tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332461592024-03-07T06:04:24.300-08:00PretendThe making of a short. From conception to reception.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-61558114187112426772007-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:002007-01-30T16:57:10.031-08:00Pretend's New HomePRODUCTION > BLOGGER BLOG<br /><br />Bloggers gotten a bit persnickity - so PRETEND is moving. You can now find it here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pretendshort.wordpress.com"><span style="font-size:180%;">www.pretendshort.wordpress.com</span></a>Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-80502987178919524012007-01-26T15:56:00.000-08:002007-01-26T15:57:12.383-08:00Casting Journal 2 of 3PRODUCTION > CASTING<br /><br />Casting Eddie’s spent but none-the-less loving mother, Merideth proved to be the real challenge. And coming up with the right solution proved to be a point of contention between me and my producers.<br /><br />My feeling was, is that the film hinges around whoever plays Eddie. If you don’t believe the boy – you don’t believe the film. So whoever we cast as Merideth is the woman who most believably fits with who we want with Eddie.<br /><br />My feeling was also that I hate spending more money then is necessary, so I felt that we should bring in women to immediately read against the 5 boys we had narrowed down to for Eddie. In one day. I mean, why would I want to even waste my time seeing auditions, if they could never work with the kids we had cast?<br /><br />Jack and Claudia disagreed. They thought we should have an audition for the mother, narrow that down – and then do a third call back where we paired the boys to the mothers later. And thank God they thought so. More on that tomorrow…<br /><br />Having had to reschedule for after the break (no one likes to audition for shorts two weeks before Christmas apparently) – we were out of the swing of things. I’ll admit the last thing I was mentally prepared for was seeing auditions, after the whirlwind that was my New Years trip to New York.<br /> But somehow, as the women trickled in (emphasis on trickle, as just about a dozen of the 50 we called showed up) we quickly found a great range of mothers for our Eddies. Usually at these auditions, the pickings are a bit slim. But we were floored by the talent that came in. Just like with the boys, we were able to find 5 great choices for Merideth. One for each our Eddie’s. And suddenly I was overcome by the exciting notion, that in a week I’d have my cast.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-53729567754284154232007-01-24T18:21:00.000-08:002007-01-24T18:23:01.005-08:00Excuse my mess...PRODUCTION > BLOGGER BLOG<br /><br />We switched into a new year, and new mode of production. To celebrate, the blog is getting a face lift - watch out for flying debris and chime in on the new look when its finally done!Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-48788305533679758672007-01-24T18:16:00.001-08:002007-01-26T15:59:08.650-08:00Casting Journal: 1 of 3PRODUCTION > CASTING<br /><br />It's a phrase often quoted in many a film / directing class and yet still manages to be true. And that's 95% of good directing is the casting. I don't know if I agree with the exact percentage point - but boy it’s up there.<br /><br />CASTING QUESTIONS<br /><br />Casting is a true multi-faceted art form. It certainly begins with "the look" - the head shot and resume (an incredibly useful tool that tells you everything and nothing at the same time.) But beyond that, casting (especially on the super indie level) is about digging deep for real talent. I don't have the benefit of having seen their work - or relying on their "star power." Most of the fine folks that show up for an indie short audition are still budding, still building their reels, looking for a big break.<br /><br />Because we've no reference point, we've got to constantly have a few criteria, a few questions other then "Do they look like a mother" in mind. Can they act? Do I believe them? There's also the question of mold-ability. How do they take a note? Will they take chances and give me something from the material I didn't even know was there? And even if they're perfect for the part; Still lingers the most important question of all. "Will they care enough about some dinky short to show up the day we shoot."<br /><br />CASTING LOCATION<br /><br />In casting Pretend, we went to The Actors Studio, a great little spot off Pico and Robertson. Its got a mini lobby, and a great stage area. When you're bringing in actors you’ve no prior experience with, I think its important to let them know you're serious - and these auditions were important enough to do them in a space. We probably could've cut costs and had them at one our apartments or something - but somehow the thought of having an audition in an apartment always recalls that Coco scene from fame. Not exactly the image I'd like to project. I mean I want people to show up.<br /><br />AUDITIONS FOR EDDIE<br /><br />Luckily we did not have that problem in casting Eddie. A feat owed to the efforts of my all star producer team – particularly Jack Perry and Claudia Vazquez.