Saturday, October 30, 2004
Currently in Post-production!!!!
That's what it says on the website now!
I've updated it a bit, put up some new images and now a random picture loads when you arrive at the home page (I might change them as we go through the post process) - exciting times ahead ...
Right, I'm off for a coffee.
Monday, October 25, 2004
NOW the edit has begun!!!
Last shot on Thursday will be shot........................................
Last shot on Thursday will be shot........................................
Sunday, October 24, 2004
The paper edit has only begun in the way my edit station (bedroom) is equiped. Tidy, pc-ified, monitor-ness in place, 36, yes 36 hours of footage to go through, vhs rushes at the ready, a custom made edit storyboard book ringbound, looking sweet, cupboards fool of what was in this studio corner... just have to find that propulsion to dive in. But as Nik says to take it steady as this is a long road, and I will definitely not rush things. The more i think of things the more i remember how beautiful this film is, and was to make. I have pictures of some of the times we had and inspirational pictures from the movie up and around and I think those shall grow in number the more obsessive I become.
I can sense that Rob, Nik and I will work well together all with our different talents in post production and all wanting to do everybody proud. Which we will do, that I am certain about!
Take care everyone
I can sense that Rob, Nik and I will work well together all with our different talents in post production and all wanting to do everybody proud. Which we will do, that I am certain about!
Take care everyone
Thursday, October 21, 2004
I write this with a genuine tear in my eye after reading Nik's most heartfelt and eloquent blog. My God, Nik, you really know how to make a grown man weep. It's probably the first time in all the years I've known you that you've reduced me to tears (I had something in my eye, honest). Your faith in everyone who worked on the film was a pleasure to witness and you were the glue that held the filming process together. Ah, fuck it, let's just get a room!
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
No one knows or cares who the producer is...(Chris Jones)
Chris Jones did warn me, in The Guerrilla Filmmakers Movie Blueprint, he warned me. And as we approach the moment of transition between production and post-production, I find myself reflecting more and more on my involvement with Spoken By Crowds. And in particular what it means to be a producer on a film like this. Chris Jones isn't all negative, however; he does state that nothing beats the feeling of seeing the premiere of the film that you have worked so hard on.
I truly believe that the crew and cast have achieved so much and everyone has pulled together, and I hope many people have found out something about themselves during this whole process. I have. For example, I have found that I hate the telephone and I hate funding bodies with their games and stop-signs. And I love being involved in the creative process, and I love working with the type of people who have worked on this film.
And that's the thing; I am, like so many people involved this summer, a creative person. Now that principle photography is all but finished, I see others working on their own exciting projects; Joe is writing, Marco is editing, writing..., Matt is taking photographs, Lindsay is devising theatre, Rob is being an art student, etc. etc. etc. It's fantastic. For my part I'm back lecturing at University, I'm writing again and new possibilities for creativity are appearing everyday.
During a break in one of the beach shoots, Jacq and I discussed the concept of jack of all trades, and, after dismissing the usual phrasal ending master of none, we agreed that it was important to be to be involved/interested in many things. Many of us are, and that is what happens essentially in the kind of films we are making at the moment; we've all had a turn at running sound, swinging boom, making coffee, etc. etc. We all did a bit of everything.
There are a whole bunch of ideas coming from all of us that deserve to see the light of day, but where do you find the energy to market them yourself? It's a difficult question, and sometimes I can see why writers and artists happily sell options on their work and leave the promotion to other people. They can get on with being creative. It's that "creative" word again.
I guess that it is all about balance, between the organisation and the creativity. The job of the producer in this type of film involves a bit of everything, but it must retain creativity. As MWE moves on and the possibilities for bigger budgets and bigger productions increase, I sometimes find myself wondering whether my role will retain the essential element of creativity that is part of me. I may be an excellent organiser, but I still don't like talking to the people in suits, with their endless forms and creativity crushing provisos.
There is support out there, I've been looking at the NPA (very London based - so how much use is it to us souls up north?) and Shooting People (seems friendly and very accessable - but what's inside). I've also been looking at what this job of producing could become in the future. I believe to avoid the pitfalls I need to find that balance; I'm not a businessman, nor want to be. However, I want all our projects to see the light of day. Difficult one.
