2006-Mar-7 - For Your Consideration (Next Year)...
A few months ago I was given the opportunity by two of my friends, Doug and Wendy, to pay my way to Wisconsin and perform a minor role in their indie film. Now, some in this town might have scoffed at the idea, but being a humble thespian (who hasn't exactly been performing for large paychecks) I accepted.
There were some things in it for me: I had no footage on HD (that's high def digital), I'd never gone "on location", these were my friends who'd invited me, and I'd never played a mustachioed cop before (Stacey Keach as Mike Hammer was the inspiration for my role) . "Maybe I'll get a lot of writing done," I mused. Of course, that didn't happen (well I did get a 3 page treatment completed- that's something I guess).
Ahh but indies are fun, though. No drama queens or egos. No annoying PAs or studio Execs. No need to show up on time or sober (kidding- ha ha- right?- Doug, Mom? you're not laughing)...
What I enjoyed especially about this shoot was the Deer Bar (after shooting (by shooting I mean filming- this wasn't a bar where people get drunk and shoot deer- all the deer are dead already see), the quality meals we received, the brilliant Wisconsin Autumn leaves, the unwavering smile of Ted (our producer) even in the midst of great pressure and frustration, and the camaraderie among the cast and crew. You see, on the big shoots a lot of crewmembers consider the actors to be a sort of pariah, to be avoided like the plague. That wasn't the case here. Those gents from the top-of-the-line film school, Columbia College, were as humble as a Chicago Cubs fan after the Sox took the Series.
So here are some myriad and sundry shots (none actually taken by me). I have tried to be as honest as I could in my descriptions of the pix, although I admit some artistic license was taken. Please comment on anything you see fit to make comments about.
"Motivation? I'm not concerned with that. Just say the bloody
lines please." (Doug actually never uttered this, but thunk it?
Hmmm...)
When you're the Writer/Producer/Lead/Editor of a feautre film it's difficult to carry on with the activities of a normal 23-year-old
like socializing, shopping, and keeping up with the OC.
For Wisconsin indies it's customary to allow the DP a 6 beer
per diem (although Mark's fee is double).
One of the leads? No. But damn that Alvin is one handsome man.
Now sing it all together just like Sade: "Smooth (boom) operator...
Smooth (boom) operator..."
"Do you suppose we ought to stop quibbling and get
this shot before the sun goes down?"
Brits and Canucks always seem to work well together.
Bobbie Jean gives Lara a thumbs up for her efforts.
Wendy wonders if she should help so she can add Makeup Artist to her list of credits
Sometimes actors, like Cal for example, expend so much energy on their performances that they wind up bed-ridden
due to severe exhaustion.
The Wisconsin Film Commission requires that all films
made in the state have a minimum 5 minutes of hockey
footage.
Today, many Waupacans fully realize the sheer joy of being... an EXTRA! 
Is that one of the Strokes?!?!? No. Just another one of those
stylin crewmembers, Jeff. "Yeah, I'm the OC- that's Operator
de Camera."
"... I don't mean to be a pain in the neck, but we're
a little strapped for time so quit hangin around and
get this shot please."
A shout out to the Waupaca P.D. for the complimentary
usage of their vehicles, uniforms, station, jail, etc. The only
PD in L.A.that might do that for a film is the Rampart
Division (and only if you paid them a hefty fee).
Although yet another Steelers fan not from Pittsburgh, Kristian
proved to be a standup guy. Here, he's blowing some smoke up
the deputy's tailpipe.
 Note to Self: Tell DP in next film that red light is not flattering for me.
 That's that studly boom op. again getting some major air.
 What's An on? Hey, you might feel the same
way upon having visited the USA for the first time.
In Wisconsin this beautiful house is worth $400,000. In L.A. $8 million. How do I know? I have a PHD in real estate.
Most don't realize what a problem lice are in
the Upper Midwest.But Billy knew just the remedy
"What cha got in that ass pocket 'o yours, Mr. DP?"
"Do not disturb our quiet farming community!
Or else I'll pull a Brokeback on you"
Thanks for stopping by. DVDs of Afterthought will be available in a few months.
Congrats to Doug, Wendy, and Ted especially for pulling off this project, as well as the cast, crew, and good people of Waupaca. All kidding aside (for a moment), you guys did one helluva job. I can't wait to see it up there on the big screen.
Peace and Happy St. Patty's Month!
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