<br /><br />Dozens of very talented, and very young thespians showed up to audition for Eddie. It was a fascinating process. Even when writing the character, I was never quite sure of how old he was. Seeing boys from 5 to 14 read for the part was kind of like this great workshop. They’d give me something, I’d make a suggestions – and suddenly we had a reading we both helped create. And ultimately, a good casting decision feels the same way. I'm always looking for an actor who can surprise me, and bring something to the table.<br /><br />With Pretend, I had in mind a black boy at about age 9 who looked and talked a certain way. But instead of being so narrow with our search, we opened it up to all races and gave a wider age range. Ultimately, I'm looking for someone who will bring something to the role that is more then I ever dreamed of. And in that way a true collaborator.<br /><br />The auditions for Eddie were incredibly successful. From dozens, we were able to narrow it down to 5 boys – of all different ages and races. I’m confident that one of them will make the perfect Eddie. Its just left to one more important casting question…chemistry.<br /><br />More on that and the auditions for Eddie’s mother, Merideth to come...Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-54765337549712621112007-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:002007-01-01T13:21:38.657-08:00Happy 2007More on Pretend is soon to come. For now - I'm soaking up the beginning of another new year.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1165449435249679792006-12-06T15:39:00.000-08:002006-12-06T15:57:15.266-08:00A new favoritepreproduction > blogger blog<br /><br />Just found a blog after my own heart, http://kiyong.wordpress.com/, a nifty spot where another filmmaker is blogging the joys and pains of making short film. Its got great insights, and a very familiar journey. I can relate my friend, I can relate!Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1165215343388387772006-12-03T22:47:00.000-08:002006-12-03T22:55:43.403-08:00Check In November: The Search ContinuesPREPRODUCTION > CHECK IN NOVEMBER<br /><br /><blockquote>Once you accept that it is natural to create, you can begin to accept a second idea-that the creator will hand you what you need for the project.<br /><br />- Julia Cameron, The Artists Way</blockquote><br /><br />I have no doubt in my mind that making this film is precisely what it is I should be doing right now. It’s going to be an amazing journey.<br /><br />One I find myself further and further in then I expect. When I made Rings, it was very tempting to remind myself how far away I was from the project. How looong it was until we had to cast, or shoot, or finish the sound design.<br /><br />I’m learning to let go of that. To say bring it on to the next challenge. What’s great about having dedicated producers is that the story of this story Pretend, starts to take a life of its own. Jack is particularly good about not letting not much happen for very long – something I was certainly guilty of on previous projects. <br /><br />***<br /><br />Casting is next week! I can hardly believe it. Jack got us a great deal at <a href="http://www.actingconnection.com/hollywood_rehearsal_space.html">this place</a> – which I’ve used quite a few times in the past. I’ve never auditioned children before but I'm more excited then nervous at the prospect. What unerves me more are the flash backs to my last casting experience. We got a great one for Rings, but after many many sessions – and much stress. <br /><br />Headshots, great headshots, have come in. Now we see who actually shows up. As I’ve said before – since we don’t have gobs of money, so much of this story working or not working depends on finding the perfect Eddie. If we don’t find him in the next two weekends, this is not time to tell this story. Its that simple. Whether we’re shooting on 35, HD, hell cassette tape – this story sails or sinks by this casting decision.<br /><br />No pressure right?<br /><br />We'll find him. <br /><br />On to the look of the film. HD is less scary now then it was a month ago - and after a pow-wow with Christina I'm confident in shooting this on the format. The key is to find the equipment and keep the look we've agreed upon uncomprimised - but not spend a fortune. I feel confident something will come through. We all know enough people to find a deal, and make this work. The only challenge truly left unsolved is the location. And I think it will be a simple solve. I've just got to call in some favors. <br /><br />So there we are. This is where I'm at. Hopefully a month from now we'll have a cast, a location, and a better written check in.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1164059185654048172006-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:002006-11-20T13:52:54.450-08:00High DeafPREPRODUCTION > FORMAT / SFX<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.abelcine.com/store/files/products/t_1000025.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.abelcine.com/store/files/products/t_1000025.jpg" border="0" /></a>HD makes me wet my pants. A little. Peter Frintrup, myself, Jack and Christina met to talk HD and special effects in general. Amidst the refined west Hollywood ambiance of <a href="http://http://www.basixcafe.com/">Basix</a>, and over a table much too small, Peter filled us in on a little detail that had honestly alluded me. Shooting HD is a <em><strong>process</strong></em>. Is it cheaper than film? Sometimes. Does it look as good? Depends. But doesn’t it take less time to do the post? Maybe…<br /><br />Christina seemed to understand most of what Peter was so patiently explaining to us – and that’s what’s important – because a lot of it went right over my head. It’s all a bit daunting to be honest, and more expensive sounding then I expected. Going on sites like <a href="http://www.hdforindies.com/">http://www.hdforindies.com/</a> helped little, as I felt I was wading a pool of indecipherable tech talk – but I think I’m starting to get it.