Ok, Day 1 was a success. We went to a tattoo removal clinic which so happens to be one of the best doctors in the field. He was extremely excellent in the interview, giving concise and thorough answers.
We used 2 Dyna Lite 200's........one on the side and one in front. I wanted that reflection off of the eyes for the interview. Other than that, we used a lavalier microphone and went for it.
It was such a great atmosphere because everyone there was so helpful and nice. I could tell the doctor was kinda of excited about this because he came in with his notes he made on the questions we emailed him days earlier. He also had his stethoscope wrapped around his neck.....a nice touch.
Afterwards, they even allowed us to film a tattoo removal. I must say....this technology has come a long way........seriously. This laser can now remove any color. So, even a guy like me with a full sleeve, they can remove it all like I never had it. And, it is very quick.....I mean the time it takes the laser to zap the ink. We really learned a lot today.
So, overall we had a great start and tomorrow we go to a local tattoo shop and film there. Then it is out to the mainland to meat some of the legends. So, some of you may or may not know Shanghai Kate, Bob Baxter, Thomas Lockhart, Lyle Tuttle, Zeke Owens.......these are the names you will be seeing in this film.
So, tomorrow I will post more pics and info on that shoot and hopefully get some actual screen grabs so you can see the image.
Between yesterday and today (Saturday/Sunday) we got some amazing footage. We interviewed local tattoo shop owner and artist, Tim Goodrich. One thing that is so nice is having natural people in front of the camera. Tattoo artists' are natural story tellers and it really showed on camera.
I will say though, it pays to be prepared. I thought of the shots I wanted, had all my questions typed up, I knew what side of the camera I wanted to sit on ect. all before I walked onto set. I did an initial recon of the shop weeks before so I knew what I was walking into which really helped as it lead to improved shot ideas.
Today, (Day 3) was awesome as Tim tattooed Shawn. He closed the shop just for us and we set-up and filmed the entire tattoo process. But the coolest part was since Shawn is the DP and he was getting a tattoo..................know where I am going with this? I GOT TO OPERATE THE RED FOR THE DAY!!!!
That's right! It was awesome. I didn't allow myself to get nervous or anything. I jumped right in and started filming......zooming, panning, sweeps ect. It was really fun and just a great overall experience.
So, I am posting pics of Saturday's interview now. When Shawn emails me the pics from today of him getting his tattoo, I will post them then. Enjoy!
lavalier microphone for interviews and when we were doing shots of the doctor doing the tattoo removal and the tattoo artist giving a tattoo, the boom was brought out.
This is of yesterday of Shawn getting his tattoo by Tim. Like I said, Tim was cool enough to shut down shop just for us for the day and we really thank him for that.
The hardest part about this whole process is financing. Boy,what a hurdle.
I have to get myself from HI to CA and all the way up to Vancouver and Alaska with a Soldiers paycheck. Then we need to bring the reenactment portions in which will be pricey. I have some ideas and I am pretty resourceful but regardless, right now a financier would be great right now.
I would like to bring up that we are looking for Soldiers with military and/or memorial tattoos that would like to share their story with us. Regardless of their age, rank or what war/campaign/conflict they served.
What would you ask a Soldier 2 weeks before he leaves for combat?
Well, I have Soldiers who are indeed gearing up to leave in 2 weeks. I will be interviewing some of them before they leave.
I would like to post an open table format where anyone can throw in their thoughts or questions about the military, questions for these guys, advice, comments......anything at all.
I think it would help out in my movie because I want to know what the average American thinks about the service, what they are curious about and what they want to see. Plus, I will relay these posts back to the troops and I am sure it would help. This is a difficult and nerve racking time for young men.
So, please give me your thoughts, prayers, and questions.
Thanks
G
please help us make this movie. Every dollar counts, literally.
ok, so I guess no one wanted to add or comment on my second to last post...........
We are gearing up to shoot a Vietnam War scene and right now I am talking to a few different companies about getting the gear. I also am trying to find a descent make-up artist.
So, I wrote a short called Sarge with Shawn Booth. This is the Vietnam War sequence I was talking about. I am really having a blast with all of this. I called every talent agency and sent them our info. to include getting on all the actors websites and posting our casting call on there. So, needless to say, I have been getting an extreme amount of hits for the casting this Saturday.
Shawn and I where trying to figure out where to have the auditions and we are fortunate enough that one of Shawn's friends offered for us to use their establishment (which is a talent agency) for our auditions. We are expecting a big turn out and this location will serve well.
