Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Script Excerpt!

OK folks....,here's a little preview of a scene to whet the old appetite a bit.

This scene takes place in an occult store.  Our female leads, Sammi and Beth, are going there to try and meet new people.  Sammi isn't so sure about the whole thing, but Beth is enthusiastic.

And away we go....


                                                                                       15. INT: MAGICK SHOPPE: EVENING


A group of people are milling about...some sitting, others standing in groups, chatting. BETH and SAMMI walk in the front door, only to have SAMMI try to back back out. BETH stops her and pulls her back in.


They make their way to the back of the store and look for a place to sit down. Just then, they are approached by an EAGER YOUNG LADY.


  EAGER YOUNG LADY

Hi there! Thanks for coming to the Pagan Action Coalition of Ohio, or P.A.C.O. My name is Yemayja, and I'm outreach director. Here's a copy of our agenda today (hands over two sheets of paper), and if you want to have a seat, we'll be getting going in a sec. Have an ENLIGHTENED day!


She bounces away. BETH and SAMMI stare at each other, at which point SAMMI tries to turn around and leave, only to be stopped by BETH and directed to a seat. They sit. A dark-haired young man speaks up.


DARK HAIRED MAN

OK everyone, let's get started. (waits a few beats for the chatter to subside.) OK, my name is Dylan..for those new people here...


He glances towards BETH and SAMMI. BETH smiles and waves. SAMMI rolls her eyes.


  DYLAN (was DARK HAIRED MAN)

And this is the Pagan Action Coalition of Ohio, also known as P.A.C.O...


A fiery young redhead breaks in


FIERY REDHEAD

Wait a second, we never voted on that name change!


  YEMAYJA (was EAGER YOUNG WOMAN)

Now Freya, we talked about this before...the old name had an unfortunate acronym...


  FREYA (was FIERY REDHEAD)

(partly whining) But calling ourselves the Coalition for Unity in New Times had such a futuristic vibe to it...


YEMAYJA

Freya, we took the vote at the last meeting, the one you were LATE to? And...


FREYA

(cutting her off) Besides, every Pagan group put the word “Pagan” in their name...the old name didn't have that.


YEMAYJA

(speaking over her) I am NOT GOING TO BE PART OF A GROUP CALLED “CUNT!”


DYLAN

Now guys, GUYS! Let's calm down now, OK guys? Freya, YOU were the only person who liked the old name. After spending three months worth of meetings debating it, we all decided to move on. Now to (Freya starts to protest) MOVE ON...(she shuts up)...we have to start real planning for Beltane. I know it's six months or better away, but things have a way of sneaking up on us, and the more we can get done NOW, the less we'll be scrambling at the last minute. Now Yemmie has an update on outreach...


YEMAYJA

(stands up in an EXTREMELY bouncy manner) Hi guys! OK, now I have been working on getting other groups to send people and speakers to the Beltane fest, and this year we already have a firm yes from the Druid grove!


She claps...a few other offer weak claps in return.


YEMAYJA

I KNOW, isn't it great?!? So anyway, I'm still trying to nail down someone to speak from a more Wiccan perspective, and maybe a Norse/Heathen path as well? So, if anyone knows anyone who can help, just shoot them my e-mail (to Beth and Sammi) I'll make sure you guys get it (to group) and, if we all work together, we can make this the most MAGICKAL Beltane fest ever!


DYLAN

(shaking his head and smiling) OK, great Yemmie, for that, uh ENTHUSIASTIC report. Now, we have Freya and Steph working on permits...


FREYA

Which is, like, going right on schedule. We've, like, made the initial request and Mr. Webb down at city permits says he'll rush it through.


STEPH

Yeah guys, here's where having those cleanup crews last time has paid off in spades. I mean, when most groups hold events on the park square, the city has a LOT of cleanup to do afterwards. We left that place cleaner than when we found it (to general applause)...that's right, we rule!...and now, they're going to expedite our permit. And of course, the faster we get it, the less chance some fundie hate group has time to oppose it before it's issued. So, let's DEFINATELY do that again!


