then it's equipment pick-up and the beginning of photography.

4 days to go....

2006-05-01T07:27:00.000-04:00

Last nights meeting with my 1st AD, Craig Rogers has been rescheduled for tomorrow night. I will meet with Craig and Shawn and we will walk thru the HOUSE location in particular but also the script to confirm all of our set-ups and shots for each scene.

Last night I confirmed our Craft Services and Catering. My wife, Emily is doing me (and my crew!) the honor of providing food and libation for the three days....I don't think she realizes what I have gotten her into!

I will have a shooting schedule and call sheet ready by tomorrow night.

Last minute craziness!

2006-04-30T11:26:00.001-04:00

The last seven days have been nothing short of the biggest rollercoaster ride of my life! The roots of independent movie making starts with highs and then the lows....you have the high that you want to make a film and that it's going to be a great experience and then the low kicks in when you realize the gargantuan task that lies ahead of you. Budgeting, crew, cast, auditions, script rewrites, equipment rental, locations, camera, sound, make-up, grips, props, wardrobe, meetings (begging!), scheduling, battling paid work to make your unpaid film happen....et al. The list goes on! Just when you think you have everything secured, something comes up that makes you take two steps back! But then another turn of events happens and this is where movie-making comes into it's own. Just when you think it can't get any worse, someone offers you something for free, or their time for free and you realize that you're not alone in this. I have been nothing short of overwhelmed by peoples generosity in our wonderful town of Wilmington. Film is not dead, not by a long shot. Our crew base here in town and also within the state keeps film alive in NC.

This past week we have acquired a Script Supervisor and a Key Hair and Make-up for the shoot. We have also finalized our Grips for Shawn and his Gaffer. This was the last of the crew positions that needed filling and now we have our crew.

Tonight I meet with my 1st AD, Craig Rogers and we will knock out the shooting schedule ready for next week.

Tomorrow night we have a rehearsal with the cast. We will be covering individual scenes with each actor. And also discussing Wardrobe fittings.

Tuesday Shawn and I will try to meet for a shot-by-shot walk thru of the film at the HOUSE location, where we will discuss our shot list and camera set-ups. I am hoping that Craig will be able to join us as well to familiarize himself with the location.

This week, the final 5 days....Craft Services, confirming the shooting schedule, props, set dressing, wardrobe, rehearsal, equipment pick-up and getting ready for the shoot.

I can't quite believe that the last two months of prep have gone by so fast!

Here's to the highs and lows of production week!

The Countdown begins...

2006-04-25T23:26:00.000-04:00

Last nights location scout went very well. Shawn (DP), Myself, Tony Cargioli (Sound) and Kenneth Price (Editor) were in tow and visited the HOUSE INT/EXT, DOWNTOWN ALLEYWAY EXT and the CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE EXT. We discussed potential concerns about each location, sound issues and camera queries and familiarized ourselves with each location prior to photography. Shawn and Myself will revisit the house this weekend for a shot-by-shot walk-thru of the film.

This week is quickly becoming hectic. It's crunch week! Filling the last available crew slots, prop building and purchasing, acquiring set decoration, Cast rehearsals, Location permit applications and letters, equipment rentals and script revisions....

9 days...

Location Scout

2006-04-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

Monday night we are having a location scout with Shawn Lewallen (DP) and Tim and Tony Cargioli (Sound). We're visiting the HOUSE INT/EXT and then Downtown for the Bridge EXT and Alleyway EXT. Concerns over traffic noise at the bridge location may require us to look for another location, possibly across the Cape Fear River looking towards the riverfront.

This week we're locking down the shooting schedule and call times, as well as finalizing the last of the crew positions before the weekend.

We are still in need of a couple of Grips to assist our DP and Gaffer as well as another On-Set PA. If anyone is interested, please email us at: powderkegfilms@hotmail.com

Script Read-Thru and Call for Grips

2006-04-19T13:00:00.000-04:00

Last night the cast had their first script read-thru. We read the whole script from start to finish and then discussed aspects of individual scenes. It's great to be able to fire back and forth ideas about scenes with actors as it enables me to get a clearer idea for blocking and setting up the scene on set. Last night was very productive....and the cast read their lines almost near perfect!!!!

We are in need of two Grips to work with our DP Shawn Lewallen and his Gaffer. Ideally we would like two interns who can follow the Gaffer and assist him and Shawn in setting up and break-downs for each scene. There isn't any pay involved as pretty much the entire cast and crew are doing this for free but you will be fed well and will obtain a credit for your hard work. If anyone is interested in being a part of our Electrics department, please send a resume to powderkegfilms@hotmail.com with the words 'Grip/Electrics' in the subject.

The Past Week...

2006-04-17T13:48:00.000-04:00

A lot has happened this past week since casting the film.