So I'm going to be looking at a pile of scripts and treatments, and put together something that resembles production proposals. Then we'll see how it all goes. Will someone bite? Within all of that, I'm going to work creatively; my new research looks promising, my writing is moving on nicely, and I'm working with Chris Meredith again (Threepenny Opera - LBT next year). I'll go and see Lindsay's theatre piece and see the other actor's in their new productions, watch Marco edit, maybe read Joe's Script, and hopefully see Rob and Matt have their first exhibitions, etc. etc. etc. We are all jacks of many trades and we should be proud of it. Everyone should be proud of their creativity, and should be proud of their achievement in the film.
This summer was a truly special, amazing time, and dare a say it? - a life-changing, learning experience for many of us. I know that I will never be the same again.
Thank you to all our friends who have worked with us. x
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Hi Guys,
Joe here, long time reader, first time blogger.
It is good to hear the paper edit is going well, I hope it hasn't been too emotional watching all the rushes Marco. Just 3-6 months editing? sounds like it is moving along fast, last estimate was 6-8 months (has it been 2 months already. Can't get enough of it, eh? I hope you find that the footage is of a high enough standard. One day we will all be able to give up our day jobs. Well, I will have to get a day job first but when I do I will give it up ;) In the meantime my own script is moving along fast, turns out writing a script is actually quite easy (but writing a good one...). I highly recommend it to anyone who has an idea, and an inordinate amount of free time on their hands.
It was fantastic fun working on the film with all of you guys, I have a hard time believing that anyone who is already in the industry has as much dedication and passion for a project as all of you at MWE. I hope that we can do it again sometime, the only thing I am a little pissed at is that I didn't find out about it or any of the previous projects when I was at Uni there. AW.
Anyway, I really just meant to say that I hope you are all getting on okay up North and I cant wait to see the finished product (or a draught edit) but I drivelled on for a bit now so I am going to cut and run.
Good luck .
Joe here, long time reader, first time blogger.
It is good to hear the paper edit is going well, I hope it hasn't been too emotional watching all the rushes Marco. Just 3-6 months editing? sounds like it is moving along fast, last estimate was 6-8 months (has it been 2 months already. Can't get enough of it, eh? I hope you find that the footage is of a high enough standard. One day we will all be able to give up our day jobs. Well, I will have to get a day job first but when I do I will give it up ;) In the meantime my own script is moving along fast, turns out writing a script is actually quite easy (but writing a good one...). I highly recommend it to anyone who has an idea, and an inordinate amount of free time on their hands.
It was fantastic fun working on the film with all of you guys, I have a hard time believing that anyone who is already in the industry has as much dedication and passion for a project as all of you at MWE. I hope that we can do it again sometime, the only thing I am a little pissed at is that I didn't find out about it or any of the previous projects when I was at Uni there. AW.
Anyway, I really just meant to say that I hope you are all getting on okay up North and I cant wait to see the finished product (or a draught edit) but I drivelled on for a bit now so I am going to cut and run.
Good luck .
Thursday, October 14, 2004
It feels like a quiet desert. A breeze is coming tonight as I film Jenny's mum shouting Beef and Onion or Egg Mayo and throwing the sandwich to Jenny back in time to the time we filmed Linz in Mustafa's off licence where she chose Beef and Onion. The miracle of movies.
A little melancholy, but should be set up with the computer soon and edit shall begin. Any energy is much appreciated. I.e. well wishing, edit visits, blogs as it's a lonely business the old edit, and a bit daunting 3 to 6 months of me, or Rob and I, sometimes Nik and I, in a little room with only coffee and a mouse to keep us company. I love it when i get going though and the footage is very exciting to work with.
Any how if anyone is still out there viewing the website wish us look!!!
A little melancholy, but should be set up with the computer soon and edit shall begin. Any energy is much appreciated. I.e. well wishing, edit visits, blogs as it's a lonely business the old edit, and a bit daunting 3 to 6 months of me, or Rob and I, sometimes Nik and I, in a little room with only coffee and a mouse to keep us company. I love it when i get going though and the footage is very exciting to work with.
Any how if anyone is still out there viewing the website wish us look!!!
Thursday, October 07, 2004
starting to become very excited by the rushes and paper edit and the coming edit proper. And all the writing... Shit the novel is getting exciting. You should see what Jenny gets upto and what is about to happen when she's 44 years old. OOOoh!
I don't know if me excited is a good sight or a little frightening. But I'm feeling good and nearly me again after our mammoth work. Now to do you all proud and thank you properly!!!
I don't know if me excited is a good sight or a little frightening. But I'm feeling good and nearly me again after our mammoth work. Now to do you all proud and thank you properly!!!
Monday, October 04, 2004
Wake up . . . time to be tired.
