August 18th, 2008
Today was real. It was hectic. Our crew had ben blessed with 4 smooth days of shooting, and today was more like a typical day on a shoot. It was crazy. We had problems with the truck and it was late with all the equipment. Later on the camera’s battery connection came loose and we were delayed an hour trying to get it fixed.
But, we got everything. It came right down to the wire, but I didn’t have to cut any scenes. That was the goal. I never did. My crew gave me that ability and I am so grateful! There were a few scenes where we only got one take, but the actors delivered and gave me some great stuff to bring into the editing room.
It’s now the morning after the film. I woke up at 9:30am and I freaked out. “What do I need to do? I’m going to be late? Where do I need to be?” ran through my head. But I was good. The shoot is over. Time to get our film developed, transfered to HD, and begin editing with Alyssa Coates.
From the moment this idea sprouted on a phone call with Eric Svingen about one year ago, this film has been on my mind in one way or another. Countless drafts of the script, so many rewrites, hours of talking about it in class with my screenwriting and directing classes. We shot it, it’s in the can. I really feel like this film will be something for all involved to be really proud of. Everyone put so much effort and time into it and I appreciate it so much!
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s a wrap on Caleb Couldn’t Love.
Tags: Alyssa Coates, caleb couldn't love, day 5, film, hectic, Production, wrap
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August 16th, 2008
Become a fan on Facebook!
Tags: Facebook, web
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August 16th, 2008
Today was another fun and successful day! We shot scenes at an Art Gallery and a Hardware Store. The owners of both locations were some of the most generous people in the world. We were able to get all of our location donated so far except for the ones controlled by the city. If it wasn’t for the kindness of these people, this film wouldn’t have been possible.
We shot one of my favorite scenes today. We had a blast in the hardware store. All of the actors did a phenomenal job, which meant we could have a lot of fun shooting it. I love my crew. They make my job as a director so easy. It’s incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by people who are all doing what they love. This is my life! I cannot wait till tomorrow, the last day of shooting. It’s going to be so bittersweet. I can’t wait to direct the scenes, but then we will get the film developed and transfered to HD this week and I can finally watch it all!
We were not able to get a monitor for the camera, so every time we’ve rolled, only one person has seen what will end up being the final footage, my Director of Photography, Dustin Skrabek. The amazing thing is that I’m not the least bit worried. I trust him so much and he’s done an astounding job shooting and lighting this film. The combination of him and our gaffer Justin Dickson has been so powerful.
I can’t thank everyone enough for making this dream a reality. Tonight I’ll relax a bit, then one more day of shooting! Time to launch some rockets.
Tags: caleb couldn, day 4, director of photography, dustin skrabek, Production, shooting
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August 16th, 2008
Things are moving along quite well! Today was definitely our longest day but the crew and cast really performed! We ended up having 1 hour to shoot the climax of the film but we pushed through and got everything done without sacrificing quality!
I am seriously so tired that I can barely keep my eyes open, so here’s some photos our still photographer, Dan Mekpong took on set the past few days!
Tags: caleb couldn't love, day 3, Production
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August 15th, 2008
Dr. McNutt
Tags: McNutt
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August 14th, 2008
Today started out as hectic as possible. Many issues came into play and I was worried about the shoot. I didn’t know if we’d get everything we needed/wanted. I didn’t know what to expect.
We got it. It was a blast. Ed came in and killed it as McNutt. He was a last-minute addition to our cast, and he was phenomenal! He brought a lot of character to it and we all had a lot of fun. Young Caleb and Mary continue to impress me wit their performances and I’m looking forward to working with them some more tomorrow and Sunday!
Today moved pretty well. We got everything we wanted. We were flexible and got a quality job done! I live for this. I love being on set, working with the actors, the DP, production designer. Everyone! I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t make films for a living. Filmmaking gives me a high like no other.
Thank you to everyone on the cast and crew who made today possible!
Tags: caleb couldn't love, caleb's room, day 2, Production
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August 13th, 2008
It’s rare for a film director to be able to say they didn’t have to make any sacrifices on set. Today was one of those days. Due to the generosity of Dr. Saca and his staff, we were able to use one of his practices as a location for the first two scenes of the film. We shot two scenes and they came out even better than I’ve been planning and storyboarding for the past few months! I have an incredible crew that made the day run smoothly and efficiently. We were able to get a sweet 1966 Mustang lent to us through the generous donation of our new friend Phil! Our character Art looked rad driving that baby.
I am pretty tired from shooting then running around all day. My production designer Bill came over to my house tonight to prepare Caleb’s Room, which we’re shooting here at my condo. With everything we got from Universal Props the room is looking sweet. My DP Dustin is doing a bang-up job and we prepared some more this evening.
I am truly blessed to be working with such a fine crew! I cannot wait to continue shooting tomorrow!
Tags: caleb couldn't love, caleb's room, day 1, filmming, Production, shoot
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August 13th, 2008
It’s 12:53am. That means it’s August 13, 2008, the first day of my thesis shoot. Many months of preparation and hard work have led to this week. It has been hard, it’s been fun, and it’s definitely been one of the most beneficial learning experiences of my life.
I would not be here tonight, ready to shoot in the morning, if it wasn’t the work, help, encouragement, guidance, and generosity of so many people. You all mean so much to me and I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by people like you in my life!
We have an unstoppable crew, a brilliant cast, wonderful locations, and lots of film. Check the blog for updates, I hope to post daily about the shoot and through the post production process!
Here we go, let’s make the past year worth while.
Tags: caleb couldn't love, pre-production, thank you
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