<br /><br />We basically need to pick the format, weighing the pros and cons – the ratio going something like quality and film similarity vs. cost. And then we need to figure out what to edit on and for. Both decisions traditionally coming with a cost. More on all of that later.<br /><br />The one thing we all seemed to grasp and agree on is the process by which to do the special effects shots – which are intended to give the illusion that Eddie can levitate a ball in the air. We all ex-nayed CGI – both because of its cost and the fact that it will look like CGI. Instead we’re looking to adopt the old fashioned approach of compositing. Floating the ball with say a string, and plugging in a rotating surface onto the ball in after effects.<br />The ever connected Christina has an idea of someone who might be able to figure out how to do just that. Here’s hoping he’s interested.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1164051026329299122006-11-15T11:12:00.000-08:002006-11-20T13:54:43.283-08:00Finding EddiePREPRODUCTION > CASTING<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/Pretend.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/200/Pretend.jpg" border="0" /></a>I took it as a sign from the universe that on the day we posted our first casting notices, and the challenge of finding just the right boy to play Eddie was weighing particularly heavy on my mind - that The Hollywood Reporter had its "child actor special issue."<br /><br />It featured page after page of agencies touting their young clientale, and a moment of sychronicity that reminded me that in making Pretend, despite its challenges - I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing right now.<br /><br />We've chosen our audition date. December 3rd, at a space in LA - and have posted on LACasting, NowCasting, and Breakdown Express. A craigslist is to come.<br /><br />This is where the fun begins.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1163572245782153092006-11-14T22:26:00.000-08:002006-11-14T22:40:47.243-08:00INT. A CHILD'S ROOM - EVENINGPREPRODUCTION > CONCEPTION<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/PSBani.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/PSBani.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">The face of quiet 8 year old boy, whos giant eyes startle at first glance. This is EDDIE BLEAKER, and without knowing why, we know he is different. Strange. His eyes are fixed on something...<br /><br />...a red kick ball sitting on a bookcase shelf. Eddie squints in concentration --</span>Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1162928420343930972006-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:002006-11-07T11:41:59.263-08:001st CutPREPRODUCTION > EVENTS<br /><br />Last night peers, friends, and select students from my <a href="http://ftv.chapman.edu/">Alma Mater</a> screened their films at the DGA as part of First Cut. And while I'd like to say it was just "inspiration" I was feeling - theres was probably a certain level of jeleousy mixed in there too. I've, of course, nothing but love for the filmmakers involved - especially Matt Quesada and his french film Big Toe, which was by far my favorite of the evening. But the whole event, in all its class reuniony self glorifcationy glory served as a gentle reminder that my peers are doing great thing, those bastards ;-), and I should be too dad-gummit.<br /><br />I am glad to report however that the film is moving along faster then anything I've helmed thus far. Getting a team together is usually like pulling teeth - but this time it feels like everything is falling into place. Just double confirmed Claudia as part of my team of power producers - and the illustrious Gianluca Lignola has also agreed to work on the project as well.<br /><br />Onward...Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1161818608963591802006-10-25T16:22:00.000-07:002006-10-25T16:33:16.616-07:00Check In October: Finding EddiePREPRODUCTION > OCTOBER CHECK IN<br /><br />So the project seems off to a good start. My fears of attempting a project outside the nest of film school have been alleviated by the fact that most of my peers are itching to do something creative with their time as well. I've got two great producers on board, and am being courted by the illustrious Claudia Vasquez to bring her on as well. AND, apparently Christina may have recruited not one, not two, but perhaps 3 superstar prod. designers. Thats an Art Department!<br /><br />On top of that I think I've finally hit the groove as far as where the script needs to be. It may not be perfect - in fact it may need a lot of work, but I feel like I know the characters a lot better, and have a lot of meat as it were to work with as a director. <br /><br />I also just got an email back from the magnificant Peter Frintrup, who in answer to the request the he supervise the special effects for the movie wrote back a "hell yeah."