Script Reading

Last night the principle cast members got together for the first time. We talked some business and spent some time acquainting ourselves with each other before reading the script. The chemistry among the cast and filmmakers is already strong. Fact is, this is just a good group of people. A good group of talented people, nonetheless.

I was a little nervous to hear the script read aloud for the first time. I was pleased (and a bit surprised) at just how well the script played. Sure there were some awkward exchanges that will be fixed before the cameras roll, but for the most part, the script is ready to shoot. Not tomorrow, but we'll have it ready by June. What a relief to know no wholesale changes are imminent.

My one concern about last night is the lack of snack consumption by the cast. Either I failed miserably at choosing snacks (what's wrong with scones, chips, and candy bars?), or people just weren't hungry. Or, maybe they didn't want the sound of crunching chips to drown out the script reading. Thankfully Chad drank the 2-liter bottle of Mountain Dew so at least I didn't fail completely.

We're rolling now. The cast are excited. The producers are excited. This movie is going to be bigger than the Beatles. Well, maybe bigger than Ringo's solo career. Beep-beepin'-beep-beep-yeah.

Like molasses in...

Another six weeks between posts. It's not that things aren't progressing with Horror House, but the things that are progressing aren't overly interesting or important to pass along. I'd like to keep this blog as streamlined as possible rather than exploring tangents about my excitement for Tony Dungy's Colts winning the Super Bowl, or the remarkable cold that has hit the upper midwest this past weekend, or my homemade baked beans in the oven right now.

In relevant Horror House news: We are approaching investors and hope to have our financing in place real soon. We have the first full cast meeting on February 19th. Crew interviews will be happening soon. The script will be finalized within the month. Principle photography is tentatively scheduled for the first half of June.

So that's all the news that is news. Check back in another six weeks. Actually, I'll blog after the upcoming meeting. Curb your enthusiasm. Really.

- Justen

All I want for Christmas is a budget...

Principle cast is in place, and we've got a great group of talented actors. We've had to turn down many superb actors, but that's part of the game. I am excited about our cast and I think they will carry this movie a long way.

The cart may have been placed before the horse with the cast being named before any part of the budget is in place. I am confident we will have money soon which will lift a huge burden off my shoulders. I have been working with a talented attorney who raised the money for "A Prairie Home Companion," and his insight and guidance have been wonderful. This is a very low-budget movie by Hollywood standards, but we're still looking at more money than I've ever seen. Shooting a movie is not cheap, and in order to compete with the big boys, you have to have some money in place. And we will.

So, aside from casting, all my effort has been going into creating a fundraising plan. Did I just say "all my effort?" Ha! So much of that effort is actively going into distracting myself from working on the fundraising plan. The creative side of producing is great - assembling a talented team of cast and crew, working out story details, shooting the movie - but the business side, which makes up probably 95% of producing, sucks. For me anyway. But the more difficult the journey, the more rewarding the destination, right? Right.

At any rate, things are moving along. Slowly, but surely. Hence the time between blog entries. I will continue to update as often as it seems worthwhile. When the movie gets more momentum, I hope the blog gets more visitors. Ultimately, I hope the movie finds commercial success and that people are curious enough about the movie making process to take a look at these old entries. If that's the case, I hope people will learn something along the way. After all, I still have a heart for teaching, even if it's not in the classroom anymore.

For now, I plan to enjoy Christmas. God bless!

- Justen

Callbacks

Monday night was callback night for us. Many very talented actors participated and we know we've got some strong candidates for the roles. Still, our casting search is not over. Another night of auditions is ahead of us within the month. We have no strict timeline for finalizing our cast. Frustrating as that may be for those auditioning, it is a tremendous luxury for the producers to ensure the perfect cast for this movie.

At this point, every actor who auditioned is still in the running for a role in Horror House. That said, we only have five principle roles to cast, and less than 10 day player roles. We are going to turn down some very talented actors; that's for sure.

- Justen

Auditions: Day 2

Another 26 actors auditioned for us on the second day of auditions. If I could, I'd cast all 52 men and women who have auditioned thus far. What a pleasant surprise it's been to see so many talented Minnesota, Wisconsin, and LA actors. Of course, as an actor myself, it's a little intimidating.

Notification will be sent shortly to all actors selected for call-backs. I have a feeling we will have some difficult casting decisions to make, but that's a good thing. I can't wait to have everybody in place.

- Justen

Auditions: Day 1

Twenty-six actors came in to audition for Horror House on Monday. I can truthfully say there weren't any untalented actors in the group. That amazes me, because, when calling people in based only on headshots and resumes, you're bound to get some stinkers. Not this night, though. Every actor brought something unique to the table and all proved capable of bringing to life conjured characters.

Does that mean all will be invited to callbacks? Unfortunately, no. Talent is only one piece of the puzzle in getting cast in a movie. There are many intangibles, many of which can't even be pinpointed. Sometimes it just boils down to a gut feeling shared by the majority of the casting directors. Whatever the case may be, those not called back should rest assured it was not because of lack of talent.

One more day of first-round auditions coming up, and then the difficult call-back decisions will be made.

- Justen

mindbloggling

To whom it may concern...

Welcome to the Horror House production blog. Here is where the entire production process will be chronicled. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learn something along the way.

- Justen