"El Cucuy" a film by Amy Beth O'Brien

AmyO

Well-known member
Purple Macaroni Productions presents
a film by Amy Beth O'Brien
"El Cucuy" (el coo-COO-ee)

El_Cucuy_poster.jpg



Cast:
Cheyenne.jpg

Cheyenne Elizabeth

Crew:
Me

Composer - Justin R. Durban
 
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Production Notes:

August 2
Well, I've been ruminating on an idea since this fest was announced at the L.A. screening. I just can't shake it, so I'm gonna have to shoot it. It's a pretty simple little story, but the tone, theme, and even visual style will be a distinct departure for me. I'm really going out on a limb for this one. Taking off the Brevis, leaving the sticks behind (might have to use a few ZazaSlider shots though), and creating a totally different kind of movie (for me anyway). This will either be awesome or fall flat on its face. Either way, it should be a fun ride. The script is still in development, but that's okay since I won't have time to shoot until September anyway.

September 16
Script has the "Writing Group" stamp of approval! Yay. That took way too long to get together, though, and now I'm stressed about time. I wrote myself a pretty ambitious story, and I'm nervous that I won't be able to shoot it and get it through post by October 30th. We won't be in town this weekend, so I can't shoot until September 26th. I plan to use the next week and a half to get a detailed storyboard done and do some more camera tests. At this point, all I can do is get as prepped as possible.

September 26
Day 1 in the can! Shot three short scenes in the bathroom (see BTS below). Cheyenne was great and quite cooperative, even through costume changes and multiple takes. I hope to get another scene done tomorrow, but I only have a half day as my star's presence is required at a birthday party and I have to be her chauffeur.

October 3
Agghh! October already? Noooooooo!

Okay, that's out, let's move on. Had another day of filming, although not as much as I hoped for. Spent way too much time setting up lights and what-not. But, I should have a more productive day tomorrow as the location is the same.

And now SCREEN GRABS!
These are uncorrected grabs straight out of P2CMS, and do not necessarily reflect the final look.

Day01_2.jpg


Day01_3.jpg


Day01_4.jpg
 
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Bts

Bts

9.26.09

Some BTS of Day 1:

El_Cucuy_BTS01.jpg

Requisite LCD in the shot pic.

El_Cucuy_BTS02.jpg

Emoting is hard work.

El_Cucuy_BTS03.jpg

My rig - sans adapter and external LCD.
No adapter for style reasons and no LCD for lack of appropriate mounting hardware for my new SmallHD.
 
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Great! Use that ZazaSlider wisely and it's sure to be a hit*.





*use of the ZazaSlider in no way guarantees a place in the top 10 of any fest, but
it can't hurt. Any injuries incurred while attempting a dolly, zolly, pan/zoom/slide or
upside-down ground slide are the express responsibility of owner. There is no coverage
for failure to get 'The Shot' due to defects in materials or workmanship which occur during normal use.
 
Thanks guys.

And I think this is the first time someone has had to add a legal disclaimer in one of my threads. Awesome!
 
welcome to the fest, its good to have ya, sounds like your in for an adventure. Im sure it will be great! like your poster. :)
 
Thanks guys!

And, OMG, I ranked a compliment from MOVIE MASTER! I only hope I can live up to expectations.
 
All the best Amy - I am looking very much forward to your film. You are really going to be a professionist making films with kids. You should teach this experience to other filmmaker.

Much luck.

Susanne
 
Thanks Susanne. Making these movies has become a family affair, I guess. It's a great way to spend time with the kids and teach them about what I do. The older two have decided they want to try their hand at making their own movies, too.
 
LOL! La Cucuy!
I love it Amy, the only other place I have heard that from is my
wife's family, that along with La Llorona.
Can't wait to see it.

I checked out "Four" with the little girl waiting earlier today, it had a very nice
look to it. Good Luck!
 
Thanks! I'm glad someone got the reference. I did a little research into bogeyman stories and came across this Mexican-American version of it. As my daughter's birthfather is from Mexico, I figured it would be a nice touch to make it culturally relevant to her.
 
Dont you think that the best actors are the ones who work for pocket money :)
Looking forward to seeing what you do for this.
 
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