Welcome to Chad Garrison's (Director, Writer, Producer)

Production Diary for Whitewash

Off With a Bang! - Tuesday, May 31st 2005

   Today the seal was broken. We officially started filming the movie. For me personally it was met with mixed sense of apprehension and excitement. This was mostly because of the events that had led up to today.

   It’s crazy to me that no matter how well you plan for things something will always pop up unexpected. In this case, it was the matter of losing a lead actor. It’s tough when you work with someone, start to get excited about the character and role they will play and then have them leave because of philosophical differences in the way of business. The funny thing is when you’re doing ultra-low budget indie film like we’ve been doing for years, there really is no business side. I think we’ve made money on one of our films (The Disc) but even that was just enough to make back what we put in.

   Regardless, we move forward. We’re pushing to fill the role before next week. We’re lucky right now, because in the process of rearranging the shooting schedule twice for this actor, we created almost an entire week where we didn’t have to shoot any scenes with his character. If we don’t fill the role before next week we’ll have to postpone and reschedule; something no one wants to do.

   As for the first day’s shoot, it was a dream. I’m so glad to have our team back together again. We been able to duplicate the team chemistry we had on our previous film. Since today was kind of an odd day to shoot (Tuesday afternoon) we were lesser in numbers. But Carl Jamerson continues to prove to me what an asset he’s become, and an even greater assistant! Dennis has jumped in and really taken ownership of his producing role. I’ve been quite impressed on his proactive movement, always thinking ahead. And I can’t tell you how nice it is to not worry about sound this time around and just let Chris handle it!

   It’s funny, the actual filming went great, but once again the lead up to it was a bit tumultuous. Our location, The Coffee Cup Café, almost forgot we were shooting there today, and Chris had to scramble last second to the store to find a hair tie for Kelly, our female lead. Even before there seemed to be some nervous tension on set. But once we ran through the scenes a few times that quickly vanished. It’s nice to be reassured you have cast the right actors when you watch them work. Bryan has slipped into the role of Newman exactly like I had envisioned him, and has even begun to show me things that I hadn’t yet thought of for the character. Kelly is absolutely perfect for the part of Allison. She’s got a natural sweetness about her, and just carries a genuineness to her character that is going to work well for the film. Not to mention the chemistry they already have that translates well to the screen. It’s stuff like this that make me forget about all the other production woes. Despite loose ends and unexpected catastrophe, I’m optimistic and very excited about the rest of production. Besides, without issues like these, there’d be no good stories to tell…

Planes, Trains and Lighting Automobiles – June 2nd, 2005

   The wind is not your friend. Personally, I’ve never liked it either. On this particular day it caused all kinds of ruckus. When we originally scouted today’s location (Chris’ Dad’s office exterior) the sound was relatively quiet. But enter the wind, and suddenly take-off flight plans from McCarran Airport shift to directly over our location. Not to mention a scene that was originally an exterior, was moved to the interior of the car because of the wind and jet planes flying overhead. Oh yes, and let’s not forget the trains (3 to be exact) that passed by during shooting. Somehow we missed the fact that tracks run parallel to the building’s back lot. The best part though had to be our method of getting power to the lights. Since it was a back lot of a business office at night, Chris and Dennis shimmied up the ladder to the roof, and pulled power off an outlet on the side of the buildings swamp coolers. If that’s not indie, I don’t know what is!

   Then there was the business of lighting. Finding the perfect mesh of ambient mood lighting for a scene through tinted car windows proved to be trickier than I expected. But once we got it set, it was semi-smooth sailing. Doing lines between airplane take-offs was tedious and a bit frustrating to me, but if it was to the actors it didn’t show. They once again brought the scene to life. I’m really excited to see it edited together, because just raw is great stuff by itself.

   Although tedious and late (shooting wrapped at 1:30 am) the shoot was a complete success. Production for this movie seems to hit adversity and use it to refine and shape the overall product. Kind of like the refining of silver. We get boiled so hot that the imperfections melt right out, making the finished work something truly priceless. On that note, we have recast our missing role and secured some elusive locations. Scheduling has had to change a bit, but like before we press on.

