PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY IS COMPLETE !

The principal photography wrapped in May 2010! Ever since the disappearance of Robert Hurley, the co-screenwriter, the production faced odd challenges and hurdles. (Please read about them and view our Video Journals.) Hurley’s disappearance remains a perplexing mystery. Yet, with perseverance, tenacity, and the dedication and hard work by our talented cast and crew, we have successfully completed a great principal photography. Although many of our original cast and crew members had to leave the production for various reasons (see our pre-production pages), we were lucky to have found such talented new cast and crew members. I am so proud and thankful for their talent, hard work, and dedication. Of course, as a small independent film, it wasn’t easy. Everyone put in long hours and endured tough challenges. We couldn’t pamper the cast and crew like a major studio film. The food wasn’t always so good, and we certainly could have used more equipment. But these challenges only caused everyone to work harder, and we’re excited to be moving into post-production with terrific footage.

OCTOBER 15TH, 2009

The Film is Cast!". Sweet words for all the creative team in any project, but especially true here. As casting director, one of my primary concerns is to find and deliver not just a talented assortment of actors - but the RIGHT assortment.  Chemistry is important, as is the vision of the director. During the (extended) audition process, we were able to discover some wonderful actors, and put together the puzzle in such a way that will help ensure a fine finished product. Curiously enough, there were some actors who came in and did an excellent job at one role - but were ultimately booked for a very different part - a tribute to their versatility. I can honestly say we took as much care in the selection of each role - from the leads to smaller roles,  because each choice effects the fabric and personality of the ensemble - which to me is key. A benefit of working in Independent  films, IS that artistic integrity - not being bound to a particular studio, or having the process overseen by "committee"  allows the artistic vision to flourish.

I am also very proud of some of the actors who were NOT cast. In the midst of callbacks, it was my goal to offer a number of subtle choices to the director - not just the few best. Therefore, while not being able to use them for THIS project, I was confident that ANY of the people brought in for the final callbacks COULD play the part very well, (each in their own way), and so it became a matter of mixing and matching styles or attributes while never sacrificing quality.... I will most certainly remember them for future projects.

But the process continues to evolve, I just got an E-mail telling me that we need 3 new characters created in a re-write. Oh, well... back to work.

By Lailah Moridzadeh, Assistant to Producer:

Finding the right “Irina” has become the biggest challenge.  The character must be sassy, strong, confident, but icy.  We’ve had girls be too sexy, too soft, too angry, too wrong!   We’ve had many performances fall short, but we’ve had a few potentials.  I’m waiting for the perfect “Irina” walk through our theater doors and amaze us. It takes more than a Russian looking girl to fit the role.  She has got to be able to convey the layers of her complex personality through her sour eyes and facial expressions.  It must radiate from her perfectly.  

But it seems like what is missing from the auditioners for Steven is the enthusiasm that I see in the part.  He is incredibly method because he is so enthusiastic about this material.  A lot of people made him sound like he was irritated and I don't think that should be the prevailing impression.  And there needs to be a lot more sincerity or earnestness and excitement.  And that's where the humor comes in with Irina!

Because Steven is like jumping up and down with excitement and rams into Irina, who is this brick wall.  And it's funny and engaging because of that opposition.

After about eleven (or more!) pre-screenings the first set of call backs have begun and things went wonderfully.  We knocked out two auditions in one week, and the second set was a good success.  The guys were great and this time, a few of the girls shined!