We've scheduled a read-thru for tomorrow night (Tuesday) with the cast. This will be our first complete read-thru together before we set up a separate rehearsal next week prior to shooting.

We have gained a new location for the house. The new house is going to be a fantastic place to shoot. Nice floors and windows which will visually look great when we plunge the house into a lightening storm during the shoot.

Tim and Tony Cargioli have agreed to be our sound crew which I am very excited about. With One Tree Hill wrapping, they have kindly volunteered their time to help record on-set sound. I couldn't be happier having these guys do it!

Coming up this week is the read-thru, a location walk-thru with Shawn (TBD), film permits, contacting UNCW film dept for two Grip/Electrics interns, search for a Key Wardrobe person as well as Set Dressers and a Props Master.

19 days to principal photography!

The Cast

2006-04-12T12:30:00.000-04:00

So after six weeks of headshot submissions, sorting through resumes and scheduling 43 people for auditions the time has come to announce the cast.

Before I do, I want to thank everyone who attended the audition for their time. It was a big day for us and not one of you made it a nightmare! We had a great time running through the sides with you all and the audition tapes we viewed the next day were a pleasure to watch....

THE CAST:

Henry: Bill Ladd (Loggerheads, Viewpoint, Forgiven, Dead Heist, Dirt Nap, Deja Vu)

Caitlin: Susan Auten (Bummin' It)

Jimmy: Cullen Moss (One Tree Hill, Find Love, Strike the Tent, The Notebook, The Pigs)

Megan: Dorothy Reynolds (several years of theatrical experience)

So there we have it. Our Cast. An incredible group of actors who I am really looking forward to working with.

Now we look towards rehearsals...

Thank You

2006-04-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterdays auditions were a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed up and gave us their time to audition for the film. Rick Pour, Meg Lansaw and Myself were blown away by the amount of talent that walked through that door yesterday!

Now comes the hard part....

Today we review the tapes, tonight we make the final selection for all parts and Tuesday we'll make the calls.

I am humbled by the dedication of all of you who attended. We had actors drive up from Georgia, from Asheville, from Virginia Beach, from Charlotte and from Greensboro to name a few!

I wish I'd written an ensemble piece so that I could cast you all!

Thank you.

Benedict, Meg and Rick

Auditions Tomorrow

2006-04-08T19:39:00.000-04:00

So we are set for our auditions tomorrow.

43 actors, 9 hours, 4 parts.

We cannot wait.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Benedict

Production Assistants Needed

2006-04-05T22:12:00.000-04:00

Production is in need of two Production Assistants for our scheduled auditions this Sunday (April the 9th). Primary responsibilities will be to sign actors in and direct them to the studio suite from the buildings front foyer. Unfortnately there is no pay involved but we will be supplying lunch and beverages and of course credit.

Crew interested should send an email to powderkegfilms@hotmail.com (by Friday) with the words 'Audition PA' in the subject title.

Auditions

2006-04-03T20:58:00.000-04:00

Auditions are currently being scheduled. We are auditioning on Sunday April the 9th. All actors who have been chosen to audition will be contacted by Wednesday evening. Directions to the studio we are holding auditions in will be emailed to you.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED HEADSHOTS. We had a wealth of talent submit and we are eternally grateful for your interest in this project.

Deadline has arrived

2006-03-31T22:53:00.000-05:00

Today was the deadline for headshot submissions. We will no longer be accepting submissions.

THANK YOU to EVERYONE who submitted. We have been overwhelmed with the amount of interest that this project has gained. We have received some outstanding resumes and have already started contacting Actors in regards to the auditions on April 9th.

The Casting meeting tonight involved going through the final headshots and selecting those for auditioning. Those chosen from the remaining will be contacted before this Tuesday coming.

Meeting with Shawn Lewallen yesterday. We walked through the house and started talking about the films mood, look and some specific shots. We have agreed to meet on Monday to start at the beginning of the script, shot by shot to see what both of our thoughts are on individual scenes. It was interesting to hear a Cinematographers point of view when it came to interpreting a specific look or mood. I am so pleased to have Shawn involved and can already see myself looking differently at selective shots after this first conversation with him. His eye for the shot is inspiring. I'm looking forward to collaborating with him.

The coming week: Scheduling the last of the auditions, crew break-down and requirements, production meeting with Rick Pour and then AUDITIONS on Sunday April 9th.

One week left for submissions

2006-03-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

There is one week left for headshot submissions. The last four days have been busy sorting current submissions ready for scheduling auditions. Our casting director is currently in LA and will be back next week. We'll be meeting on the 31st to complete our selection process. Please make sure your resume and headshot is at the office address BY FRIDAY THE 31st. Selection will be completed that night in order to give actors long enough to prepare for auditions for Sunday the 9th of April.