DYLAN

Well, let me say that I am in COMPLETE agreement there! Now, Hyacinth, Talon...you guys want to organize cleanup again this year? (Talon and Hyacinth nod in agreement). OK, next up, uh...(checks list in hand) Hyacinth has an update on the music committee:


HYACINTH

Thanks Dyl...well, I just spoke with Trey from Wicker Man, and they'll be able to not only play, but provide a sound system...(applause) thank you, thank you...so, I think we should consider giving them the headlining spot...(general nods of agreement)...I mean, they went over great this year, and I think putting them up front on the flier will actually draw people.


FREYA

Now hold up a minute...I really think we should consider booking Inkubus Sukkubus. I mean, that kind of a major act would draw from all over the state, and really make this an EVENT...


YEMAYJA

Now Freya, girl, we talked about that...I mean, not only would they cost more than we could EVER afford, but we'd also have to fly them over from England...


FREYA

Well, I think that if we went ahead and booked them, we'd qualify for some grants (ruffles papers) I've been doing some research, and...


YEMAYJA

We. Are. Not. Booking. A. Band. From. ENGLAND!!!!!


FREYA

Hey, you know, I'm not getting very much energy from your heart-chakra here, and that is NOT A WAY TO APPROACH THINGS!!!


YEMAYJA

(over Freya's shouts) There is no way we can do it you WHORE!


Just then, a big bearded guy standing behind DYLAN silences the argument.


BIG BEARDED GUY BEHIND DYLAN

(thunderously) HEY!


DYLAN

(when things settle down) OK, now...without getting personal, I think we can all agree that, with heart-chakras wide open...that for this year, going local is more practical for our finances. (speaking up to stop Freya from interjecting) Now IF our sales table and raffle do...unnaturally well...we can look into other possibilities next year, OK? (waits for assent) Great! Now, for an update on the sale table and raffle, we turn to Yemmie...


FREYA

I thought we were going to talk about only having Vegan food at the vending stand this year...


YEMAYJA

No, no...that's next sweetie...


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Location Photos - Tredara




Hey gang....

I was just at Tredara this past weekend, and took a few pictures.  A fairly pivotal scene will take place here, so these pictures can be a preview of what's to come, film-wise...


Friday, June 18, 2010

Calling All Actors!

Here's the e-mail I'm sending to all who send in a head-shot and bio to audition for the film "Dark of Moon".  I think you should find it entertaining...

**************************************************************

Hi there! You're getting this e-mail because you (or someone using this e-mail account) sent in a headshot and bio for a new movie I'm casting called “Dark of Moon”. Since everyone needs the same information (and I don't want to type a long bloody e-mail every time someone responds to my ad), I've taken the liberty to write this information down ahead of time. The notification e-mail you get telling you about live auditions will also probably be pre-written. When I speak to you face-to-face, however, I promise to craft each sentence verbally just for you. No pre-recorded voices will be used.


It's the least I can do.


Oh, and I try to have a sense of humour all of the time. Saves on ulcer medication.


What we're doing here:

----------------------------

What I'm doing is collecting information on actors and then, when I have a definite casting date set, letting everyone know via e-mail. Maybe I'll use an e-mail subject that says something about South African Princes, just to make sure you see it. Then again, something tells me this might be a bad idea. Anyway, I'll also be doing blind casting (putting out notices and then seeing who shows up) if I need to, but if I have a good pool of people who have already contacted me, I may very well have a casting day just for them first, and then doing the blind call if I need to. So congratulations...sending in your info ahead of time means that you won't just be thrown in with a bunch of strangers come casting day. You'll instead be thrown in with a bunch of strangers who like to answer ads on Craig's List!


Wait...something about that doesn't look all that inviting.


I'll also be sending out audition sheets to people on the e-mail list, so you'll have at least a week to look them over BEFORE auditioning.

