Writing The Voice Over

I think as the writer of the voice over I find it hard to consider how I would feel in the face of my parent's death. I wrote the screenplay because it is the worst thing I could imagine happening to a child. What if helping others, helping Vicki, was part of Alice's own spiritual development? Mostly people don't miss the scene with Alice and Vicki by the lake, but now I have to ask myself-what are the beats in Alice's self recovery or her spiritual awakening? This is a concept that I love for the film. And it is more important to the voice over than explaining her attitude towards Melissa (that just because they are both black in a white environment doesn't mean they are going to be fast friends).

The Fine Cut is Coming Together

I had some peace (finally) watching Devotion (the June 25th cut). There are a few details left to change. I still have to send the film out to lots of people, but I've started to and as of yesterday I feel good about the picture cut. I wish it was done but I'm satisfied with it for the first time. The opening sequence is much better only now the titles need to be done also.

Friday June 13, 2003

It’s Friday the 13^th A lucky day right? I’m working on Devotion, trying to smooth out the rough spots. Now we’re working on the transition between the library scene where the kids talk about their speeches and the scene where Ms. A. apologzies to Alice for breaking her promise, and criticizing her father.

Rough Cut Screening at Ed Video Media Arts Centre

I'm recovering from the screening of the first rough cut in Guelph at the Ed Video Media Arts Centre. Thanks to Mary the screening wehn really well. The drive was bad - we took the Guelph line a dark and windy country road - and I really need new windshield wipers. Suzie, Barry, Derek and I were there. And my parents. I monitored the audio levels, changing them throughout the screening. I know where the sound is crazy loud or barely audiable.

The audience was really mature and smart and supportive and we got this great coverage in Echo Magazine with a big picture of Jasmine. Suzie told me she liked the in-camera slow motion. The audience really seemed to get how that gives us Alice's point of view. It was fun to talk about the film with people who had seen it (a bit weird though). Some scenes they responded to: The "sex scene" between Kate and Grant, the line when Alice says "to have sex? to have orgasms?" The fight scene and the scene between Kate and Alice right after it.

I Really Need Roomtones

Last week we had numerous challenges because the deck is fucked. I brought it in on Thursday morning and I think it is still covered by Sony’s warranty. Then I ran to the school to borrow a deck and another drive. The actual cut that we have been working on is not bad so far and so that was not too depressing but at the same time the drop out problems seem unsurmountable. In terms of the cut, we have to fix the Alice walking home scenes as well as trimming beginnings and endings in some places and also getting the dreams in there, even if they are not exactly right at first. I’d like to get feedback on the opening of the film, but I’m also thinking about only screening this chunk that we have re-edited already. I really need roomtones and to find all the sound notes so that we can get all the roomtones added in because not having them is really hurting the film.