Latest Youngstown Film Adventure
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.
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...
Past Simple 7
Past Simple 7 is now up. I was asked to be the Guest Editor. There were some great submissions. Thank you to all the writers and artists who contributed. Thank you also to Jim. Past Simple is a great mag.
Day 8 of Pre-Production on The Human War
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..
Film Update
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.
Donate to the Movie
Donations are being accepted for THE HUMAN WAR. Help spread a little movie magic this holiday season.
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%.
Jim Goar's Seoul Bus Poems
Jim Goar's Seoul Bus Poems will be coming out on Reality Street Editions. To find out how you can support the press and get Goar's book as well as several others for a small donation, click here.
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.
Flier & More
I took the GRE in Lit exam. I actually finished the exam this time. I'm hoping that is a good thing. At the same time, I couldn't have done that well, since I felt like I guessed on about 120 questions.
If I got an average score, then I'll take it. I can't do much more than that at the moment. I've just been too busy.
People really need to proceed to get a PhD right from an undergraduate. It's a lot of work when you've got a family and bills to pay.
In any case, I am done. I finish doing the applications today. Hopefully, I don't run into any hiccups. I don't think I will. I just have to write a statement on teaching, but after that, I think I'll be golden.
So what's in the bag after Monday? I have a couple meetings, then I head off to Youngstown. I am going to spend a lot of time rehearsing our lead actors, securing locations, helping make artwork (for the film), furnishing the homes we rented, storyboarding the film, and doing a local casting in Youngstown.
There's more, but I am not going to think about it right now. Just one foot in front of the other. Baby steps. Dr. Leo Marvin!
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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 the YSU KILCAWLEY CENTER (THE STUDENT CENTER) between 11am-3pm on Thursday, November 12th.
Email: th@sanghafilms.com
GRE Literature Exam & Then Off to a Movie Shoot
I am about to take the GRE Literature Exam in 10 hours. I have barely done any studying at all. I just haven't had the time. Hopefully, I do well enough. We'll see. I've spent most of the day helping with the pre-production with the THE HUMAN WAR movie.
I do have all my materials ready to apply for the PhD programs on my short list. I will have to get all that submitted and squared away by Monday. It will be a busy next few days. If you don't hear from me, I am either bogged down in an exam, or frantically getting things done before Wednesday.
I leave for Ohio on Wednesday morning to shoot my first full length film. I think it'll be a lot of work, but well worth it.
See you in Youngstown,
PK
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