Add Elray into the Fray – June 5th, 2005

   Day three, and we add a new actor into the mix. We’ve begun filming Bobby Rodgers playing the part of Elray. Elray’s character is that of the wise mentor to Bryan’s character, Newman. One thing I’ve always like about making movies is how non-linear the process is. For example, today was Bobby’s first shoot on the film, but the scene was his one of his final moments in the film. Not to mention some of the events the actors refer to, they themselves only have the script as a reference. That’s acting, and impressive. Everyday I go to film with these guys, I can’t believe how lucky we’ve gotten to have such good actors doing this for the love of acting and filmmaking. 

   The day’s shoot was once again adjusted for wind. I swear March was 3 months ago, but we seem to be having its weather here in June. But technically the shoot went great. We took some shots that are supposed to be moving shots inside a truck. So we employed the old shake the truck trick to give the appearance of movement. Then finally jumped in the back of my truck while the actors followed to get them driving. Good day, let’s pray for more of this.

Mother Nature Wins – June 6th, 2005

   Wind – 3 FRP – 0 Today’s shoot had to be postponed due to hurricane force winds. Maybe not that bad, but windy enough to knock over lights, and effect the rain rigs Dennis and Chris have been working on for 2 months now. Did I mention I hate wind?

Kissing Hank and Drunk Neighbors – June 7th, 2005

   Peace be still, and it was. I’d say a day late, and a dollar short, but this is so low budget, it’s more like a…um…free short? Whatever. Tonight was good man. As far as the script, we got into some of the meat of the story with some big scenes. First we filmed the scenes involving Bryan and Kelly finally acting on feelings of love that we’ve built up in previous scenes, or as some might call it, “kissing”. I could tell they were both nervous, heck I was nervous too! Crazy huh? But I had every crew member watching to make sure the kiss was good and believable. After the first take, the nervousness was gone, and it looked great. By the 27th take I asked them if we could move on to the next scene cause it was getting late…just kidding. Once we finally got that sequence done, Kelly was wrapped and we added Michael Cassano for the first time as Hank.

   Before I sing his praises, keep this in mind. Michael was cast as Hank last Thursday, received the script Friday, performed in “Taming of the Shrew” all weekend, and met with us tonight to film probably the longest scene with the most lines by his character. So needless to say I didn’t know what to expect. But all my concerns were quickly put to rest. Michael not only understood the character and his relation to the scene, but added little nuances and subtle looks within his performance. It was great. The only reason we went long was as I mentioned earlier, the length of the actual scene. I wanted to make sure we covered every angle that needed to be covered.

   Oh yeah, I’d only be telling half the story if I didn’t give the little side notes. Whenever you film where there isn’t normally a movie being made, you get onlookers. Tonight it was cars slowing to see what we were doing, and people coming in and out of their homes. And then there was the drunk guy walking his dog. I say drunk only because he carried an empty beer bottle and actually walked into the background of one of the shots. Neat. Our crew was small again, and short one producer since Dennis had to work. So at one point it, there were three of us. Skeleton Crew indeed. But a great day, a late night (finished @ 12:30 am) and renewed sense of optimism for the project. Take that wind!

Walk in the Park – June 11th, 2005

   Today was supposed to be one the ‘light days” of shooting that we had scheduled. I’m learning that on this project there really isn’t such a thing as “light shooting”. Maybe it’s that I got spoiled shooting “The Disc”, where we had two real big days of shooting with three days of pickups. Or it could have been the fact that even though this was a Saturday, all of us (Producers anyway) were coming straight from work.

   Anyway, we started by changing our location for a scene with Bryan and Kelly minutes before filming. I can’t remember why we switched, but we ended up using the shops around the corner, still under construction. It looks great, but this was our first day shooting in the Vegas heat, and the asphalt was still pretty new in the parking lot. Mix heat and new asphalt, and you’ve got sticky bottoms of shoes. The scene went well. We kept the AC on Bryan and Kelly between takes. Then we basically did a bunch of shots with Kelly that are supposed to look like surveillance footage at the mailbox, store fronts, etc.

   The real test of patience came for a scene that takes place in the park. In the script, Bryan films Kelly with his camcorder and then sprinklers are supposed to come on, and she tries to get him to run through them. Flash-forward to reality, we have no control over park sprinklers, so we tried to find a park with a water play area, with flowers near by. I’m thinking we’re screwed because we live in the desert and I wanna know who wrote this crap! Then Jeanette, our makeup/wardrobe goddess suggests a nearby park that actually has a pond and waterfall, with flowers around it! SNAP! So we go there, and the scene is all one angle, should be easy right? Enter tractor noise, wind, and any other noise, coupled with the waterfall, and you’ve got one heck of a shoot. Ten takes later, we get what we want, and after watching it again, it looks beautiful, but I’m almost positive we’ll be redoing the sound entirely. Sweet, more work for Chris.