Meeting with Legion Production Services last week was a huge success. Damian Smith has agreed to rent us a Camera Package at a heavily discounted rate as well as an Editing suite for two weeks after principal photography. I am hugely indebted to the boys at Legion. Shawn Lewallen is shooting the film on a JVC HD camera package and Kenneth Price has signed on to edit the film. This is great news.

I have been in contact with one of my favorite music artists in the UK, CURVE who I am trying to get the rights to use their music for the soundtrack as well as credits. Their music has been used in the first Spiderman movie as well as the first X-men film. Dean Garcia of CURVE has agreed for us to use their tracks as long as we can get clearance from the publishers. That's on this weeks agenda.

Coming up this week, shooting schedule meeting with Shawn Lewallen, Production meeting with Rick Pour, meeting with Sound guys Tim and Tony Cargioli and the final Headshot submission meeting with Meg Lansaw this Friday upon her return from Los Angeles.

Keeping busy...

Scheduled Auditions, location set

2006-03-20T07:49:00.000-05:00

Meg Lansaw and I had our casting meeting regarding headshots yesterday and spent the best part of three hours going over the submissions that we have received so far. We have narrowed them down to what we think is our best 30 so far and will contacting those actors this week to start setting up a scheduled audition for Sunday April the 9th, 2006.

THE DEADLINE FOR HEADSHOT SUBMISSION IS STILL MARCH 31st. We have not stopped accepting submissions.

We will then look through the remaining headshots that we will receive from today through the 31st and schedule auditions for those actors as well. This way we lighten our work load as far as contacting and scheduling everyone. Then it isn't a mad rush to get it all done in the 7 days before the audition and actors have a chance to prepare for it.

The scheduled audition times will be set when Casting calls each actor. We shall be scheduling between 9am and 6pm. We're all about trying to work around everyone's schedule!

Coming up this week, meeting with Legion Production Services, Shawn Lewallen, Kenneth Price, Rick Pour....searching for Art Department crew to help set dress and meeting with a costume designer.

The Week ahead

2006-03-11T11:25:00.000-05:00

Just to clarify, those of you reading this blog from the NCFILM.COM website, we are still accepting headshots and resumes for cast and crew. The deadline for submission is March 31st. After then, we will be contacting people. Once we have finalized the audition location, we will start calling actors regarding a scheduled audition.

The Star News ran the audition press release on Thurdsay in the TODAY section of the paper.

We are looking for actors for the following parts: Adult Males aged 25-35yrs, Adult Females 25-35yrs and Young Girl 8-12yrs Old. Please send headshots with resumes to Meg Lansaw c/o Powder Keg Films, 3510 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412. For crew requirements please email resumes to: powderkegfilms@hotmail.com.

Next week involves meetings regarding finance, casting, camera package, grip package and a possible meeting with an editor.

Over the course of next week, I shall begin to do a scene by scene breakdown of the script so that Shawn and myself can meet and start talking about specific shots and looks. A location scout will then take place.

We need a larger mailbox!

2006-03-06T23:27:00.000-05:00

Due to an already overwhelming response to our posting on NCFILM.COM in regards to headshot and crew resume submissions, our Mailman has suggested that we get a larger mailbox in order to accommodate the number of submissions that we are getting! And all this before the press release is even printed locally! We are getting some very talented actors and crew members wanting to be a part of the project! Please continue to submit resumes and headshots. We're looking for that special group of people who are going to make this project an outstanding experience.

We're looking at setting up a schedule audition date at the beginning of April. As soon as we have locked down the location we will announce the date and start contacting people.

Funding: Because we are such a low budget project, we are looking at possibly raising funds via a non-profit fimmaking organization. If you know of anybody, business or organization who would be interested in making a tax deductible donation then please ask them to contact Rick Pour at powderkegfilms@hotmail.com. We'd love to talk to them.

DP Meeting / Props / Crew attached

2006-03-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

First sit-down meeting with Shawn Lewallen yesterday was a huge success. He has signed on to be the DP for the project. We are discussing a camera package for the shoot when he returns from South by Southwest in a weeks time. Also met potential Editor, Kenneth Price who I'd like to sit down and talk about the project further with.

Headshot and resume submissions continue to flow in via mail and email for cast and crew. It's very uplifting to see so many people wanting to be a part of this project.

Terry Collins at Scenic Asylum has offered the use of any of his props for free for the entire shoot. We shall need set dressing for a few of the room sets for the House INT so this will be a great start.

We have acquired a hair and make artist, a set dresser and a seamstress, all working for free, all within the space of 24hrs! All locals as well, which goes to show how much people are truly interested in being a part of a project, even one with a miniscule budget like ours.

Submissions

2006-03-01T23:07:00.000-05:00

The press release went live on the NC Film Hot Sheet today and we've already started receiving submissions for both cast and crew via email which is great.

We also got word from Star News that there will be a write up of the production in the next film beat column and a possible article on the making-of could be in the pipeline a little further into pre-production.