Actor Wish List

Just an ongoing list that I mentally think of from time to time….I’ve got an ensemble movie idea I’m developing and these talented performers would be such a great cast….

Guy Pierce

Chiwetel (“Chewie”) Ejiofor

Sung Kang

George Clooney

Maria Bello

Samantha Morton

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jurnee Smollett

Michelle Monaghan

This Is The List (Part 10)

VANESSA STREIFF (Samantha Thompson)

Oh Vanessa – the pit bull! I first saw Vanessa Streiff at an actor showcase in mid-town in early 2007. From the first few lines she delivered I knew she was someone I had to work with — there was just a fire behind everything she did. I was stunned. I quickly made contact with her after the show and let her know that I was interested in working with her in the future……she responded with a gracious note to keep her posted for any audition opportunities.

In the Fall of 2007, I asked her to audition for the role of a private detective hired to catch the wife of ELLIOT GEORGE in the act of adultery. She came in and read and I saw the potential — so I set up a callback with her and the actor playing Elliot (Jeremy Koener). Let me say that the callback sold me on her……like….SOLD ME ON HER. Vanessa is an amazing talent and she has this insane natural instinct where her improv skills are on fire.

I knew I needed to cast an actress with strong improv skills and instincts — where it looked like she wasn’t trying at all and in fact is sometimes just winging the whole thing — and Vanessa was that girl. Damn — there are some amazing 15+ minute takes that I wish could be in the final film, but just due to pacing won’t make it. But she and Jeremy are just on fire!

And what makes me smile the most — is that test audiences are really responding to her character. They fall in love with her and have commented on her natural acting ability and charm. People dig her. So do I.

My Next Project

I have the pleasure to announce that I’ve been hired to direct an indie horror feature titled DISMAL — written by Bo Buckley and produced by the FEARMAKERS STUDIOS based out of North Carolina. It’s a fun little story with some nice twists and gruesome kills….what better way to spend the summer than to head to North Carolina and Georgia to shoot a horror film!!

Here’s the listing in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: (Click to enlarge)

DISMAL OFFICIAL WEBSITE
DISMAL MYSPACE

It should be very interesting to direct someone else’s work. I’m looking forward to the experience.

I’m extremely excited to do a horror film which is definitely on my list of genres I want to tackle. In fact, I am developing my own suspense/horror script set amongst an urban landscape (think early Brian De Palma) which I plan to direct as a future project.

But if all goes to plan, the next film I plan to both write and direct (ideally in 2009) will be taking place in the South.

Some Cool PR for NEW YORK LATELY

National PR — free National PR is a nice thing…..and NEW YORK LATELY received it yesterday (and still today as of now) from the International Movie Database (IMDB) film website:

CLICK HERE to see NY LATELY featured on the homepage

Here’s a screenshot should it not be there anymore: (Click the image to enlarge)

NY Lately Test Screenings

Over the next few weeks we’ll be conducting a few NY LATELY test screenings to gauge how the current cut of the film plays for an audience. We’ll be looking at the pacing, if the dramatic arcs hit the way we intend, does the humor show up as planned, etc. We sent out some private invites and have fully booked screenings — which I’m excited and very nervous about. Tomorrow will be the first time an audience will see it.

Fingers crossed.

Damn – in a good way

So it’s 4am and I’ve just finished editing the very last scene for NY Lately.

The rough cut is not done yet — all the scenes now have to be put together and polished up. But every single scene in the film has been edited now.

One of my friends joined me for the momentous occasion….and you can get a glimpse of what 16 hours of editing will make you look like….trust me, you don’t want to see my eyes.

I have to say….this is a pretty damn good feeling.

My Newsletter

I’m starting an official email NEWSLETTER that will go out from time to time with major film project updates — such as test screenings, film premieres and screenings, project announcements, etc…..you can subscribe by CLICKING HERE.

The newsletter will not be sent out every time I post a blog entry or for small tidbits. It’s mainly being used to keep those that choose to be informed on any important NEW YORK LATELY and KITCHEN TABLE FILMS (my production company) updates and other exciting news coming down the pipeline. You can unsubscribe at any time as well.

Thanks for your interest and support. I really appreciate it!!