Monday, July 18, 2011

An Open Letter at the Close of Principle Photography

Dear Cast, Crew, & Supporters of Red Scare, 

Tonight at around 9:20pm, we wrapped principle photography of "Red Scare." Nearly 2 months of work, and we are finally here. We still have some post pick up shots and audio work, but by and large we are done and ready to break into post production. There are so many pieces in the Red Scare puzzle, I just want to acknowledge you all. 

To the people who were with me before (on BGR): I can't believe I am lucky enough to have a group of people who are more than willing to join me and help bring my scripts to life. I seriously love you all so much. You make a great experience greater. 

To the people who were with me before, but took on bigger roles: Billy, I know we were worried about your schedule, but everything worked out. Your vision really is terrific, and I am glad you finally got to direct one of my movies. Sean, the quiet guy from BGR, stepped up and really blew everyone away. I can't believe how talented you are. You more than did your job this summer, and I am so happy that you were able to work on this project. Loarina, was an all around awesome person on set all summer, from doing makeup, to organizing things, to making sure I didn't lose my mind this summer. Miriam, too, helped me from going crazy by doing too many things to note. Isaac helped out as many days as he could from financially to wherever we put him. You got many thankless jobs, but never complained, and I thank you for doing all you do. Tony, who worked on some post audio work for BGR and lights for one day, came aboard as our Head Gaffer, and did an AMAZING job. The movie looks beautiful, in very large part to you. And Joey, who was sound warlock, but also helped with lighting from time to time, and just showed up everyday rain or shine. Thank you all so very much for being there. 

To the newbies: I expect my friends to work with me. I am always surprised how far they are willing to go for me, but I expect them to be there. On this movie, we held auditions and welcomed a whole new batch of actors to the group. They are some of the most talented people I have ever met. I used to think that last years' cast was the best I ever worked with, but with the addition of these newbies, I can say that Red Scare has the best cast I have ever worked with. Truly amazing people with so much incredible talent... I am glad that they found their way to my little group. I would love to work with all of you again as much and as often as possible. 

To our supporters: Thank you for your donations. You make this whole process a little more enjoyable, and a little easier on my wallet. I thank you, and promise you an amazing, hilarious movie, that you will be proud to have your name on. 

To those who haven't donated yet: Do it... Please... We can use as much help as we can. I will put out whatever the difference is between what we get, and what we need, but I can only do this so often. The more we get, the more we will be able to do in the future. Also, this movie will be HILARIOUS. The first screening will be for cast, crew, and donors. If you donate as little as $15, you will have a ticket secured. If you don't donate, I cannot promise you a ticket. At best, I can say we may sell tickets when the time comes, but if we do it will be for more than $15. So, donate now, save some money when we screen, and you will have a great time. 

It feels weird being done. Everyone I talked to has said the same thing. The shoot flew by. 26 days done, and it is so surreal. I chalk this up to an amazing movie... that was made by the best cast and crew in the business. 

Stay tuned!

Sam 
Actor, Writer, Producer, 
Red Scare





































Monday, July 11, 2011

Raw Meat, Apple Pies, and Sunburn... Oh My!

Shooting in the summer is good for a few reasons. We have the use of our DP, Sean, who otherwise would be at school. My work schedule is lightened during the summer as well. One of the not-so-great things about shooting in the summer is the heat. Yesterday was incredibly hot out, unless you were in the shade. From 11am-5:30pm, we shot in the sun. We took a few breaks in the shade, but not enough. 

And so, as I write this my face is much redder than usual, despite the use of sun block. Added to that, I had raw meat thrown at me (all as part of the shoot), which was probably the most disgusting thing that has ever happened to me on film. 
In the end, though, it was worth it. We got an amazing day of footage. Everything looks fantastic. We hired the amazing fight choreographers of "Half Assed Fight Choreographers" to work on a fight scene and they did an excellent job of that. We had our largest group of zombies yet, and that scene went really well. Added to that our cast & crew were magnificent as always. 

It was really a day where the benefits outweighed anything bad. Below are some pictures. 

Til next time! 

Stay tuned! 

Sam 
Actor, Writer, Producer
Red Scare