So What's Going ON?!?!

So, 24 of the 25 segments around the world are wrapped!!!!

We're deep in discussions on everything from our new website, trailers, scoring, bands, post production, distribution, social media et cetera.

I've taken a seat on the music committee. I'm enjoying this. We're trying to take a different approach that will bring the segments together but hold onto their cultural diversity. There are exciting ideas being thrown around. Hopefully some of them stick and work! We're researching, talking to people, and seeing what bands might be interested in coming on board.

If you know anyone, get in touch! Nothing's decided yet, it's still early days.

I've just finished the latest edit of heart shaped and I'm happy how it's coming along. I still have a few reshoots to do. These were meant to happen weeks ago! What happened? A certain well known courier company happened!!!

The backpack was being shipped from London to Dublin for the reshoots. 2 day delivery. 24 days later... apparently my address is insufficient for delivery. But I live here. Everyone else manages to find it. Hell, it's okay, I said, I'll email them and call them to give them directions.

Oh no. They don't like that. Only the sender can contact them. Ok, I'll pick it up from the depot, I'll bring ID. Oh they couldn't possibly tell me where the depot is.

So what did they do? They shipped it back to London. Where it got lost in transit.

And has only just re-emerged. In London. Having been to Dublin. Probably waved as it flew over my house. Twice.

Oh well. What can I do? Nothing I can write on a public forum anyway :-)

I

AND HERE IT IS!

The trailer for the Collabfeature is right here people

For a Few Dollars More...

So this week I realised I had to kill some of my darlings.
I was happy with the editing cut but something was niggling me. I went and watched it again with Anna Maria (the editor) and it became very clear. We had to cut a scene and shoot a replacement.

I had already planned on doing a few pickups, mainly audio, and a few shots to make it more seamless. It can be difficult working with kids to keep up the continuity for cutting, eye-lines, et cetera. So I had a short list of shots to pick up.

Now, however, I realised something more was needed. The scene just wasn't working. It slowed down the pace and didn't add to the story, - while, at the same time, there was an element of the story I wanted to make clearer.

Therefore, we're going to shoot a new scene to replace it.

And of course this costs money. I was already concerned as a few sponsors didn't make the final kick (and actually give me the donation!) and I had eaten into money that really shouldn't have been eaten into!



But to go back a little, before I started shooting I had an idea.

I wondered, would it be possible to approach irish film societies and see if, for the same fee they would normally pay for a rental from the excellent access>CINEMA, they would, instead invest in the film and get a preview screening ahead of release? access>CINEMA are a great resource for independent film clubs. They sort out the film rights, you hire from their incredible catalogue of films, and you have a very easy film club with incredible films.

I approached access>CINEMA about it and they liked the idea. I drew up some information that was forwarded to their members and I'm delighted to announce that 7 film Societies will be screening 'The Lost Backpack' once complete. I intend on presenting the film at as many of these screenings as possible and I've left myself open to the societies - they can follow the journey with me.

So a huge thank you to access>CINEMA, film societies, film lovers and all of you who've helped me along the way.

Please check out www.accesscinema.ie for information on film societies screening near you.

A little update

So, I'm back at work on Heartshaped.

I'm delighted that the very talented Anna-Maria O'Flanagan is working on the cut as we speak - I had done a very rough cut myself but I have to concede I don't have the patience or the natural talent of an editor - especially not one as talented as Anna Maria.

To be honest I found it very hard to detach from the kids in the project and see it as a film - I was obsessing on things I didn't need to and missing the bigger picture. I'm very relieved to step back into my comfort zone - directing those with talent work!

The overall project is now absolutely flying. We're halfway there in terms of segments shot - that means 12 left to go!

From looking at the stills and some of the rough cuts for these I'm delighted the quality is really high - I'm not disappointed by them (and I hope they're not disappointed by me!).

I've also had a very exciting meeting with a composer - it was very mysterious, at an airport - it felt a little like a Bourne meeting! Hopefully if things work out there will be some world class talent involved.

Fingers crossed.

