Thought I'd put up a couple pictures I snapped while Brian and I were working on the storyboards the other day in his back yard. Notice the life-like detail. The sign of a true artist.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Script Reading Redux
So I wanted to bring in a couple other people to read for roles that haven't been cast yet, so the Amateur Hour Crew got together last night and had another script reading. I invited Zach, a friend of mine from work, and a friend of Britney's, Ashley to come and read for Aven and Sam respectively. I liked them both alot. Zach in particular. Brian and I were split on Ashley though. I really liked her, but Brian had some sort of visceral reaction. So he wants to bring in a couple of his actress friends, which is fine, but if I don't see someone I really like I'm going to consider going back to Ashley. I don't want it all to become a big thing though, it's not worth it, so hopefully we'll find that perfect someone that everyone can feel all warm and fuzzy about. Zach looks like an ok Aven, at least as far as the trailer goes. We got in contact with Ben Griesse, who we worked with on Suburbia and I think would be great for the part, but he's in LA right now so we'll see how that develops. It will certainly add another level of complication to everything, but I think he could be amazing if we made it work.
I thought the editted version of the script read a little bit better. Little more snappy. I can see a couple little things that can be trimmed in the early going to help keep things moving along. These readings are good for that. Hopefully these things will continue to flesh themselves out as we go through rehearsals and whatnot. God knows there's alot to be done, but I'm ready, so bring it on!
We set a tentative date to shoot the trailer on October 25th, so hopefully we can get all the pieces in place by then. So much to do. So little time. The vibe seemed right last night though so hopefully we can continue to build on the positives and just keep the train going on down the track. More updates as they become available.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Rechargeable batteries
I'm back from my trip and hitting it hard. I finished writing my prequel short on the plane ride home. Still needs some tweaking, but I like how it turned out. I'm not sure how it's all gonna work out, but ideally it will be one of the first things we film. We'll see.
I went over to Brian's and we storyboarded the first scene we're going to shoot. I've been tasked with going home and making the trailer for it, which should be fun. It's just a little frustrating because it's definitely a Catch-22. It's hard to go forward with filming when you still don't have all your actors nailed down yet, but it's hard to nail down actors when filming is still up in the air. Oh well. We shall overcome. I talked with Halle, my prospective Sam, and I think I got a vote of confidence from her that I can proceed knowing I have her in my corner. Hopefully things will continue to become clear as they progress.
I snapped a couple pictures of Brian and my storyboarding session. I'll post them later tonight. Keep on trucking
I went over to Brian's and we storyboarded the first scene we're going to shoot. I've been tasked with going home and making the trailer for it, which should be fun. It's just a little frustrating because it's definitely a Catch-22. It's hard to go forward with filming when you still don't have all your actors nailed down yet, but it's hard to nail down actors when filming is still up in the air. Oh well. We shall overcome. I talked with Halle, my prospective Sam, and I think I got a vote of confidence from her that I can proceed knowing I have her in my corner. Hopefully things will continue to become clear as they progress.
I snapped a couple pictures of Brian and my storyboarding session. I'll post them later tonight. Keep on trucking
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Parting Clouds
New update on Brian's health, he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with some sort of infection (they had to do an ultrasound on his testacle. And you think you're having a bad day) and he'll be out for a couple days, but should make a speedy recovery shortly.
As it stands, we'll look to next week for the reading/meeting, although Peter and Brian did come over last night for a little while, and the vibe still seemed to be good, so right on. Let's keep this train chugging on down the track.
With Brian out, no other real interesting developments to speak of. I'm off to Boston this week for a well deserved adventure. Maybe something amazing will be revealed to me, or I'll have some big moment of realization, but chances are I'll probably just come back with a couple souveniers that I really couldn't afford. One of the two.
Anyway, that is where we stand.
As it stands, we'll look to next week for the reading/meeting, although Peter and Brian did come over last night for a little while, and the vibe still seemed to be good, so right on. Let's keep this train chugging on down the track.
With Brian out, no other real interesting developments to speak of. I'm off to Boston this week for a well deserved adventure. Maybe something amazing will be revealed to me, or I'll have some big moment of realization, but chances are I'll probably just come back with a couple souveniers that I really couldn't afford. One of the two.
