Day 1 Wrap

The good: Got the shots we needed.
The bad: Went over schedule.
The ugly: Andy Kraft in a toga.

Actually, Andy looked quite nice in his wardrobe, as did the other actors and actresses darning said attire (even when the togas fell off). Day 1 was a great success. No major complications. No meltdowns. No irreconcilable problems. I attribute the success of day 1 to our fantastic cast and amazing crew. Even in the wee hours of the morning, people were working hard with smiles still on their faces. It's a labor of love for all of us.

I have to thank Gary and Natalie for staying several hours past their proposed wrap times and not raising any fuss whatsoever. Anna and Emily, too, stayed late and performed flawlessly at the end of the night. Katelyn, Keri, Boima, and Andy were patient and upbeat even as their call-times proved to be 90 minutes too early. Bob, battling significant lower body pain, was spot on in his performance. Rachel, Kelly, Loren, Katie, and Brooke all performed wonderfully as well. And, troopers that they are, Kari, Mary, and Cliff stayed later than expected to get the audience scene nailed.

If I took time to praise each crew member individually, I'd write a small novella, so I will thank them as a whole for their upbeat, eager attitudes. Even at the end of the night when eyelids were heavy and voices were raspy, I had willing bodies around me doing everything that needed to be done. Have I mentioned that the cast and crew of this movie are absolutely amazing?

With day 1 behind us and great footage the result, I am more at peace about moving onward than ever before. We have some very busy days ahead of us, but if yesterday set the standard for the Horror House shoot, we are going to have a marvelous time making this movie.

I hope to get a quick nap in now before heading to Eden Prairie for an apartment scene and then onto Edina Grill for a middle of the night shoot.

~Justen