Be sure to read over the descriptions provided below...let me know which part you'd like me to send you the audition sheets for. If you'd like to leave it up to my “gut”(as substantial as it is), then don't mention a part...I'll pick one for you. Remember, as always, just because you read for one part doesn't mean that you won't get cast in another part...but I promise, NOBODY will be cast as an albino monk. Thus, no albino monks need apply.


So, if you could, if you haven't already, send me an official "head shot" (a picture of you from the shoulders up. Please, no dirty pictures. If I want those, I'll Bit Torrent them like any good computer geek), and a brief list of past accomplishments acting-wise.  Even if they're only High School plays.  I actually don't give a shit if someone has never acted in their life...if they can do the part, and do it well, then they're in.  I just need something to put in the old file here. If I have nothing, I may make something up, which means that there will be a lot of people who played “Dead Corpse #5” in Buffy.

If you've already sent in a headshot and bio, please disregard that last paragraph. Really...forget all about it. It never existed. These aren't the droids you're looking for. Look into this pretty light on my flashy thing here while I put on my sunglasses, and...


This is, as we see so often around these parts, a low/no budget film. Unlike other upstarts, we're not making up for our lack of fundage by dumping buckets of blood on everything (as therapeutic as that is). No, we're making up for it by the quality of our performances, the near-genius level abilities of our editor, and the intense dedication shown by all areas of our cast and crew. Plus, a complete and utter lack of any albino monks makes this a fun yet dedicated bunch to work with. We aim to make something we can all be proud of, and that will shine like a beacon on our resumes.


Thanks for taking the initiative.  You're just the kind of person we need more of in the world. Way more than albino monks. Send the stuff in, and I'll let you know when we have a casting date.

Non-Snarky Information:


The Movie:

Five friends...Beth & Sammi (the two women), and Zeke, Miller, and Drew (the guys)...have known each other since college.  They have a small Wiccan circle that used to be bigger, but careers and college have whittled it down to the five, which has been quite stable for the past few years.  That all changes when one of them, Zeke, leaves to join another group.  His defection leads the other four to take a good look at their lives...their jobs, their love lives, etc...and to try and get their collective houses in order.  The film focuses on Beth's search for true love, and she drags Sammi along for the ride.  Zeke's struggle is also a key part of the film.  It features fast-paced dialogue, plenty of commentary on pop culture, and some tender moments as well.

Character Descriptions:


Beth – Female. Beth is quiet, contemplative, yet a decisive and capable leader. She will do what's needed, all while asking the others about their needs. She's not one to speak out in group, but simply listens and does what she can do at her best. The rest is left to Zeke. Beth likes working with Zeke, and they have bonded over their own dating disasters. While she wouldn't mind getting to know Zeke even better, things are just so free and easy that she's not driven to rock the boat. She views Sammi as her other half, who she chastens for her language all the while being inwardly glad that SOMEONE said what needed to be said (even if they were a bit more blunt than she would have liked). Miller is very much a brother figure, while Drew is almost like “one of the girls”...that's why Beth shares a house with both Sammi and Drew.


Zeke – Male. Zeke is the most successful, career-wise, than any of them. He works in a company that develops new forms of computer security, and is good at his job (graphical designer). He's not showy, but he does speak up more than Beth does in the group. He doesn't seek the spotlight, but will step in if needed. He winds up doing the things in the coven that Beth can't cover, and has grown quite close to Beth during this time. He has real respect for Beth...the others he loves, but sees as lovable screw-ups, always needing bailed out and catered to. Though successful at his job, he's felt that his life has hit a lull, and he doesn't want it to turn into a rut. He focuses on his spiritual practice, and decides to shake things up to re-invigorate his life. He meets and gets to know a coven from an older style of Wicca, Gardnerian, one that has experienced people who can teach him instead of learning from books. He decides to leave his old coven, and join this group.