I'm also working on a music video now - to shoot in the next couple of weeks. It's a great song, a great band (who I regularly collaborate with) and we have a great location lined up. Getting pretty excited by this now too.

Finally, but perhaps the thing I'm most challenged and excited by, is a return to short stories with a group of writers spread across the world -

Intercontinental Ink.

I have my story planned out and look forward to burying myself in it - I just need to clear a few items out of my head before I can. The shovel, the pickaxe and the caffeine are working on that as we speak.

We aim to have our stories finished by the end of the year and it will be put together as a one volume anthology. I'll let you know more as it develops.

Rain halts play...

So the montage sequence will have to wait.

The rainy forecast has meant postponing the last day's shooting until it clears up. I thought I had a very busy schedule coming up, but I rather unexpectedly have some time off, so maybe I won't have to wait too long to shoot it.

To be honest, it's probably a good idea anyhow, I'm cutting the film tomorrow afternoon/night - just a rough cut, but I should get an idea if I need to reshoot or pick up anything. I don't think I do, but I suppose you never know.

One thing I'm sure of, I've got LOADS of footage. In some ways, it makes cutting harder, as you end up cutting for the sake of it, which should be avoided. I don't like to cut unless you need to.

In fact, I left one scene, the most emotionally bare scene in the film, without any cuts at all, to try and make it stand out from the rest of the film, to feel more natural and real. Watch out for it.

Wrrrrraaaaaaaaaapppppedddddd

After a long and fruitful nearly three day shoot we finally wrapped. A massive thank you to all involved, in particular the two young actors, Jamie and Ben de Barra, the three 'old' actors, Jonathan Caffrey, Natasha Quirke and Fergal Cleary. And, of course, the amazing hardworking crew.

As anyone who has ever worked with kids can tell you, it's a hard experience, for both them and you. They get tired. They get bored. They find it hard to hold concentration. But it's worth it - they look fantastic, performed well and will hopefully melt a few hearts out there.

Day one was hectic, we had a lot on the callsheet. We had no major issues, but fell behind due to the kids needing more time and space to themselves than anticipated. Lesson learned for day two.

Day two started great, lost a bit of pace in the middle and wound to a halt just before anticipated wrap time. We shot out Natasha's parts of the remaining scenes and let the boys have tea and play games. I have to say, by day 3, Jamie was like a pro on set. He really began to understand the filmmaking process.

Day three picked up the remaining scenes from day 2, and was slow as we were matching shots from scenes we shot the previous day. We wrapped, had an AMAZING sunday dinner courtesy of Mrs. Whearty, and went home happy and full!

We now have to shoot the montage sequence in Dublin next weekend - it's pretty straightforward stuff with a small crew. All the drama is shot and dialogue recorded.

Exhausted but happy, proud of everyone involved.


STREAMCAST
We also had some amazing help from Streamcast, a digital Broadcast solutions and Webcasting company who our Director of Photography, Gavin Reilly had worked with before.

They helped us out with camera equipment and we couldn't have done it without them.

Check them out

WWW.STREAMCAST.IE

Radio Silence

So we start shooting in the morning. Don't expect any blog updates until Sunday or Monday night!


JP Whearty, the producer, has almost everything sorted for the 2 1/2 days. A few last minute hiccups successfully avoided, and a few more to come no doubt, but, almost 2 years since I first joined the project, we're going to shoot.

It doesn't quite seem real. In that time we've developed two features, 6 (or is it 7?) drafts of the first, more ambitious project (it WILL need a budget, so we're parking it while we raise finance), and I'm on draft 5 of this one.

Was it a good idea to do this?

Abso-f******g-lutely!

You always find out a lot about people on these sort of shoots - how talented they really are (like our amazing designer Stephanie), how persuasive they really are (our calmly mindcontrolling producer), and who is willing to give up their time for a project with no reward. I've learnt a lot about those who are genuinely heartfelt in their willingness to help, give up their time, throw themselves into the project.

A massive thank you to all the cast and crew.