<br /><br />Of course peril will surely come, as it always does with these things. <br /><br />The Challenges<br /><br />The biggest challenge is the boy. I've never worked directly with a child actor before. Getting a performance out of a kid is a new challenge for me and one I welcome. Also, its just plain difficult to find a great kid that can act. Not perform, or ham, or <strong><em>ACT!!!</em></strong> - but a natural who can just be in the moment. The film hinges on this element. If I can't find an Eddie - whats the point?<br /><br />The next big element of the film are the special effects. Again, something I've had almost no experience with. But I'm confident that between Peter and Christina - we'll come up with something that looks really great. <br /><br />Then theres money. Honestly, as far as I'm concerned, this project is just going to have to be a little guerrilla - and a little ghetto. Rings cost me about $14,000. And thats just not going to be an option this time around. Granted I'm not recreating the rural south and I'm shooting on HD - but movies are an expensive thing. We'll see...<br /><br />At any rate. Despite the obstacles looming on the horizon - I can't help but feel a sense of momentum on what was once a small idea I wondered if I could even pull off. To November!Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1161319611801300032006-10-19T21:45:00.000-07:002006-10-19T21:46:51.810-07:00EARTHQUAKE : Or How I Learned To Love The MotherPREPRODUCTION > CONCEPTION / DISCUSSION<br /><br />So there’s a new draft of the script and its reception was not as good as the last. It introduces a new plot device and a new character – and a few new complications. The mother seemed to exasperate Christina and Jack, my producers – while the addition of an earthquake seemed to vibe with Gianluca. <br /><br />It just occurred to me I never stated what the film’s about here. For whatever its worth…<br /><br />Pretend follows a special boy who discovers he’s telekinetic. Not the best logline, but its what its about. Got any suggestions? Let me know.<br /><br />Anyway – the comments from the latest draft leave me to one conclusion. I got to get to know the mother better. In the scripts first incarnation, she’s little more then an offstage voice. As the script has grown from 5 to 9 pages – I realize I’ve been stretching it a little to thin. Back to the desk...Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1159985637178651262006-10-04T11:11:00.000-07:002006-10-04T11:15:11.716-07:00Filmmaker By NightPREPRODUCTION > CONCEPTION<br /><br />It's tempting to claim to be a filmmaker but the truth is a bit different. Most of my time and efforts, due to nessecity and the pursuit of well roundedness go towards a job. A great job. But a job nonetheless. One that can not allow me to claim to be anything other then, for the time being, a filmmaker by night. <br /><br />Filmmaker by night. A romantic notion. One that clouds the reality, which is a constant battle with my own desire for sleep and dinner and television watching when I get home at 8ish or 9ish depending on the day. It speaks nothing to the creeping sense of encroachment on my "free time" which to be clear at this stage in my life is at best an illusion. <br /><br />My time isn't free. It costs me a great deal. Especially when I'm not spending every waking moment making this or any other film. But that is a lifestyle I've not had any experience with, nor any suitable flesh and blood role models. <br /><br />***<br /><br />And still, I know there's a problem with the mother character in Pretend. Something isn't ringing true. My favorite filmmaker of all time has a very famous quote, of which I can only remember four words exactly as he said them. "Sincere and with daring." Meaning that to him, those were the two most important qualties of a picture. That it say something true about the human condition and that it say so in a new daring voice. <br /><br />So if a film is original looking - and is told in a fresh and interesting way but says nothing of what I know to be real life - then I got to pass. The best thing, and is what I'm trying to do with PRETEND, is say something truthful about the nature of our hearts desires and our human potential - and put it in a fresh context. But the film has two characters. A mother and son. If it doesn't feel like a flesh and blood mother and a son - whats the point?<br /><br />And so. I must drag my used up mind at the end of my day to my desk. And keep hammering at these 7 pages. Until each and everyone rings true. Until I am a filmmaker by day as well as by night.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1158279817630507932006-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:002006-09-14T17:23:37.640-07:00I don't know Jack...yetPREPRODUCTION > DISCUSSIONS<br /><br />For a cinematographer, Christina sure displays some mean producin' skills. She's already found and half brought on board a "very hard worker" by the name of Jack Perry. He wants to maybe produce, line produce, AD, UPM. How exciting! He seemed to like the script too. A meeting is now in the works.