Sammi – Female. Sammi is blonde (preferably), thin (likewise), and has a unique shield to protect herself from life...she curses like a longshoreman. Her language is, as Beth likes to say, “Robust”, and thinks nothing of hurling obscenities to express herself. She uses the language to shield herself from “overly sensitive” types...she figures that if anyone is going to be put off by some meaningless cultural faux-pas, then she shouldn't waste her time on them. Those who look past the gruff (in demeanour) exterior, and get to know the person inside, only THEY are worthy of calling “friends”. She just might have a point here.


Miller – Male. He's the jester of the group. He's a wise-cracking type, who feigns immaturity yet has his shit amazingly together. He likes Wicca because of the fun aspect...they have fun when they circle together, and this has won his heart away from mainstream faiths, which he calls “depressive”. He likes to smoke pot, and is usually there to suggest this to his friends. None of them are drinkers, but they will (occasionally) indulge in some smoke. He views Sammi as a bratty younger sister, and his taunts are that of a sibling taunting another, not in a mean way. He thinks Zeke is too serious, and would like Beth to loosen up as well. Drew he just views as one of the girls, and feels a little protective of him.


Anyone who would like to read for a minor character (who are in scenes ranging from 1 to 8 scenes apiece) can request a supporting character audition sheet in addition to one of the leads. This means you read at least twice. ALL ACTORS MUST READ FOR ONE OF THE FIVE MAIN CHARACTERS. If you don't specify a major character, I'll look at your head shot and send one that I think might fit you. Not to be mean, but even if you don't think you're right for one of the five main parts, I might think you are. I want the best people for the roles, period. So be bold!... go for a starring role. You might just get it. If you're going for a starring role and would like to read for a minor character in order to cover your bases, that's shiny...just specify one of the ones below.


The available minor character parts are:


Oak in 8 scenes

Male. Oak is an ADF Druid, a Celtic re-constructionist group that's spread across the US, England, and Australia. While young himself, he has a natural maturity about him that will serve as a powerfully attractive force for Sammi. He comes in during scene 21 (out of 32), but plays a decent role in the last 1/3 of the film.

Angela in 7 scenes

Female. Miller's new girlfriend. While she's mentioned early on, she doesn't make an appearance until scene 19. She finds Miller endearing, and falls for him in spite of his outward facade of immaturity. She doesn't get rattled by the explicit remarks made by Sammi and Miller at times.


Dylan in 5 scenes

Male. The lead facilitator of the “Pagan Activist Coalition of Ohio” or P.A.C.O. He's able to corral an unruly bunch of ragtag Wiccans and Pagans into a group that actually gets something done. When he's not in “leader mode”, he's quiet and unassuming.


Sammi's Date in 1 scene

Male. A sci-fi geek who gets girls and dating horribly wrong. He makes one brief appearance, but it's a good one.


Hyacinth in 1 scene

Female. In charge of arranging musical entertainment for P.A.C.O.'s Beltane festival. Organized, enthusiastic.


Freya in 1 scene

Female. Young, fiery member of P.A.C.O. Likes to get her way. Idealistic. In a perfect world, will be played by a red-head. One scene, but VERY memorable!


Mordwyn in 1 scene

Female. Younger (age 26) member of Zeke's new coven. Beautiful, flirtatious. Has broken more than a few hearts. Mentioned often, but only seen once.


Steph in 1 scene

Female. Works on getting permits for P.A.C.O.'s Beltane festival. Organized and studious.



New Craig's List Ad Up - Looking For Cast

Here's the link: http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tfr/1797852003.html

Here's the text of the ad:

Cast Needed For Independent Comedy (Northeastern Ohio)

"Dark of Moon", an independent comedy, is due to begin shooting in mid-August or the first week of September. While I will be posting information about open casting soon, I am currently building a call list for auditions.

Interested people should send a head shot and bio. I'll catalogue the information, and when a definite casting date is set I'll send out a notice telling everyone where and when. The advantage to being on the e-mail notify list is that I'll be sending out audition sheets a week ahead of time, so that all who send in info can familiarize themselves with just what they'll be auditioning with ahead of time. I also may not make the first casting session open...it MAY just be for people on the notify list. So, if you want to make sure you can audition for a NON-HORROR movie in Northeastern Ohio, getting on the notify list is a good thing. Those who send in information about themselves will get more information on available characters and the film's plot.

