Yesterday was a career highlight. We produced the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival promotional trailer and it was the biggest crowd we've ever shot. About 200 extras - I haven't tallied the final count yet - came out for over 4 hours to participate. I'm still high from the experience, but tired enough that I'm feeling hungover at the same time. The footage looks fantastic, and in the capable hands of editor Jon LaGuardia, it will only get better.
Our crew was at the top of their games, and it's so much fun to see each one performing at their best. This is the kind of work that yields more respect and love for each other and I expect all of our future projects will benefit from a day like this. Dave Litz led the camera team as DP and Adam White carried a heavy load, literally, as Steadicam Operator. John Turk was not only our Key Gaffer, but he and Adam also brought all of the equipment at a steep discount for the CIFF. Keith Nickoson was Key Grip (he'll also do our sound mix) and together with Donny Schneider (who carried the heavy lighting equipment), Rick Stern, Noel Maitland and Bob Ruggeri, this team was awesome.
Kevin Kerwin was fortunate to have Matthew T. and Bob Ruggeri assist with all the detailed direction for camera, talent and lighting. And I was pleasantly surprised by our newest addition, Alex Starinsky, as PA. Alex not only helped me get organized for the crowd control, but he also stepped in as an extra and delivered a great performance. Russell Lee and Laura Webb captured the entire crowd in a still shot that we'll post on facebook with tags.
Liz Duchez delivered the only line of the trailer: "It's Starting" and her performance was flawless every time. Just imagine how, after one long take, if the actress' performance is not right on - we'd have a lost take. And each take had so much intricate planning, a lot was riding on her shoulders. Kip Gynn captured her sound, perfectly as always.
Kevin's plan was to make the most our of our steadicam opportunity, and the result is a delicate dance of all sizes, ages, colors and styles of people with different actions, expressions, activities and behaviors. It's a very appropos reflection of what it's like to be a part of the CIFF audience. This trailer will celebrate the audience diversity, just as the CIFF selection of films celebrate the many stories there are to tell in independent filmmaking.
Twist Creative were our partners in the creative concept and they brought the image to life with mock-ups of the program guide and passes. Plus, several of them came out as extras, too.
Here's what is amazing: all of these dedicated extras came to the shoot via invitation by email, facebook, twitter, or blogs. This reveals the power of social networking: bringing a community together and sharing experiences can really make an impact. It sure did yesterday. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a huge success. I can't wait to see it on the big screen on opening night! Stay tuned for more about the festival...
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