On that note, once again I have reason to thank the incredible Colin Browne at Film Equipment Hire in Lusk, who has been very supportive of the project.

If you haven't checked out their online equipment catalogue do so now - they're reliable, very reasonable, have a great range and are a joy to deal with. Their range has certainly increased over the last year to include some excellent cameras, glidecam, jib arm et cetera.

www.filmequipmenthire.com

Lights...camera...

So we're shooting this film on a Sony PMX EX3, a full HD digital camera.
While it has its limitations, the picture quality is excellent. Gavin, our director of photography, is very experienced on it and knows it inside out. Given the choice (and the budget!) I would probably shoot in a different format, but the EX3 can make beautiful images if used right.

One of the keys to making beautiful images is lighting the project. We're getting ours from Teach Solais, a fantastic professional lighting company with offices in Dublin and Galway. I've used them on all the projects I've Line Produced too and they always look after me. Can't recommend them highly enough. Check them out here www.teachsolais.com





The other key to a good film is great sound, which I will touch upon in the next post.

I'm proud to announce - the cast

Amy - Natasha Quirke
Natasha blew us away in auditions. She got the tone just right, has a great personality, and is moving to Canada three days after the shoot! There's dedication. Welcome Natasha.



Derek - Jonathan Caffrey

Jonathan came into the room and exuded exactly what we wanted for the part. He's a natural. We're delighted he's on board.



Postman - Fergal Cleary


Fergal brought a warmth and a personality to the audition that really brings the character to life. In fact, his audition application got stuck in my spam folder and he turned up anyway - thankfully!

And on another note:
My blog begins today on www.filmireland.net

Check it out www.filmireland.net

It will be a regular blog giving an insight into the funding, preproduction, production, post-production and the final feature.

I'm quite excited they've given me a platform.

4 days until the shoot!

Well, the pressure's on now. 4 days until the shoot starts, we kick off on Friday morning for 2 days shoot with the main unit and 1/2 day with a reduced crew doing part of a montage sequence.

Lots to organise still, plenty of stress and pressure, but in a good way.

We could do with a funding boost to be honest, so if you've anything hidden down the couch, all donations are welcome. We've done well so far, moreso off-line than on it, and many thanks to all of those who've contributed.

Doing a tech recce tonight of the main location, so the lighting list should be tied down afterwards.

The cast are on-board, I'll do a separate post on this later, but I'm delighted with the talent of those chosen, and that they've all agreed to appear.

There's been a few continuity nightmares to sort out prior to the shoot too - what with the same prop appearing in segments before and after mine and continuity wrapping paper, notes, postage packs et cetera to sort out, it's been, well, a little distracting but vitally important.

Right, that's lunchtime over with, back to work!

CRISIS!!!

This picture was the final straw. Look at the state of the beard! I shaved it off today.

Oh, on another note, the key prop has just arrived from Berlin. The Backpack, in all it's glory, is now in my house. See it in the photo above.

So, we're almost set. A few recces on Monday, I need to get back to the cast today as the final decision has been approved. A few exciting additions to the crew, I'll let you know when they're 100% confirmed.

I'm also beginning to think about screenings for the full feature film when it's complete - trying to stay ahead of the curve as these things take time to organise.

Any suggestions?

Nearly there - time for a fundraising push

So, tomorrow we're one week from the shoot. Yikes!

I need to finish the storyboards and the shotlist, while in the midst of revising the style to make it more cinematic. Lots to do on that, but I know what I want. It's only a pity it takes so long to draw! Should've practiced more.

The casting session was great yesterday, we met some fantastic people and it was very encouraging. I was a little drained afterwards, we saw 15 people in 4 hours, and, as we were working on an emotional scene, I felt I engaged with the performances and was pretty tired afterwards. I'm going to watch the tape once more then send my picks to Marty at collabfeature.com.

It's also nearing the time for one last push for fundraising.

It's reached the time that we need to spend - equipment, props, et cetera, - and I could do with a few more kind donors to help. Any amount appreciated, it will all be seen on the screen.