Wow, it hits you. The last shoot and then the tiredness, I need a rest, but the University lecturing has started and so there is no time for that. Although the Monday morning feeling is moving well and truly into the afternoon.
It's all the loose ends to tie up now. A couple of more little bits to shoot (hence the homepage hasn't changed to in post-production just yet. Then the paperwork and, of course another web-update (long overdue) there are more great photos for all to see.
A change of gear, and an exciting time ahead - edit-tastic - we'll fix it in post.
And the mythical wrap party.
It's all the loose ends to tie up now. A couple of more little bits to shoot (hence the homepage hasn't changed to in post-production just yet. Then the paperwork and, of course another web-update (long overdue) there are more great photos for all to see.
A change of gear, and an exciting time ahead - edit-tastic - we'll fix it in post.
And the mythical wrap party.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Big Breath... Sigh, lots of Tequilla... Nik and Linz and Phil made a really beautiful scene today to finish there roles in the film... NIk has all the producer stuff to do but his subtle acting is over. I just want to say how very fucking good both Nik and Linz have acted in this film. Well done and thank you. Excuse any wank director stuff I've done along the way. It's all in this art head of mine and can be a little intense but is for the moment and not losing it.. I hope I can do everyone proud on the edit now. I can't express how clever these guys are, unpaid and generous with their time and energy. Phil was perfect too. and thanks Ali for being there for us again...
I am not feelingsad for once but rather relieved that the scenes are in the can, that they are good, that we should have a fucking good film for no fucking money and that in itself is special never mind how amazing the cast and crew are as friends and talented workers. Fucking A! Very ready for a tequilla............ Thank you JACQ AND JOE who could not be here at the last moments of the film. You were so cool... And Rob was working and Matt too, their energy on set is so stabalising and exhillerating... I really mean these guys should be paid so well by anyone who wants good crew. CATH fuck she made this a classy show. SARA and DAVE and JOHN the 1880s cast wowowowowowo fuck fuck fuck !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to edit, (Also three cutaway scenes still to do...;) And BECKI my love and angel.. did sound today... images I will cherish.. just smiling thinking about it. She did sound on Veranda too so she was accustommed to it and the sound was cool today but she has been the mother to the show and my stabalising force after the energy of the gang and Jacq's lists and hugs... I could shmulsh forever and I hope to gaze into space often thinking of Greg bleeding in 1943 and Amanda seething, Katy picking up strangers like a crazy girl, Gary so fucking good at his delivery I couldn't believe... OOOOHHHH! Keith and Matt and and and BUCK... my god! Just ended here with my lovely talented Brother. Phyllis jesus how big is this thing and there's like another six million.... and again for a first feature I think Lindsay Vann should so make stardom. Will try to help that happen, lights up that there screen!
Well done everyone and I am so proud of us all. Any fuckups on my part I apologise for! Any goodness that has been made within this film we should congratulate ourselves whole heartedly because I don't know if this could ever happen again. I hope it will but who knows... Lets do it again hey!
I am not feelingsad for once but rather relieved that the scenes are in the can, that they are good, that we should have a fucking good film for no fucking money and that in itself is special never mind how amazing the cast and crew are as friends and talented workers. Fucking A! Very ready for a tequilla............ Thank you JACQ AND JOE who could not be here at the last moments of the film. You were so cool... And Rob was working and Matt too, their energy on set is so stabalising and exhillerating... I really mean these guys should be paid so well by anyone who wants good crew. CATH fuck she made this a classy show. SARA and DAVE and JOHN the 1880s cast wowowowowowo fuck fuck fuck !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to edit, (Also three cutaway scenes still to do...;) And BECKI my love and angel.. did sound today... images I will cherish.. just smiling thinking about it. She did sound on Veranda too so she was accustommed to it and the sound was cool today but she has been the mother to the show and my stabalising force after the energy of the gang and Jacq's lists and hugs... I could shmulsh forever and I hope to gaze into space often thinking of Greg bleeding in 1943 and Amanda seething, Katy picking up strangers like a crazy girl, Gary so fucking good at his delivery I couldn't believe... OOOOHHHH! Keith and Matt and and and BUCK... my god! Just ended here with my lovely talented Brother. Phyllis jesus how big is this thing and there's like another six million.... and again for a first feature I think Lindsay Vann should so make stardom. Will try to help that happen, lights up that there screen!
Well done everyone and I am so proud of us all. Any fuckups on my part I apologise for! Any goodness that has been made within this film we should congratulate ourselves whole heartedly because I don't know if this could ever happen again. I hope it will but who knows... Lets do it again hey!