Anyway, that is where we stand.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
After the orgasmic peaks we reached during Beau, Brian' and my meeting a couple weeks ago, we have definitely come down to earth a bit, unfortunately. Our script reading scheduled for today was cancelled at the last minute. Peter, one of the main filmmakers we're hoping to get involved had a surprise party thrown for him, since it's his birthday (Random. How dare he have his birthday on the day we scheduled a script reading!) So was unable to attend. Kevin, another filmmaker associated with Mr. Brian Sutherland, was going to be in attendance, but we thought it wiser to reschedule for a time when we can get everyone in the same room. Pow wow style. So hopefully we can schedule that for this week.
In retrospect, rescheduling the read was for the best, as it appears our main attraction, the star of the show, Brian Sutherland, has come down with some strange disease/infection/swelling/African voodoo/Affliction kinda deal that has sent him to the ER. I don't intend to make light of his illness whatsoever other than to hope it is nothing too severe, and our thoughts and prayers are with him. Updates as they become available.
I'm thinking of writing a short to serve as a little mini prequel to Amateur Hour. I hope I won't get sued when I say that I was inspired by the Hotel Chevaliar, the mini prequel to one of my favorite movies of all time, The Darjeeling Limited. I thought it would serve nicely as a good little bonus to people who help make our McGyver job of a Motion Picture a reality. I have an idea, still working out a couple kinks. More word on this soon.
Meeting with the filmmakers Tuesday or Wednesday we hope. Keep you posted as always. Keep the dream alive! I'm thinking of making the official song of the Production of Amateur Hour "Don't Stop Believin'". One thing at a time though.
In retrospect, rescheduling the read was for the best, as it appears our main attraction, the star of the show, Brian Sutherland, has come down with some strange disease/infection/swelling/African voodoo/Affliction kinda deal that has sent him to the ER. I don't intend to make light of his illness whatsoever other than to hope it is nothing too severe, and our thoughts and prayers are with him. Updates as they become available.
I'm thinking of writing a short to serve as a little mini prequel to Amateur Hour. I hope I won't get sued when I say that I was inspired by the Hotel Chevaliar, the mini prequel to one of my favorite movies of all time, The Darjeeling Limited. I thought it would serve nicely as a good little bonus to people who help make our McGyver job of a Motion Picture a reality. I have an idea, still working out a couple kinks. More word on this soon.
Meeting with the filmmakers Tuesday or Wednesday we hope. Keep you posted as always. Keep the dream alive! I'm thinking of making the official song of the Production of Amateur Hour "Don't Stop Believin'". One thing at a time though.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Another Piece to the Puzzle
As my first real act as a Producer/Director of Amateur Hour, I brought on board a friend of mine, Ford A. Nickel to be the Costume Designer for the shoot. Ford has previous experience with Teatri Zinzani and is a great addition to the team. I think he's gonna bring some good ideas to the table in an area that I will be the first to admit is not really my strong suit, so thanks in advance Mr. Nickel!
Script reading set for Sunday at noon. Not quite sure the cast of characters that Brian's gonna round up, but it should be interesting. After that comes the pitch to make sure everyone's on board. Speaking of on board, I haven't heard from Hallie since the last reading, I should really shoot her an email and see if she'll sit down and talk about the script with me, because she's definitely my first choice for the role of Sam if she wants it.
Script is down to 92 pages in word now. If I have to make any more cuts than I've already made I feel like we're really gonna start losing some real good material, I understand that sometimes that's inevitable but I'd like to avoid doing that as much as possible, I feel like it's a complete piece as is, any further tampering might hurt it I fear. I'll know more after the reading, I just need to remember to make sure to time it. I'm notorious for forgetting. This is why I need a Personal Assistant. I guess that's the NEXT movie :)
Script reading set for Sunday at noon. Not quite sure the cast of characters that Brian's gonna round up, but it should be interesting. After that comes the pitch to make sure everyone's on board. Speaking of on board, I haven't heard from Hallie since the last reading, I should really shoot her an email and see if she'll sit down and talk about the script with me, because she's definitely my first choice for the role of Sam if she wants it.
