We have spent the last five days working on the director’s notebook, we have written up all the acting notes we have for the entire script, these range from ideas of what the characters are feeling to their individual thoughts. We don’t expect this to be a Black and White rulebook, but it will be handy and used as a starting point for the actors, unless they nail it right off the bat. This is more about the inner thoughts and story of each character. More what you see behind the eyes, the subtle expressions and movements that go into bringing a character to life.
We have also been working on the ARG we have set up a number of foundation blogs, each will have a number of stories that lead into the ARG. They will give readers more of an insight in to the world and the events before and after the film. It will be a chance for people to ask questions and interact with the characters. We are still looking for writers for the main ARG characters.
We have read-through’s on Monday and Tuesday so we can solidify everything in the script and tweak it to take it to final draft. It will feel so good to type Final Draft on the front of the script. Then it’s on to the massive task of pre-production, first on the table is Locations and Actors for me, the art department will start to wind up to.
I’m two layouts off finishing the Pre-Production software I should have that finished by the end of tomorrow as I need it for Saturday. And providing it works I’ll start the Scheduling section next month. I guess when you can’t afford the thousands for scheduling software it’s best to just make your own. At least this way it can be Dynamic and I can adapt it to suit the needs of the production.
It’s been a week or so longer to get here than planned, but then we did have four days in Prague, chilling and relaxing. It was much needed.
Anyway now were getting back on track fast the script is down to 38 page (our goal). We have gotten the script to third draft, it’s been tough and intense the last week, working solidly on each scene working on the themes motives and actions of each character in detail. Were there now and every scene is needed and important, every action has a reason, and every bit of dialogue is needed. It’s quite slick now. Also the structure has come together; all our plot points happen at the right time in the right order and the pacing is good. The only thing left to do is read-through with actors to see how it sounds and works in actuality.
We have also started to compile the directors notebook, this will be a weighty tome, were already at 59 pages. I’m expecting a ream or so to carry on set. This is the intense part, as this is what everything means, motivations ideas themes, background, stuff that is vital to getting the best performance out of the actors. I would say starting it this early has helped a lot on getting the third draft as tight as it is. It’s also unlocked hidden themes helped clarify character stories, and bring the main themes out. There is still a long way to go on the notebook, but it is the most vital thing we will write for the film after the script.
I have been in takes with a chap for our lead male role Dr. Robert Cameron, I cannot say who it is yet, but I know some of you girls out there will be happy, and some of you men. I hope to have everything in place in a few weeks for him and then I can drop a press release out and spill the beans. Some of you who are working on this project already know who I’m talking about but I hope you keep it as a surprise for everyone else.
Anyway time to chill for a bit, Lydia is going through the script one last time, then she is going to give the directors notebook a grilling.
Posted in Casting, Pre Production, Script Development on August 1st, 2009 by Gabriel Strange | | Comments Off