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.

May 23, 2002

I’m just getting off the phone with Suzie. My printer is making lights at me which says that it needs new toner, drum and another 200 expense. Derek’s playing Neil Young at my request. I have the back window of the house open and rogers cable hooked up. Am I home? I’m shooting today, and things are a bit tight with the rest of the schedule, but I still think I can get it done by the 31^st. At least most of the crew has hung in there. We have to buy beer for Craig. We keep forgetting.

what i want to do

The desire to change things...now that's a big deal. I did struggle with it for some time. I hope that my "issue films" do something that I can rationalize any number of ways but the truth is that this is the work I want to do, and that's the reason I want to do it. I also have that feeling about Devotion that you have when you know a film has to be made. I am compelled to do so and in deciding I have made myself very happy. The cash for the camera is sitting here beside me.

Casting & Ideas

I am now in need of a place to hold casting sessions. I have to schedule them somewhere. I'll ask Suzie if she has any ideas. I suppose LIFT is a possible location. It has to be cheap or free. I could also try Hart House where I did the casting for INSTANT DREAD.

IDEA - The Voice Over should come from the Devotion Speech.
IDEA - The dreams tell Alice's Story & Caroline's Story
IDEA - I have to establish that Caroline and Grant loved each other and that he has a drinking problem that leads to problems in the marraige. Caroline's chanting and songs can be a way to distract Alice from her father's moods. This sequence needs to be re-written.