Summer Rain - June 12th, 2005

   After waiting almost a week, we’re finally shooting part of the rain sequence. As I mentioned earlier, the wind postponed this shoot, but tonight we control the weather! (Insert mad scientist laughter here) Tonight, my wife Lindsay decided to tag along and help, and I was going to be getting there early to shoot a camp video with Dennis (2 hours early) and to my surprise, so did most of the crew. I guess we either forgot to tell them the time changed, or we are horrible communicators, but here we were nonetheless with five extra crewmembers, watching me do a camp video.

   Once we got done with that Chris, Dennis and I had a quick pow-wow to determine how we were going to use this spare time and crew. It actually worked out to our advantage! Chris took some to prep for lighting and the rain rigs, while Dennis and I used Allen Alvarez to choreograph the two fights in the film. Allen has extensive training in martial arts and kickboxing, and what an asset he’s become behind the scenes as well!

   About 10 pm, Bryan showed after coming straight from work. Now we begin! (Insert mad scientist laughter here) I mentioned yesterday that there is no longer a “light” or “easy” shooting day, and today reaffirmed that. There were a total of 9 shots today, and it took us about 3 hours to film them. Setting rain, and then trying to light the rain at the same time is incredibly difficult, and at times frustrating. I started out thinking, we’ve got too much crew tonight for these easy shots, and turned into “praise Jesus hallelujah” we have all the people we need! In the process, one of Dennis’ neighbors came home and we got to talking to him only to find out that Dennis and I graduated from the same high school he did! He stuck around and watched us film, then just jumped in and started helping! Ben, that’s his name but good Samaritan sounds better, started helping move lights, wrap cords, pull hoses, heck he even offered to get me water! I couldn’t believe what was happening. So we basically offered him a job that doesn’t pay, and he gladly accepted it, just wanting to be a part. That’s awesome.

   Back to the rain. The rigs Chris and Dennis built worked great for the car stuff, but when it came to filming Bryan walking, you couldn’t even tell it was there. Then Bryan suggests we just use the hose and Dennis’ finger. Eureka! That’s it! The raindrops look bigger, and more intense, and soak the entire scene. It will be a suggestion Bryan will regret and resent later. (Insert mad scientist laughter here)  I stood underneath the rig as a guinea pig for a shot, and got a taste of the cold water coming down. Now let’s stick Bryan in there. (Insert mad scientist laughter here) First few shots were ok, and then he started to shiver. At about midnight, I’m sure his train of thought was something like this: “Hmmm, cold rain from a hose, middle of the night, freezing my blanks off- but the pay is great! What did he just say? Let’s do it again?” Bryan’s a real trooper, and I have a new found respect for his dedication to his craft.

   Once the night was over, we were exhausted, but happy. I was nervous about how it would turn out, but after watching the dailies, it looks wonderful. There’s only one pick up shot that we forgot to get, and Bryan will be happy to know that he’s inside the car when it rains. (Insert mad scientist laughter here)

You Caught Me Monologuing - June 13th, 2005

   I knew when we scheduled tonight’s shoot it was going to be long. I knew this because the scene we’re filming is the film’s climax, a scuffle mixed with an exchange of words, lots and lots of words. Michael, our dual-sided Hank character made the comment that he felt a lot like that scene in the Incredibles, where the villain catches himself monologuing. Not that we do that, it’s actually more of a lot of revelation happening in the scene, and the only way to really show that in is through dialogue.

   I gotta say, the shoot went surprisingly smooth. We got started about 45 minutes late only because of choreographing and rehearsing the fight. Then since it is one of the longest scenes (2nd only Michael’s first night of shooting) we didn’t find ourselves wrapping until about 1 am. These late nights, early mornings aren’t as easy as they used to be. Wow, I just sounded old there.

   Good night for the actors also. Michael really got to jump into the opposite personality of his character, and they both got to wear fake blood and bruises. Neat. And despite the dark mood of the scene we managed to keep it light on the set. I actually caught myself having fun shooting. There must be something wrong with me.

Wait, You Mean We’re Done? The Sun’s Still Out!

June 14th, 2005

   Today’s shoot was one where it was covering a bunch of little extra and transition stuff. I feel bad for Bryan, because he’s got to be at every shoot. Even some of the 2nd unit stuff we have to do next month he gets to be at! Anyway, tonight was simple and supposed to be light, and holy freakin’ crap, it was!

