We’re Two Weeks into Production
Sometime last summer Joseph and I got the crazy idea that it was time for us to make a feature-length narrative film called, Ace of Hearts. At the time, we were a few months into shooting our first documentary feature and we were starting to look ahead. Though I was dreaming big, I had no idea how the next 8 months would pan out.
During October, I started to outline and rewrite an old play I had written years before. During November, I wrote the first draft of the script. It was just 75 pages, but I felt that the core story was there. Then, Joseph and I got to work breaking the script and putting it back together again.
In December, we announced that we were ready to start casting. A friend of a friend told Michael :Ocho” Ochotorena about the movie and he contacted me. I didn’t understand why someone with his experience would be interested in our little independent production, but he did. I’ve told him as much since then. He just laughs and says that he believes in what we’re doing. Thank you for that belief.
What followed was an amazing series of events as we met more and more wonderful actors who were excited to be part of a new production right here in Arizona. We’ve learned there is an amazing film community here. We’re so proud to be a part of it.
Earlier this month, we started production. We chose something simple to get our feet wet–a four page scene a few miles into the desert behind my house. It happened to include me. Honestly, it was rough wanting to be behind the camera, working out the bugs, and getting ready to act. Ocho was amazing and incredibly supportive. We had a great day, but there were some technical hick-ups so we decided to reshoot.
Last weekend, in the rain and mud we reshot our desert scene. This time around, the production, cold and wet as it may have been, went much smoother. We got some great footage and even better performances. Seeing Ocho with snow flurries land on his forehead complaining about the weather added a lot to the scene.
We took lunch and after resolving a few issues (like Joseph fixing a flat tire), we spent the next six hours shooting an important scene with Ocho and Madelyne Waite. It went great. It was a busy day. We shot about 10 pages in all–which is a lot.
As we get ready to get back to the grind this weekend, I wanted to stop and thank all of those who have been patient as we get up and running and who have already been through the mud–literally–with us. You’re the reason why our little upstart production is going to be so good. Thanks for all you do and who you are.
This weekend we hope to shoot 15 pages. Wish us luck!
