February 17th, 2011 | 
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While i am still tying to get the script in to hands of certain actors, and moving forward in production, I decide to work on my shots, movement and blocking in order to be visually prepared
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This has to be one of the most inspiring things I read coming out of Sundance Film festival. These Canon cameras with their CMOS chips have been making in roads in to Hollywood and TV production
An Indie movie shot on a Canon 7D modified for PL lenses by HotRod Cameras called “LIKE CRAZY” that was just shown at the Sundance film festival has been sold to Paramount for $4 million! Yes, $4 million!
See clip
Query letters went out to the agents of certain actors, that i am trying to get to read the script and also to agents that represent the writers. I never thought about having an agent but a close friend convince me, I should explore all avenues. So I am now looking for representation. She decide to help me with sending out query letters. Keeping Fingers crossed : )
Looking to put together a team of like minded people that believe in this project. People who are focused and willing to put there egos aside. This may sound easy but I am hear to tell you, I underestimated what it would take to build a good team. Oh it is easy to find people who like the project “No More Mr Nice Guy” and believe in its potential, but getting them to make the next step of committing to help and then help in a productive way, is whole other story. On this journey I have met people who claim to know this person or promise they can get this accomplished, or people who see themselves as some modern day media mogul, thinking they can juggle multiple projects with no conflict of interest, but haven’t completed not one project. They want me to sign contracts, to make sure that they are protected on their end and when i agree they never deliver on the contract (still waiting). This is not to say that there are no good people or candidates. I have found some good people and they seem to be working out. I was able to reach out to some friends in the industry and they have provided support, wisdom, and advice. I have been able to reach out others who are not in this business and even though they don’t understand this business, if they can help they have been willing to help. I think in future I need to be more clear as to what I want, what they want, when dealing with potential team members. As I see it they are people who are build for this and people who are not.
Decided on cast, reaching out trying to get script in to the hands of certain people, might have to get a casting agent which i am not to fond of.. (I witnessed a not so good experience with a casting agent and some other filmmakers I know) Or try to reach out to actors agents and or mangers via IMDB contact info. I am confident that if I can get get my pick’s to read the script they will jump at the chance to be in the film..
As a Filmmaker you are forced to wear many hats, but making a film is not something you can do on your own. Part of what makes, a good screenwriter / director is to be able to envision a concept, which usually is when your by yourself and alone in your thoughts. Hence the do it myself attitude.. So turning control over to others is something that goes against our internal core. As a producer you know that things are accomplished much easier when done as part of a team effort. So there in lies the conflict you are afraid to turn things over to others because you fear that it might not be done to your standards, or not the way you envisioned. I must learn to let go and trust.
I received three letter of intent or interest for some of the smaller roles in the movie. These guys all comedians have been performing stand up around the country, They have been on shows like “Russel Simmons Def Comedy Jam”, Comedy Central, “Martin Lawrence First Amendment Comedy”, Showtime, HBO, and even the daytime Soap “All of My Children”.
One of the things that I love about this script, is with it’s story, my experience and today’s technology, I will be able to deliver a product that looks like it cost 20 millions dollars to make, when in all actuality its fraction of the cost.
Exciting Times!!!! Feeling Good!!
I may have found my leading man, (I am keeping everyone’s name under wraps for now) I sent him a copy of the script and he loved it. After speaking to him he really understood the character and saw his growth or arc as the movie progressed. He told me he could really relate to the Character of Edwin. As for his credentials, he is professionally trained actor and on television he has been on CSI, Rules of Engagement, and I Carly, in independent films, he has about seven films to his credit and he has done a whole heap of theatre. UPDATE… He recently called to inform me that he has gotten a small role in the upcoming Clint Eastwood production of “J Edgar”, and sharing some screen time with Leonardo Di Caprio. I wish him Good Luck!!!
Production Board and Shooting Schedule done, Whole film should be able to be completed in 24 days. The great news is that I will only need all of my supporting B list (Television) actors for no more that 3 day… Saving Me $$Money$$. My principals are up and coming so they shouldn’t be that expensive and rounding out the rest of the cast are C and D list actors made up of comedians and internet celebrities..