It's a LITTLE premature...

but... it seems I've had an offer for a theater to premiere my first film; The State Theater in Benton Harbor. I met the owners this past week and we discussed the possibility and and offer was made. So thank you Treg! Now I just have to finish the film! What there you ask? Three simple reasons: 1) most of the film will be shot in the area and 2) most of no will have heard of me yet or my film and 3) the film will be shot in area! :)

Oh.. and no, principal photography has not begun. I'm still in preproduction although... Technically some of the test footage I've done could be used for B roll.... :) I don't plan on throwing anything out quite yet! I've been able to meet some great people through this project and their support and generosity is incredible! The thank you list is growing as are the credits!

-jmk

The Road Less Traveled...

Ok.. so how do you find a road that has little traffic on it that will be under construction for over a year?
Anyone.. anyone?

I thought not.. so I'm coming up with some 'ol camera tricks. Plenty of B/background footage of a road under construction followed by lots of tight/close up shots of the main characters. Heh..
worked for Flash Gorden! Ah! Film school! Wish I had gone. I'm sure there has to be a class on this somewhere. :)

Location Scouting Continues and we've lost a camera

I'm up in Northern Michigan for work and when not on the job, I've been scouting possible locations and doing some research. I originally had a more flat a even barren landscape in mind for a good chunk of the second and third act of the movie but now I'm thinking the wooded backroads may offer better diffused lighting AND easier shooting (ie less traffic!). In the course of doing WORK my camera was damaged and I fear beyond repair. This is not good. It will take some time to replace my one and only video camera. The preproduction work will contine. Early video and trailers are... well a way more off...

Timely Fashions...

Well I've actually been scouting locations and doing a little long term production planning today.
Given that a few scenes involve a location over the course of a year (more or less) and the aging of one character.. I've decided to do some creative thinking and planning since I'm still dealing with a budget of $0. :) Also I've started the process of designing the costumes. Yep... I'm not only going to be director/writer/cinematographer (although I have a lead on one!), I'm also going to be designing the costumes. Well.. actually Levi Strauss or someone else may in the end.

Also to all the folks out there.. I need to know where to buy/lease/rent some industrial equipment such as would be used on a road crew. Any help would be appriciated! :)

Once upon a time...

Welcome to my "production diary" blog! This blogs is intended to keep me from procrastinating and keeping focus on my first film project. I've decided to keep this blog seprate from my Fort-Knight Dispatches and keep this one to the point: I'm making a movie. As some of you may know I've been a film buff for a long, long time. Late last year I decided to finally do something with all this film trivia in my head and put pen to paper and start on my own film. I didn't start from scratch however, I went back to a story I wrote many years ago and love very much, when I still wrote for fun. After writing and storyboarding for a long time, I discovered that in order make a film anyone would enjoy and one I could actually make (no first time epics here..) I cut the material down to the core characters and plot. Gone are the many exotic locations and special effects shots (ok maybe one or two). Gone now are my big plan and open plots that would lead into into sequels and TV series.. no, what I have left is a simple, character driven plot that is essentially a two person, three act short. I've edited this film in my head for months and intend to only shoot the few shots that are left.. not to say there won't be some long hours but I've really tried to do my homework ahead of time. So you will only see part of the crazy, er creative process from here on. So right now I'm scouting a location in Southwest Michigan for the bulk of the film will be outdoor, daylight shots. Great... now I have to worry about weather...
So far... I 'm behind schedule...

Oh.... this is a for fun project. If good enough I'll show it around and submit it. I can't pay anyone and I'll have complete creative control. If anyone wants to volunteer though, feel free. I plan to do this El Mariachi style.

-jmk