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1157217769823222302006-09-02T09:41:00.000-07:002006-09-02T10:24:54.336-07:00Christina SpeaksPREPRODUCTION > DISCUSSIONS<br /><br /><a href="http://myspace-015.vo.llnwd.net/00257/51/03/257923015_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://myspace-015.vo.llnwd.net/00257/51/03/257923015_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I’ll never forget the day that <a href="http://www.christinaortiz.com">Christina Ortiz</a>, a girl I’d seen but not heard much from approached me to say that she had read and liked Rings very much. She was looking to shoot more and I was certainly looking for someone to shoot Rings. Find your collaborators early. <br /><br />I wouldn’t call the finding of collaborators my strength navigating the film school trenches, but I would unequivocally regard Christina as one of that films primary strengths. She’s amazing. <br /><br />And she read Pretend. And she liked it. Except for bits of the mother’s dialogue, she told me over transcendent Tai food at Green Leaves. I can’t disagree. And I’m loving what it feels like to discuss a film I’m making again.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1156910060672636452006-08-29T20:46:00.000-07:002006-08-30T16:54:54.260-07:00New LooksPREPRODUCTION > BLOGGER BLOG<br /><br />I don't know. Why the hell not? If this is going to be home to my thoughts - why not make it cozy? Especially if I'm gonna be inviting people over.<br /><br />In other words thanks for reading Angel. You want a glass of water? I ran out of everything else.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.technorati.com/claim/j8kuim25av" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1156709198904439862006-08-27T12:53:00.000-07:002006-08-29T21:17:51.003-07:00TreatmentPREPRODUCTION > TITLE TREATMENT<br /><br />The title treatment is always a big deal for me. Even if it doesn't end up on a thing related to the film. But when I'm still in the script stage - there's something really satisfying about having an image, and icon, a symbol for the film. Something visual hinting at what the whole thing feels / looks like. It just makes it that more tangible for me.<br /><br />And of course there’s nothing better than avoiding all the things I’m supposed to be doing then by scouring the internet for fonts with SexyBack blaring in the background. Well, few things.<br /><br />Pretend essentially is about the power of the mind. The limitlessness of imagination. Something that as kids we have total access to. I kind of want the title to look like something Eddie, the child at the center of the film, could’ve drawn or written himself. At least I think that’s what I want. At any rate, here’s what I’ve got.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/tt1.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/tt1.png" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/tt4.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/tt4.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/tt3.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/tt3.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/tt2.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/tt2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/tt5.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/tt5.png" border="0" /></a>Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33246159.post-1156376804013643292006-08-23T16:27:00.000-07:002006-08-29T21:18:21.600-07:00The BeginningPREPRODUCTION > CONCEPTION<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/1600/Pretend.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1113/1951/320/Pretend.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The last flickers of light are fading to black on <a href="http://myspace.com/ringstheshort">Rings</a>. My last short film. My first real short film for all intents and purposes. It found its way into a couple of festivals, and a few hearts of friends and of course my mother.<br /><br />Despite its flaws and its distance from the effectiveness in some ways of the original script - I'm proud of it. Deeply proud. But it is time to move on. One film afterall does not a reel make.<br /><br />Three months ago I found myself wondering what the hell do I do next. How could I make a film beyond the comforts and perks of film school? Of free crew? Of available friends? Friends whose whereabouts you knew about? To be honest I don't know. But taking the advice of at least one of the dozens of "how to make it in hollywood" books I own - I just starting writing.<br /><br />What emerged was Pretend. A sweet short film that I think allows me to tell a simple story. Not drive home a message, though it of course has one. But to tell a story - and to tell it well. Hopefully. God willing as my mom would say. I'm still paying back the loan I took to make the last short - but come hell or highwater (most likely both) I'm determined to begin production on the next one.<br /><br />It is my intention to chronicle this feat through the end. Be it successful - or staggeringly, embarrasingly un. Something tells me however that if I see it through to the end - it'll at the very least get made. And really thats all I could ask for. Right?<br /><br />So what have I got? I've got a third draft. Notes from <a href="http://angelswhataboutit.blogspot.com/">Angel</a>. And the silent understanding from good friend and former cinematic collaborator <a href="http://http://christinaortiz.com/">Christina</a> that she'll be shooting it. And a sketch I did of the lead character Eddie.<br /><br />I've started with rougher edges.Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18233286587700308784noreply@blogger.com0