Lights, Camera, Action!
It’s not often I spend a year and a half in pre-production. That’s quite a while to be zeroed in so tightly. It’s also a long time to cast and keep connected with actors, build costumes, select and reselect locations, dress sets, find and create props, music, rehearsal, plan for this, plan for that, logistics, think, think and more think. A lot evolved in the meantime, including the scripts. Despite insurmountable circumstances dictating the length of time, it finally paid off this week. It was magical!
I had the great opportunity to work with my grand-nephews during production. They traveled over twelve hundred miles by plane to shoot my two book trailers. Joseph, the cinematographer, and editor, wielded his 4K camera like a pro. His brother, Charles, the camera assist, actor, and drone operator, was equally skilled. Their youthful sense of adventure was often on display and much appreciated. I chose some tricky locations which required physical agility and fortitude. They were up for the challenge and made the entire process a pleasure. Most importantly, my actors were at ease working with these talented young men, allowing positive, creative energy to abound. A huge thanks to my nephew, Shon, and their awesome mother, Elizabeth, for making this happen.
My cast was unbelievable. A round of applause, please. Ashley played the fairy, Rhue-wyn, Seth, the traveler, and Jeannie, the cloaked guide and storyteller. If you can imagine a dream cast, multiply it by a thousand, and you may come close to this group of players. I asked them to go barefoot in the forest; climb a slick boulder at the base of a waterfall at the height of runoff; scale steep hillsides; walk on a mossy, fallen tree that stretched across a creek, and work in all kinds of spring weather and temperatures. They did it without question or hesitation. I can’t thank them enough for sharing their time, energy, and talents. Although we took each shot seriously, we sure had fun.
My supportive crew was terrific as well. Sulet, the sewing machine whisperer, stitched everything I designed, cut, and pinned together and handled craft services. Russ, the tool man, renovated and fixed things on set. Liz and Saafe helped financially and with the running of errands. Sharon’s design skills were on tap, as well as her willingness to play an extra. Mariam squeezed in several make-up sessions and did the artwork for a pivotal book cover. My niece, Katy, and three of my grandnieces, Clara, Nollie, and Addie, played extras. A shout-out to their parents for their travel and for ensuring they were on set when I needed them. And, Nancy, for the loan of lights. Having a team of friends and family that backs all my bigger-than-life ideas is a great feeling. A huge thanks to everyone else who helped in other ways and cheered us on. Indeed, it was magical.
Now, onto post-production. Let the editing begin. The trailer is a pre-story to the book’s backstory. Better late than never.
The second trailer we shot is for the book I’m writing: The 14th Tale.
Stay tuned. Big things are happening.
