Holly survived the 48 Hour Film Project for another year. Lack of sleep, the highest level of quasi-professionalism from everyone involved, great moments of laughter had by all who participated in the production as well as some terse moments that had many of us all wondering who was going to pop first. I thought it was gonna be Nikk, (steadicam). running beads of sweat down our backs, the lights were hot, patience was diminishing, doing too much in such a short amount of time will do that to a person. All in all, though, no one got hurt, badly. There was one small lip injury during the training for the big exchange of hostilities regarding our assigned prop: a gift wrapped package. We used what some would consider to be a piece of Americana: a tupperware bowl, but it had somewhat of a sharp edge on it that Jevon took to the lip. The blood flowed freely forth, then I got a nasty bruise on my hip (no idea) and a good round one on my knee. If I had a choice, I'd do it again this weekend. Wait, I am. Another movie in production, Dolphin TNG, the brainchild of Rusty Petkjshio74nGr, an underwater adventure film about evolution and the advantages of genetic engineering. I'm looking forward to the SCUBA instruction that comes with the production. Soon, I'll be certified to dive anywhere, taking specialty courses later to add to my ability go on diving adventures all over the world.

Happenings is going to fill up soon. I'll need to redesign this page into something else Or just keep doing it like this and see how big the page will get before it explodes. Things are looking up. Seriously. I need sleep. Copious amounts of it. Stat! I'm babblin'.

***

A whole month has passed since the last update. Much has happened in that time. After a crazy weekend of shooting and a few pick up shots, most of "Working Stiff" is in the can and at the editor's being cut. I'm hopeful that the final product gets its message across in a way that the audience understands. If not, then I guess that makes it an "art house film."

Starting tomorrow night at 7pm is the kickoff of the 2005 48 Hour Film Project in Cincinnati, Ohio. Last year, I was involved with the team 3.2 Million Miles which did well considering we hadn't done it before. We won audience favorite for our time slot and an award for Best Use of Character. For those who are unaware, the 48 Hour Film Project is one mad, mad weekend of filmmaking. Teams have 48 hours to make a FINISHED movie; that's script to screen in 48 hours. For anyone who's ever tried to make a movie, they know what kind of a challenge that can be. Last year was one of the best experiences I've had as an actor. I'm looking forward to another rewarding experience this year. For 2005, I'm with Counter Culture Studios out of Cincinnati of which most of the crew is professional and most of cast is SAG, except me. I'll post as to how it went!

***

Well, the lead actor has changed. The person who was cast seemed to have a difficult time keeping an appointment, I was concerned about their ability to make specific call times for the shoot. Unfortunately, I can be unwaivering in these things. There are many people who are donating time an effort to this project to have it undermined. I'm sure that person has a valid reason but as of right now, I've still not heard from them.

Anyway, the new lead is quite interested in the part and I'm sure he will do a wonderful job. The final locations are being nailed down, props are being assembled and gathered, the script is in it's final form. I need only one more actor for the part of the vagrant and I'll be ready to go. The shot list is being created, the schedule is in a tentative form, equipment is secured. I got permission from the Fire Department to shoot on Friday at the burn sight. That should be interesting. All in all, I've done the best I could do with pre-production! on this piece, I can only hope it looks as good on film as it does in my head.

***

Through the miracle that is networking, I may have a line on a choice location for the bar scene in "Working Stiff". I'm not going to jinx it by blurting it out, once it's in the bag, then I'll spill the beans. However, it's who ya know that gets it done!

I went to Columbus Prescription today to look for supplies for the shooting up scene. I found it very interesting that the ladies who worked there knew so much about the specifics of shooting heroin that they guided me on the correct choices for things. I didn't ask how they knew, I just took their suggestions and made my purchases. It is important to me that the heroin scene is realistic so I've consulted people who have lived that life and their input has been invaluable. I'm mesmerized by their tales; I've never gone down that path, I can't imagine how it feels. Their stories help make it real for me. I have enormous amount of respect for those who are able to put that demon to rest. It makes my cravings for sugar seem inconsequential and my lack of willpower for potatoes pathetic.

***