   We started in the game room of the church converting it into a pool hall for the film, and got our crew cameos in for Jeanette and Carl. Jeanette had us rolling posing and getting Carl in positions around the pool table that frozen would look like an extramarital affair would be happening. Then we took Bryan and carl outside, and shot the scene where Bryan’s character finally snaps and takes it out on Carl. Poor guy, he may be type cast. In The Disc, he was Thug #1; quickly disposed of by the hero. Here, he’s Man #2, and it’s not much prettier. But that went well, and we were done at 8 pm. I don’t think we knew what to do. But it’s well received since we have a 5 day shooting break. But I’m bracing for the fall. Next week is lovingly titled “Hell Week”. See you then.  

This Old House – June 20th, 2005

   Here we are, back after a 5 day shooting break. Wish I could say it was a break from everything, but it wasn’t. Not with fulltime youth ministry and side video projects. I hope this doesn’t sound like whining, but it does take its toll. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to only do film. It’s something I’ve never known. I’ve actually been pondering why this production seems to be more taxing than others. It’s not the shooting schedule, because we’ve actually had more strenuous shoots before. Our lives are a lot more hectic, but we’ve all become masters at juggling that. I think it’s because we’re putting a lot more emphasis and emotion into the material. It sounds silly, like we never really cared before, but it really isn’t that. It’s the fact that the story and themes behind the film echo so closely to what our own beliefs that we want to make sure it comes out exactly like we planned. It’s cool, but something I’m ready to take a break from.

   The actual shoot was cool. The setting is supposed to be Newman’s old apartment. Back when I was a freshman in college, I helped my Dad build a small one bed/one bathroom house in their backyard for my Grandmother to live in. She recently passed away in March. A couple months later when we were scouting and finalizing locations, somebody suggested we use her old house for Newman’s apartment. It was perfect, but needed a lot of transformation. Granny had all kinds of little knick-knacks and paintings and pictures all over the place. Newman’s pad needed to be bare, like a man who didn’t really care about his place. So we got there about an hour and a half early to completely transform the place. It was great, like a real sound stage!

   Once filming began, we breezed through it. Bryan and Michael had no trouble getting right back into the flow of filming, and I realized that no matter how taxing the production can get, we’re all still having a lot of fun. Making film is serious work, but it’s still supposed to be fun. I think if it ever gets to the point where it’s not, I’ll stop doing it. But for now, it’s all good.

Back to the Apartment – June 21st, 2005

   Day Two of filming at Granny’s place, this time to shoot all the scenes that take place with Bryan and Kelly. Since we were filming in the same spot today, we didn’t have to tear anything down, which made for an easy set up. After sorting wardrobe for each scene, we moved right into shooting.

   It’s funny what things can hang an actor up. Bryan absolutely nails Newman’s mannerisms, demeanor and just overall character, but get him to a scene where he’s supposed to be somewhat playful with Kelly’s Allison, and he gets lost. It was great, he kept raising his eyebrows like, “Hey baby, what’s your number?” And couldn’t stop. Heck, once I was ok with the shot and he wanted to do it again. I’m glad he did, cause the next one was much better. We kept rolling along, and then a neighbor thought it’d be a good idea to test out his car stereo system, and bumped everything from Beastie Boys to Marilyn Manson. Neat. Luckily we had some scenes we could shoot without sound until the noise subsided. As the night moved on, we’d reset, redress and run the AC before each scene. We couldn’t run it during filming for sound purposes. Then we got to the most emotional scene of the evening. I wrote the thing, but I guess I was just caught off guard by how powerful the actors would really make it. The scene was over, but I didn’t want to call cut because I didn’t want it to stop. Amazing performance on both parts. It’s stuff like that, that continues to drive me. It’s almost like I feel so lucky to just be a part of it.

   So by the time we wrapped, it was 11 pm. Not bad at all. We tore down our set, and turned it back into Granny’s old place. Now I have to mentally prepare for Thursday’s shoot, which is going to be the most technical yet.

Rain is not Easy – June 23rd, 2005

   It was a late one. It was an emotional one. And it was a wet and muddy one. Tonight got started around 7:30 pm and wrapped around 1:30 am. Why so long you ask? Well, first there was the rehearsal of the fights. Set up of lighting throughout Dennis’ living room, kitchen and backyard. A couple of costume changes, make up (this was a fight) the addition of Kelly around midnight, and resetting everything again for each shot. Very technical. Very tedious. Fun sometimes.