"Dark of Moon" is a comedy about five friends at a crossroads in their lives. It will be shot in High Definition, over a period of 4 to 8 weeks. This is a low/no-budget movie, though one that will be aggressively marketed throughout the US and other English-speaking countries. It's also quite funny.

There are four principal parts to be cast, as well as a number of supporting roles. Doubling up as crew WILL get you multiple credits on the film. We're going to try and make this fun, as well as professionally rewarding.

If you don't like Craig's List automated e-mail addys, send your head shot and bio to taliesin at neo dot rr dot com

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That's it.  If you know of any male or female actors who would like to be a part of a snarky comedy, direct them to this blog post.  

Gar-oovy!

Cheers,

 - Taliesin

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Production Diary: Pre-Production Part One

On 08 June 2010, I posted an ad at Craig's List looking for crew for the film. The ad said this:

...

Well, I *could* post the text of the ad, if I hadn't deleted it already. I did that right before I started writing this blog post. The well-organized person within me said "Hey, let's delete that Craig's List ad before anyone else responds", and did it right away. The writer in me decided that the text of the ad would be a groovy thing to put in this "story so far..." kind of article. Only the writer in me is a little too stoned to speak up enough to drown out the well-organized person, so it's needs were heard too late. Bugger.

What the ad basically said was that I was looking for a camera operator to work on a low/no budget film called "Dark of Moon". The post was  written in my "laid back" style, because I'm just not ready to put on my "boring old business-man" hat just yet. Once this film is made, and 
we're trying to distribute it, *then* I'll write nice, concise, dreadfully dull prose meant to impress office managers and not scare away the generously wealthy.

Once I wrote the ad, a good friend of mine (who just happens to be an ace cameraman) sent me a message on Facebook telling me that what I  *really* wanted to say was that I was looking for a DP (Director of Photography, NOT "Double Penetration", you filthy-minded perverts!) / 
Cinematographer, not just a camera-operator. I guess I can craft a well-written ad (while spelling "colour" with a "U"...get used to it),  but the movie jargon stuff is still growing on me.  

The end result is, we now have a Director of Photography (who will be henceforth known as the DP, filthy minds be damned). I'll say just who once I get a few more crew positions nailed down, and then have a "meet the crew"-type post (which, while it may be more informative than the Ben Stiller film "Meet the Frockers", will almost certainly be funnier as well). So I took the ad down. About five minutes too soon.

Dammit.

Anyway, this is going to be the space where we, the cast and crew of "Dark of Moon", keep everyone apprised of our progress towards making this movie available to the public at large. I'll try to make this interesting...getting lost in the details may be fine for Virgos (myself), Capricorns (my DP), and other earth signs, but it can get dreadfully dull for anyone else. Being that this film is a comedy, I'll try to make this blog as entertaining as I can.

I'll probably be more verbose earlier on...as we start principal photography, my posts may just be scenes shot, people involved, etc. But I will try to keep up.

Oh, and I should probably spill the beans and announce my Co-Producer, because she'll most likely be writing bits to put up here fairly soon. Her name is Leigh Adamkiewicz, and I met her while writing the independent TV show "Quarter Bin". We wound up being the writing dynamic duo on THAT show, and she's been kind enough to volunteer to help me bring my vision to fruition on this film.

I'll also be announcing casting decisions once we have the cast in place. Anyone in Northeastern Ohio who wants to send in a headshot and bio to be contacted when we have a casting date, well...I'll be putting up a Craig's List ad soon, so I'll link to it once I have the ad in place. I'll also record the text of the ad here, so my more-organized self won't tidy another piece of my film's history into oblivion.

Until next time,

Cheers!

- Taliesin

This Is Only A Test

This Is Only A Test

(see?  I told you so...)