So wish me luck, we're into the final and most important stretch now.

So we're full!

So we were inundated with requests for auditions, which is fantastic.

Tomorrow we have the audition session, which I'm excited by. There would appear to be some very talented people popping over tomorrow.

It's going to be a strange audition - the characters don't have a lot to say and I won't have the child actors with me to run lines - so I guess I'm the children!

It will be a little unusual.

I'm looking forward to see the take the actors have on the role - I can't imagine it being easy, there's a complex mix of emotions being put into a very small page count.

I'm looking for people who make it natural and easy - those who say as much in what they don't say.

It was also a little tricky in that they are playing the parents of two brothers - it had to be believable that they could be related. A few people had to be reluctantly let go for this reason, but it has to work.

My hat's off to all those brave enough to come and audition for me tomorrow. I know it's not easy, you're putting yourself on the line and only a couple of you will be chosen. Respect for putting yourself out there.

Mairtin

A bit of Press

Some publicity for Heartshaped on www.emigrant.ie - a great online newspaper for irish people living abroad.

I'm very grateful to them for taking the story.

I have to say, the logo looks great on the page :-)

Crew Update

Well the crew roles are filling up.

Welcome to the team

Greg Fitzpatrick, who is a sound recordist.
Aoife Redmond - a very qualified make-up artist.
Stef Clerkin - Production design.

I've worked with Aoife and Stef quite a lot over the last couple of years and I'm very much looking forward to working with them again. They're very creative, create a good atmosphere on set and are fun to work with.

I haven't worked with Greg before but he comes highly recommended, so that's good enough for me!

Only one or two roles left to fill, and with the casting session on Wednesday we should be nearly ready by the end of the week for next Friday's shoot (2nd July).

Locations!!!

A huge thank you to the sweet emporium in Skerries who have kindly agreed to let us film part of the film there. It's an amazing place. I honestly found it hard to leave.

If you're nearby or just like beautiful sweet shops pay a visit.


We've also found our main character house, it's in Palmerstown. It's perfect!

Tees and stickers

So I put a design together for T-shirts and badges.

As always, any profit made goes towards making the film.

Feel free to spread the word. Hope you like!

Another new track

I'm enjoying the demoing for Heart Shaped.
Different styles emerging, different genres. It might all change completely once it's shot, but it's worthwhile. They feed into each other.

Go To FileFactory.com

Shooting Style - working with children

Hopefully it won't turn out like the pic!

As I'm working with kids on this film I've had to think long and hard about the shooting style. It's pretty evident that dealing with kids this young means learning lines will be an issue - both in terms of memory and actual performance. As such, I'm aiming to prod them in the right direction and let them ad lib a bit - let them say it in their own words.

So I'll need to cover things in longer, more dynamic takes, or else continuity will go out the window. There's no telling a 4 year old to hit the same mark!

So, another challenge. To keep a long take interesting means using something more like a moving master shot - moving from a wide into midshots, then moving again to a 2 shot et cetera. Try and get as much as possible in one shot without keeping the camera static. This will take time and will alter the way we light too - who knows what's going to be in shot.

I'm going to do some work with the kids next week, to get them used to what I'm trying to achieve. I just received a wide angle and a telephoto lens for my HV30 which I'll use for the tests. We'll be shooting on an EX-3 for the film itself.

I did some work with Jamie last night, teasing performances and headspaces out of him. It gave me an idea what it'll be like on set - hence the need to make things simple but clever.

Looking forward to it.

Many thanks to all who've funded so far.

I've added a donate button at the top of the page - there is no minimum amount for this. IF you want to drop whatever amount you want to me it would be much appreciated.

Music and press

So I spent this morning sending out a few press releases. This got me so creatively stymied that I instantly went and recorded an idea for the score.

You can hear it here

Go To FileFactory.com

I also broke the script down and did an initial schedule.

It's becoming real now!

I'm expecting some of the press to be online early next week - I'll link to it from here.

In the meantime, enjoy the first day of the world cup!