   I can say that now because, I’ve watched the footage of the fight in the rain, and now it’s all worth it. I know the actors were tired and cold and just wanted to go home. For this, I am forever in debt to them. I think the thing I’ve learned from all this is that rain is not easy. I think back to the process of creating rain: pvc pipe rain rigs, then sprinkler heads to finally just using a hose. Dennis’ backyard became mud soup that sticks to the bottom of your shoes. And did I mention it was late?

   My brain is fried. The footage looks great. That’s all that matters. And the fact that the actors didn’t quit.

We’re Shooting in Widescreen! – June 25th, 2005

   Let me set up the day. Dennis calls me at 10 am, says he got called in the night before to work the graveyard, and is coming straight to the shoot. Ok, since Chris has to work today, I’m gonna have to drive out to Dennis’ house to get the lights and audio equipment. No big deal, the shoots at 11 am, and I think I have a spare key to Dennis’. 30 minutes later, I realize that I don’t, and that Dennis is going to have to meet me at his house. Super. 45 minutes after that, we finally arrive at the library where the entire cast and crew are there waiting for us. Not cool. Also, today we’re using a handful of extras for the few scenes we’re shooting. So in haste, I set up the camera and some lights and rushed the first set of extras with Bryan to their spot. Two takes, and we got it. Then I hurried in to do the few shots that Michael needed to be there for. Nice and smooth. I think it’s turning around. Then I set up the next shot that requires two children in the library. And then it hits me. My camera has two settings, full frame (filling the entire screen) and 16:9 (Widescreen). This past week I’d used the camera for the Vacation Bible School video, and shot in full frame. The film is being shot in 16:9. Take one guess which one the camera was set on today. Well kick me in the crotch, and call Michael quick. He’s gonna have to turn around. So after we got him back, I humbly directed him again, and then got back to the shoot. 45 minutes later we were finally done. Good Grief. Talk about feeling unprepared, and unprofessional. The actors were very gracious and nice about it, but I felt about two feet tall.

   Good news is, I was able to fix the first few shots in post production already and we don’t have to re-shoot. It’s interesting; we had all kinds of trouble securing a library to even shoot in, and didn’t lock my Dad’s school library until two weeks into shooting. Then the actual day of filming there hits some major snags. I’d say it’s ironic, but personally I think it’s just par for the course.

The Marathon Shoot Returns – June 26th, 2005

   When we filmed our last project, “The Disc”, we took one Saturday and filmed from about 10 in the morning and finished around 8:30 at night. It was long and tedious, but when we were done, so was 80% of the movie. This time around, we found a location, Chris’ Father’s office, that could double as two different office locations. So to ease up on Rick (Chris’ Dad) having to come down to the office twice, we scheduled two shoots in one day and on a Sunday afternoon no less. So immediately after being in service all morning, I drove over to the office and started to prepare for this Marathon Jr.

   We began with filming scenes that involved our first secretary, Nikki Trent. She did well, but the shooting was hampered by trains passing by. This is the same place we had trouble with train noise previously. We soldier on. Next we added Mark Brunton into the mix as Trevor, the cocky brash young stock broker. What great feeling to be working with him again. He certainly steals the scene in this one, and I can’t wait to see his stuff all put together in the scene.

   After that we moved outside, and due to wind and jet noise, we decided to scrap trying to get audio all together. I was able to get the entire scene in one shot! Score, and the actors like me again! After some pick up shots from the day before, we headed back inside for a small break.

   Once that was done, we were back at it again, with an old friend from Get Back, Anthony DiMaria as Newman’s old boss. I’m learning that whatever you plan with him won’t matter because it all goes out the window and you just turn the camera on hoping to do the performance justice. Now toss two more dynamic performers in with Bryan and Michael, and holy cow. It was gold. Then we shot the final scenes with our second secretary Jeanette Monet, and delirium began to set in. I wasn’t planning on an outtake reel since this film is a little more serious than others we’ve done, but after today, it’s going on the DVD. Bryan dancing. That’s all I’m going to say. So 9:30 pm, and we were finally wrapped. The marathon was over. I felt like we’d finally reached the top of the mountain, and started our decent. Man that was a good day. And after yesterday, I needed one.