Script is down to 92 pages in word now. If I have to make any more cuts than I've already made I feel like we're really gonna start losing some real good material, I understand that sometimes that's inevitable but I'd like to avoid doing that as much as possible, I feel like it's a complete piece as is, any further tampering might hurt it I fear. I'll know more after the reading, I just need to remember to make sure to time it. I'm notorious for forgetting. This is why I need a Personal Assistant. I guess that's the NEXT movie :)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Blink and You'll Miss It
As developments seem to be coming by the day, and as I plan on this being a significant part of my life for the next month, it seems most fitting to give my movie Amateur Hour it's own blog.
I am Jonathan Shock, writer of the screenplay Amateur Hour, and of the play The Shaft. This is the blog that I will be using to record all aspects of the making of Amateur Hour and its associated bits and pieces. Stay tuned for regular news, updates, pictures, stories, gaffs, and all things in between.
Amateur Hour starring Brian Sutherland and Beau Prichard, is the story of Sean (Brian Sutherland), a 20 something waiter, who gets fed up with the trials and stresses of trying to make it and finding his place in the world. As such, he is introduced to Reno Brown (Beau Prichard) and his associate Mr. Fix, who turn them on to a life of crime and a different way to make a quick buck. Action, Drama, and Hilarity ensue as Sean and his friend Aven learn to become criminals and do their best not to act like it's Amateur Hour.
As this blog begins we find ourselves in the very early stages of this film's life. We hosted a reading last weekend with myself, Beau and Alan Prichard, Halle and Michael Salas, and Beau Prichard. It went really well and Brian and Beau both instantly took to the script, and have been beyond supportive into trying to get it put on film. We have another reading scheduled for Sunday, where we hope to bring in some friends of Brian's who are local Seattle filmmakers in an effort to get some more people on board so that this movie might actaully get to see the light of day. As such, Beau and I have been working hard the last couple days to edit the script down from it's original 97 pages (in Word Format. Almost 150! in Final Cut format) into something a little lean and meaner. It's been a struggle trying to get people to understand that although the plot is important to the movie, it's not really the driving force of the film. As such, it's important to keep alot of the dialogue as intact as possible, but no bones about it the script is too long, so sacrafices must be made. Every cut is excruciating though, so hopefully we can get through it while keeping as much of it intact as possible.
I was also struck with another ambitious idea tonight about letting Brian's natural improv talent really come through in a bold new way while working on this movie. More to come on that later.
We'll know more about where we stand come Monday. So everyone think good thoughts for us at the reading!
I am Jonathan Shock, writer of the screenplay Amateur Hour, and of the play The Shaft. This is the blog that I will be using to record all aspects of the making of Amateur Hour and its associated bits and pieces. Stay tuned for regular news, updates, pictures, stories, gaffs, and all things in between.
Amateur Hour starring Brian Sutherland and Beau Prichard, is the story of Sean (Brian Sutherland), a 20 something waiter, who gets fed up with the trials and stresses of trying to make it and finding his place in the world. As such, he is introduced to Reno Brown (Beau Prichard) and his associate Mr. Fix, who turn them on to a life of crime and a different way to make a quick buck. Action, Drama, and Hilarity ensue as Sean and his friend Aven learn to become criminals and do their best not to act like it's Amateur Hour.
As this blog begins we find ourselves in the very early stages of this film's life. We hosted a reading last weekend with myself, Beau and Alan Prichard, Halle and Michael Salas, and Beau Prichard. It went really well and Brian and Beau both instantly took to the script, and have been beyond supportive into trying to get it put on film. We have another reading scheduled for Sunday, where we hope to bring in some friends of Brian's who are local Seattle filmmakers in an effort to get some more people on board so that this movie might actaully get to see the light of day. As such, Beau and I have been working hard the last couple days to edit the script down from it's original 97 pages (in Word Format. Almost 150! in Final Cut format) into something a little lean and meaner. It's been a struggle trying to get people to understand that although the plot is important to the movie, it's not really the driving force of the film. As such, it's important to keep alot of the dialogue as intact as possible, but no bones about it the script is too long, so sacrafices must be made. Every cut is excruciating though, so hopefully we can get through it while keeping as much of it intact as possible.
I was also struck with another ambitious idea tonight about letting Brian's natural improv talent really come through in a bold new way while working on this movie. More to come on that later.
We'll know more about where we stand come Monday. So everyone think good thoughts for us at the reading!
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