Besides actors wanting to audition, I have had quite a few people ask do work on the crew and that is really awesome, especially when you tell them that you can't afford to pay them a descent salary if one at all. I got myself a PA who is starting this Saturday and I have her managing the people as we audition people in the other room. Having a PA even more so, a competent PA is worth its weight in gold......its just that I don't have gold.....just food.
The scene opens up in the jungles of Vietnam amidst a ferocious firefight. To do this yes we are going to use effects in post but I am also bringing in a SFX coordinator who will be rigging up some squibs and bomb effects. That is definitely going to cool as hell.
In regards to costumes, I made contact with a great guy down in Florida. Doc is a Vietnam Vet and operates a massive warehouse of military uniforms. He also specializes in military advising for film and television. He is giving me a great deal on six U.S. Army uniforms from the late 60's early 70's era. Oh, and don't forget the weapons and grenades we are getting.
The next thing is scouting. Shawn has a contact with the Kualoa Ranch. For those of you who are not familiar, it is the location for several film and t.v. series.... Lost, Hawaii 5-O, Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young, Pearl Harbor and on and on. This is a great spot for many reasons one being that its terrain is diverse.
We're also talking with SAG and arranging the paperwork agreements on that....pain in the ass. With that comes insurance, workman's comp and permits ect.
I am also working on getting catering to come out but what the reality is, I will most likely end up cooking a bunch of stuff up and bringing it out. I am also looking at renting a tent and chairs given that we will be out in the jungle terrain of Oahu. Which brings up the necessity to spray for insects.
I am still looking for a make-up artist but I am sure we'll get one especially with SAG behind us.
Well, that is enough updates for now. I will get some shots of Saturday's auditions and post 'em up. We should also have a trailer coming soon.
Well, today I handed out another massive batch of fliers on post. Being in the service and especially a Wounded Warrior, I see and hear amazing and tragic stories.
Some of the Soldiers that we will be interviewing have some really powerful and emotional stories. It ranges from buddies getting killed in gruesome manners to horrifying sites and innocent men, women and children butchered in the streets for doing something as trivial as talking to a soldier or taking a gift from a soldier.
These stories that are being collected will shake the very essence of the human emotion. There is a lot that people do not know that happens every day in our world. So much is masked and/or over/under inflated to make the public feel good about what is going on in the Middle East while we're getting slaughtered. The audience will see first hand the after effects of war and what it does us. I will show you what a hero truly is.............
I have got to ask............am I wasting my time writing this? I feel like I am rambling on because no one has said a thing. It would be nice to know I am not wasting my time.
Well, apparently I am talking to myself. .....oh well, I like to write so whatever.
I have last minute things to do before I rack out tonight. I am so excited to see people read my words and bring my characters to life. I have already received one audition via internet submission because he is on the Big Island and can't make it way over here.
We really are expecting a ton of people. I have received well over 150 emails in regards to the film and auditions. Like I said earlier, I contacted every talent agency I could and most were kind enough to help out.
We have the time blocked from 12pm - 4pm and we still think we will be there longer. Then when we leave, we have an interview to do that will probably be 2- hours.
The important thing is that I love this stuff because the work is so demanding. I am still waiting on the price quote for all the costumes and uniforms. I am putting together the VC outfits myself. I also cant wait to have Bruno come out and start blowing stuff up. That will be sick.
Ok, I am outta here! I will drop some pics in here of the audition and we'll see what happens.
I am getting ready to take off for these auditions. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am really looking forward to seeing my characters played out in various ways. I already a guy send us his audition via internet and that was really good. I really have the feeling that the turn out will be ridiculous. Three days ago I erased over 50 emails from my files and as I sit now, there are 83 emails all about the auditions. Then of course the talent agencies have called me and I sent them all the information they need, so really, they didn't to write me to get info. I am thinking 60-80 and if 100 show up I still wont be surprised.
Paying actors is really a must. You know there was a series about a movie being made just like this one and this guy made a really point. Put the money where you will see it on the screen. That really helped me make some good decisions about spending.
For instance, we figured out ways to where multiple hats rather than spend money hiring someone to do a trivial job that would costs us $100/day. Also, we worked the script so we minimize the bullet hits and explosions as they are all $100 a pop. Meaning if need another take.......and you have 2 bombs go off and a bullet hit w/ a squib.....yeah do the math it can expensive quick.
So anyway, I am getting out of here. I am taking some pics of the auditions and we'll see how everything turns out.
Randin.........thanks again for being so cool and helping us out!