Where Were You on the Night of… - June 27th, 2005

   After yesterday, all the shoots seem smaller now. Well today actually was. Two scenes, 8 total angles. Today was the interrogation slash almost end of the movie scenes with Gerald playing our detective. We converted Dennis’ wife Stephanie’s dance studio waiting room into a waiting room and holding cell. I was able to get some nice shots though the double sided mirror and some nice stuff reflecting in it also. Jeanette did some great bruises on Michael and all the actors seemed to be having fun in the scene. We’re not using the audio from the scene, but I almost want to try cause just adlibbing they added some stuff that’s really good.

   Then we finished the night fighting traffic noise outside the studio, and managed to walk away with enough takes to be used, and considered good. I love the light stuff.

Say Goodbye to Kelly, for now. – June 28th, 2005

   Today we shot the last scene in the movie. The scene takes place in the courtyard of a memory care facility. We obviously didn’t want to try and use a real facility, so we used nice beautiful home with an atrium/courtyard inside. Perfect look, and once again Dennis’ wife Stephanie hooked us up, as it was her boss’ house. The shoot went relatively smooth, but of course sound was the hold up. Neighboring air conditioners are today’s culprit. One day, I’m going to shoot an entire movie on a soundstage, and it’s gonna be cool. For now, we wait in between cycles for the best possible sound. It was cool though, we got to just sit around and hang out. Kind of nice really. Just sitting around, getting to know the actors, waiting to make a movie. This must be what it feels like to do this for a living.

   Then the noise stopped, we finished the film, and sadly Kelly had completed her final day of filming for us. What a great experience it was to work with her. Absolutely painless, and a pleasant addition to the production. Her final day is a sad reminder that production is almost finished, and a small relief also. But it’s not over, I know of a couple more shots we’re gonna have to reshoot, and redo the sound for. So we’ll see her again in the next few months.

Everything Was Fine, Until I Stepped on Dennis’ Crotch – June 30th, 2005

   Yes, you read that correctly. But I will get to that part in a moment. The night started 5:30 pm for me. Chris and I decided to rake up Dennis’ backyard, because it was a crusty mess from last week’s rain night. After that, the actors showed up around 7:30 pm, and were set up to shoot by 8 pm. But tonight was different. True, tonight we did have Dennis in his role for the film, but it must be because the production is winding down, cause we were all over the place. Actors were missing lines, laughing; at one point Michael’s southern accent went from British to Irish then back to Southern; sound issues (as usual) and both battery packs went dead for the camera. Somehow we managed to squeeze out some good takes, and then poor Dennis.

   One scene before, Bryan tackles him and pulls him down the stairs. On the good take Bryan accidentally kneed him in the crotchal region. After a few minutes he walked it off. We then were getting set for the next shot where Bryan leaps over the coffee table and puts a gun to Dennis. Well I didn’t like the way it was looking so I thought I’d demonstrate. So I leaped over, and when I landed my foot stepped right on his crotch. He squealed, I felt like crap, and Bryan thought it was so funny he grabbed the behind the scenes camera. Needless to say, Dennis was done for about 15 minutes. Then we finally set back up to do the scene, and Dennis’ dog Blue jumps right into his lap. I wonder what he’s done to become such a magnet in this area of his body for miscellaneous objects.

   Past that, we finished the night, later than we thought, with some pick up shots in the rain, Bryan’s favorite. Those actually went faster than the interior shots. Maybe we’re just getting better at it. I don’t know. Only two days of principal photography left, and all of it is in Duck Creek, UT. This’ll be a fun getaway shoot. I pray…

Into the Woods – July 1st, 2005

   As a company, we’ve never gone out of state to film for any project we’ve done. Today will mark our first, one of many for this film. Leaving to go film was met with a little adversity. We were to meet at Dennis’ house at 4:30 pm and be on the road by 5 pm. Well due to traffic, I did not even get to his house until 5:30 or so. Off to a great start. Our train consisted of Lindsay and I in my truck with all the gear, and Chris, Dennis, Carl and Bobby Rodgers in Chris’ vehicle. Once on the road we made great time. Stopped for dinner in St. George, UT. Then once more for some last minute groceries in Cedar City, and we arrived about an hour behind schedule (9:30 pm) in Duck Creek. Bryan, Michael and Jeanette and Ben (Jeanette’s husband, my old roommate) had gone up earlier in the day, and were hanging out waiting for us.

