Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Yesterday's Adventure Shooting Legs & Finding a Caterer


We shot JIMMY'S art movie last night. "It's just of women's legs." It was funny.


Todd showed me his studio. He's our official audio guy for the film.


I did rehearsal today with James and Keith. First we ran a couple miles and did push-ups. They love push-ups.


Brian Palumbo and the folks at Selah will be the official caterers for The Human War Movie. I enjoyed an amazing turkey melt there today.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Building an Art Studio for the Film


We have been working this weekend into making JIMMY'S APT look like a legitimate artist's pad for the film. It's been a lot of work. Luckily, we've had help from the actors themselves. Keith McAleer (JIMMY) and James Roehl (MARK) have given their all to make original pieces for the set. You could even call it a painting party. Everyone contributed a little bit to the pieces.


Here is Keith (JIMMY) saying what is what. I am not sure what James (MARK) thinks of his orders.


Are these kids ready to be movie stars? Could be...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Day 8 of Pre-Production


We did some more B Roll today. We got a shot of some smokestacks, visted some check cashing stores, and then met up with our two lead actors.
Tomorrow I rehearse with actors all day, while TJ and Tom will discuss the shot list. I need to be like a marine. I wake up at 7 a.m.. I probably won't stop until 9 p.m..

The Latest

We got our first shot of the film yesterday. We were scouting locations with TJ Hellmuth, our Director of Photography, when he yelped while looking out the window, "Birds in flight!!"

I looked out the van and saw thousands of birds swarming in the trees and sky. We had about a half hour left of sunlight, but we managed to get the Red camera setup and ready for some hand-held shots. Then, after the birds stopped swarming, I ran along the highway screaming and hooting like Old Yeller to let the whole multitude of Hitchcockian elegance descend over highway 680. It was quite a sight. What do you think? Movie opening or closing?


This past Saturday was John Kennedy's birthday. He celebrated in style at his bar, The Royal Oaks. I got this picture of him dancing to "Pabst Blue Ribbon," an original by a local band in the area.
This last element is a "Blowmeo." We needed to get some artwork for one of the characters, so I've started collecting old vintage paintings and tagging them with a character known as Blowmeo.

Basically, I wanted to create something that an actor could imitate. We're going to have to hit a few dozen more paintings. I'll show you the full studio when we're done.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Make a Donation to the Movie

Donations are being accepted for THE HUMAN WAR. Help spread a little movie magic this holiday season.





Saturday, November 14, 2009

Rehearsals in Youngstown




I am in Yongstown in an empty apartment. For the past couple days it's been just me and Keith McAleer (actor pictured above). We've been rehearsing day and night.

Tonight we are doing a sleep over rehearsal party. We're running lines and working on his character development.

Keith is very dedicated. I like actors who are willing to give 110%.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Pre-production Begins!


It is now 6:41 a.m. I will be flying into Youngstown today to start pre-production on THE HUMAN WAR.

I am a bit tired. I decided to take a picture of my tired self. I am sure I'll look different at the end of this film.

If you are in the Ohio are and want to chat about helping on the film, come see us tomorrow at the YSU's Kilway (Student) Center. We will be there from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 12, 2009.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Casting Flier

Re: Local Auditions for Independent Film Feature,The Human War

Film Label: Sangha Films

Casting Date: November 12, 2009

Time: 11-3pm

Casting Location: YSU's KILCAWLEY CENTER (THE STUDENT CENTER)

Synopsis: On the eve of the Iraq War, teenager Mark Swift dreams of escape from the realities of his lower-class existence in Youngstown, Ohio, and the fear and bewilderment of a society at war.

LOCAL FILM AUDITION/SIGN-UP Thursday, 11/12/09

Call for non-professional actors!! Everyone is welcome to audition for speaking and background roles!!

Audition Format:

Cold reading: Script "sides" will be provided to actors on arrival to the information booth. Interested individuals will have a short time to read their lines and prepare. Actors will read their role from the prepared script with a casting associate.

If interested in auditioning, please come to YSU's KILCAWLEY CENTER (THE STUDENT CENTER) between 11am-3pm on Thursday, November 12th.

Email: th@sanghafilms.com

Web: http://www.sanghafilms.com

Local Auditions at YSU (Student Union)

CASTING--Independent Film!!


FILM AUDITIONS

Sign-up on Thursday at the YSU Cafeteria/Student Union

YSU's KILCAWLEY CENTER (THE STUDENT CENTER)

11AM-3PM

Thursday, November 12th