Making Movies: Tough But Worth It

::: Actually drove myself into Seattle to the set location Friday afternoon only to arrive and realize they really didn't need me after all. Bah! I was a little pissed about it. They were only filming 2 car scenes and whenever they do those, I'm really of no use because they close up the car and I can't be inside. So after about an hour I decided to leave and beat the going home traffic. I then took a well-deserved nap.

::: I love what I'm doing on the film production, but this schedule is grueling and exhausting. I don't feel I'm functioning like a normal human being anymore. I'm no longer on my normal everday schedule. I'm now on filmmaking schedule and there's very little time for anything else. The crazy hours, lack of days off, shortened sleeping hours, and diminished food are all starting to take their toll. Don't get me wrong, I still love being on the set and being a part of this film, however, I'm looking forward to Sunday and our final day of shooting for a while. After the 21st, we'll only be filming on weekends into October. I keep thinking about Jensen and Jared and how they handle their schedule. I suppose you get used to it after a while. And I do have my good days and bad days. I'm sure they're the same way. Plus, they get the weekends off. We worked last weekend and will do the same this weekend. My last (and only) day off was last Friday. I'm not going to sugar-coat it. It's rough. But the work is rewarding and what I want to do. That makes it all worth it at the end of the day.

When I need to feel inspired I watch this opening sequence from "AFI's 100 Years 100 Movies" special. The song by Trisha Yearwood, the words of the song, and the images of great films is a reminder to me that the industry I'm getting into is very special. Movies are powerful. They're lasting. They can inspire, enlighten, motivate, educate, make us laugh, cry, or get angry. Making movies might not be as vital as other jobs, but there is a certain nobleness to it...a grand and illustrious history. I'm proud to be entering this industry. Watching this video makes me feel very passionate and proud of the work I do in film. It also brings tears to my eyes because it reminds me that I'm doing something that I love, but thought I'd never get to do. Twenty years ago, being on a film set was nothing but a wild dream and now I'm there...and loving it. YouTube video provided by DigitalMarathon.

Just 'Cause

This cap from S4 "Lazarus Rising".

Yep, I'm using a cap from the new season already. I just made over 900 caps from 4x01 and I want to know what everyone thinks. Make note that this is scaled down, but other than that I changed very little. Gives you a little taste until I can get the caps uploaded over the next several days. ;)
Meanwhile, I gotta get to bed. *iz sleepy* Got another full afternoon/evening on the set tomorrow.

I'm going to meet Lydecker today! ~ Hee! :D

Well folks, this is the big day on the set. This is John Savage's filming day. :D

Btw, the story behind him joining the film is that someone involved with the film (either our Line Producer or one of the actresses) knows his agent and sent the script. John read it and decided he wanted to take the role. He's playing the big bad guy. ;) One of our actresses is friends with him, I guess, so there's another plus for us. I also learned that his daughter lives up here, so he's been visiting her since he arrived on Thursday.

So the crew really needs to be on the ball today. Pressure's on. We want to make a good impression so more Hollywood actors will want to do films in Seattle again. I'm a little nervous. We're there to do our jobs and be professional. But working with a big name actor....a little intimidating. I hope he isn't the type of actor who doesn't interact with the crew. That will make things awkward. I wanna feel that I can approach him if needed. Oh, well...I'll wait and see. *hopes for a good day*

They'll be filming scenes of him in a car first thing. Then there are two big scenes indoors with a lot of dialog. This always means I need to keep tabs on the actors to make sure they stick to the script. A little variation is allowed, as long as the meaning is still there. John's a professional though, so I suspect he'll have his lines down cold. *hopes*

Anyways, *bounces*, this is going to be nerve-wracking and exciting. Expect a full report later on! :D