   After unloading, we went right to work. We had 5 scenes to shoot tonight. The first was back in the area behind my parents cabin. We had to string about 500 ft. of extension cord to run lights. The location is perfect. We found a pile of wood chips or something that has a steep enough angle to shoot a jump off the side, like a cliff. We lit the trees behind the pile, and Bryan in front. Looked better than I had envisioned it. Next we moved the lights closer to the cabin to light a patch of trees that we will use for Bryan to run through. That looked great also. We shot  probably more footage than we need, but I wanted to take advantage of the location!

   Next we added Bobby who had been sitting on my parent’s deck with Michael and Ben enjoying cigars and spirits. I tell you what, next time I want to be an actor. Anyway, we did a small scene on the front porch, where to Bryan disdain, he had to be wet. His last time for this project. Then we moved inside for one more scene with Bobby, consisting of one shot. And finally moving to the spare bedroom for Bryan’s first scene in the movie. Funny how almost all of what we’re filming in these final days are the first scenes in the movie. We wrapped on our first day around 12:30 pm (some things never change) and I decided to soak in the beginning of the end on my parents deck like an actor. I talked with Carl and Bobby, smoked cigars and enjoyed the same spirits they did. I look forward to tomorrow, but I’m also dreading it. Although taxing at times, this has been an amazing production experience. We’ve made some great new friends and it’s going to be sad to see them off, ay least until next time. By 2 am, I was in bed, because the call time is 6:30 am. Ouch.

That’s a Wrap! – July 2nd, 2005

   It’s hard to believe it was a little over a month ago that we started shooting. It feels longer, but in the same breath I can say, “where did the time go?” There’s a quote from a movie I recently saw that goes, “I guess in the end you start thinking about the beginning.” Well here I am, semi-emotional reflecting on some of the highlights of this production that stick out:

 - Finishing the 1^st draft in March to start shooting in May

 - Pushing shooting back to June to have more pre-production time

 - Being nervous no one would audition, then having over 30 show up

 - Having 60% of the locations locked up entering shooting

 - Losing a lead actor one week into shooting and replacing him two days later, with a better actor for the part

 - Having the wind cancel a shoot for the first time

 - The nervousness of Kelly and Bryan for their first kiss scene

 - Trying to make rigs for rain, and scrapping them for your average garden hose

 - Jets, Trains, Wind and any other noise that would naturally be in a scene working it’s way in

 - Library Cards are terrible props and never do what you want them to

 - Rain and Mud are a lot harder to work in than I thought

 - Actors actually get cold in rain and mud too

 - We’re shooting in Widescreen, no matter what you may have heard

 - I’ll never do another marathon day of shooting, at least until the next movie we do

 - Light shooting days are a myth

   And so, it’s with a bittersweet feeling I report to you on our final day of shooting. It started at 6:30 am. We had set an earlier call time for two reasons. One, we needed to film outside and beat the ATV riders who would soon be riding all over, creating noise pollution, and two, we wanted time for everybody to just hang out and enjoy the tranquility that is the mountains. So here we are, shooting the scene that in my opinion sums up the film, and what’s that at 6:30 am, a dirt bike! Chris was not having this, and he and Dennis went and asked if they could wait for 10 minutes. Silence, let’s do this. Now Bobby is having trouble with the lines. Normally I’d just tell him to wing it, but this is a scene where we need an exact delivery. So Dennis gets him cue cards, and viola! We’ve got it. We break for breakfast, then shoot another scene outside with Bryan and Michael. This runs smoothly and I can see the light. The last scene we shoot is the first in the film, and has about 5 angles. So we trudge through them. And our final angle is Bryan. I started shooting with him, and I’m ending with him. The last take, I found myself shaking. I thought maybe it was because I was hunched over, but when I stood up straight, it kept going. I look over at Chris and he’s fighting back emotions. Dennis has a big grin on his face. The shot is a keeper, and I yell that’s a wrap! After hugging everyone in the room, we broke it down, and had a barbeque. It would be about a day later that it would actually hit me that this is done. True, we have a slew of 2nd unit and pick up shots to do, but working with the actors is done, and it’s sad considering we’ve spent so much time with them and gotten to know them. It’s like college: I won’t miss the work, but I will miss the people. So at this point I’d like to thank everyone who made this experience what it was. In a few months you’ll see the fruits of your labor pay off. I promise. I’ll drop ya’ll a line from post from time to time, but until then thanks again!

-Chad Garrison