Two Guys in a Garage - A Production Blog

More Panels--Sean Thomas Tribute

2007-07-04T14:57:00.000-04:00

Perfect weather set the stage this week as 20 more panels went up featuring the name of the mural, local dance artist Billy Ross, and a tribute to Master Sergeant Sean M. Thomas of Hughesville, PA. Master Sergeant Thomas was the first Lycoming County casualty in the war

"Inspiration Lycoming County" and "Billy Ross"

This series of panels (above) feature Michael's artistic interpretation of Master Sergeant Thomas and his 6 month old daughter Alexa, keeping vigil as his wife Carrie sleeps

"The Fallen", are a series of panels that honor the memory of Pennsylvania based soldiers that have passed in the Iraq War.

Special thanks to Dan Lewis for still photography.

Technorati Tags: murals, Williamsport, PA, ”Inspiration Lycoming County”, Dan Lewis, Billy Ross, Master Sergeant Sean M. Thomas

The Vigil

2006-09-15T15:59:00.000-04:00

(Photo's courtesy of Kevin Stroble)
Michael (l.) works on the portrait of Marshall Winter, as Marshall's mother Brigette (r.), looks on..

"My goal is to make people smile on a day that they never thought they would.."
Michael Pilato

This is the controlling idea behind the emotions Michael looks to evoke, from people visiting the Mural "Inspiration Lycoming", during his "48 Hours 9/11 Vigil"..

For the last five years, Michael has held a 48 hour vigil during 9/11 on every mural he was working on..This year marks the second anniversary of the vigil at "Inspiration Lycoming", in Williamsport, PA..

A steady flow of visitors came throughout the vigil, even late at night, and watched, reflected, kept company, and shared stories with Michael about their life experiences--surrounding 9/11..

(Photo courtesy of Ralph Ritter)
9/11 Panels on Sept. 12, 2006, during hour "40" of 48 Hour Vigil..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Kevin Stroble, Williamsport, PA, 48 Hours, 9/11 Vigil, 9/11, ”Inspiration Lycoming”, Ralph Ritter, Michael Pilato, Marshall Winter

48 Hours, 9/11 Vigil (2006)

2006-09-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

Click here to view the video.

Begins Sunday, September 10th, 8AM through Tuesday, September 12, 8am..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, Michael Pilato, 48 Hours, 9/11 Vigil, 9/11

It's Not What You Have, But Who You Have That Matters..

2006-08-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Kevin Stroble)

Every year, the concessioneer at the Little League World Series (SportService), offers area Non-Profits an opportunity to work & operate the Concession Stand during the World Series..It's a great deal in the sense that SportService gets staffing for the concession, and the Non-Profit makes some money for their cause..

This year, a local organization due to an unforseen operational emergency, gifted their spot to our documentary film (Mural Canyon) and by relation the Williamsport-Lycoming Arts Council (non-profit sponsor of the film)..

These were the results:

We set three concession sales records, the grandaddy of them being, Largest Single Day Sales for the 2006 World Series ($27,846)..In 4 days we sold over $85,000 worth of Hot Dogs & Hamburgers at an average price point of about $1.50 per item..That's a lot of food folks..

Also, we earned a standing at the concession stand by being asked to come back next year, but the most impressive number is the 97 volunteers that showed up and worked together to create this magnificent accomplishment..

In spite of all it's pristine beauty, historic & architectural richness, and of course being the Home of the Little League World Series, Williamsport's real crown jewel is--it's people..I know it sounds mellow dramatic, but you don't need to travel too far and wide to realize that the people in this town are special, maybe, that's why there has been so much good fortune bestowed to a town that has been branded globally twice in it's history; Lumber, and Little League..

I want to take the time to recognize someone who went above and beyond the call of duty, by logging in over 53 hours--Ricki Maetta..Thank you Ricki, for all you have done for the film, it's is a privilege to count you as friend..

To the rest, I don’t think that I will ever be able to express adequately my feelings of deep admiration and awe for the service that you have shared with me..So, before I start bawling, I’ll leave you with some memories of the mark we left on the 2006 Little League World Series..

BTW, Congratulations to the Columbus Northern L.L., from Columbus, Georgia, for winning the Little League World Series, and my most grateful appreciation goes out to the SportService team, led by Thomas Booth, Bob, Tom, both Amy’s, Sue, Dennis, Nate, Chris, Gia, and the many others, too many to name, who helped us accomplish great things..

(Photo courtesy of Joanne Casale)

Carlos Saldivia and Joanne Casale pose for a picture during a very brief break in the action at the Little League World Series Concession Stand.

(Photo courtesy of Joanne Casale)

(Foreground, L. to R.)Billy Ross, Aaron Fay, Wes Breen, and Justin Crouse.
(Background, L. to R.)Steve Morrison (Co-Producer), Joanne Casale, and Rob Shirley

This is a photograph of part of the Opening Friday (Aug. 18) Crew, that broke the old "Opening Friday" Concession sales record by $4000!. You can tell that Billy Ross is really impressed.

(Photo courtesy of Kevin Stroble)

(L. to R.) Nate Hallman, Christie Allen, Chelsea Allen, and Nancy Reiff

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, documentary, Little League World Series, SportService, Williamsport-Lycoming Arts Council, Ricki Maetta, Columbus Northern Little League, Thomas Booth, Kevin Stroble, Joanne Casale, Billy Ross, Aaron Fay, Wes Breen, Justin Crouse, Steve Morrison, Rob Shirley, Nate Hallman, Christie Allen, Chelsea Allen, Nancy Reiff

Native American Panels/First Friday Celebrations Aug. 2006

2006-08-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

(photo courtesy of Ron Vernier)

Keri Kimura (above) applies some final touches on the Native American Panels that were placed on the mural "Inspiration Lycoming", as part of the First Friday Celebrations in downtown Williamsport on Friday August 4, 2006.. Keri is serving an apprenticeship under Michael Pilato, the artist creating the mural..

(Photo courtesy of Ralph Ritter)

Michael Pilato (L.) discusses panel placement with const./rigging contractor Brent Foster (R.)..

(Photo courtesy of Ralph Ritter)

..finishing touches and final placement..

(Photo courtesy of Ralph Ritter)

Local Native American gets the first look at newly placed panels..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, ”Inspiration Lycoming”, Michael Pilato, Brent Foster, Native Americans, First Friday, Ron Vernier, Ralph Ritter, Keri Kimura

"National Treasure"

2006-08-02T07:28:00.000-04:00

A large group of area Native Americans & Armed Forces Veterans, will organize in Williamsport at the corner of West Fourth/Market Street, where a Color Guard will lead them in parade (7:10 pm start) down West Fourth Street to the site of the Mural "Inspiration Lycoming", on Friday August 4th, 2006, kicking off the city's First Friday celebrations, but also marking the start of the 3rd Annual Bull Run All Nations Festival..The Festival will be held through the weekend at Loyalsock's Riverfront Park by Canfield Island..

Upon arrival, Native American representatives will bless (Smudge Ceremony) the Mural in a traditional ritual that is a purifying & cleansing ceremony.. This, is a short video of last year’s ceremony..

For much of his life, Michael Pilato has been deeply affected by Native Americans, and many times has referred to them as a, "National Treasure", who need to be honored and preserved..Since his youth, he was affected by the power, strenght, and beauty of the culture, and as tribute, he will be unveiling additional panels at this Friday's celebration, that depict local Native American portraiture & influence in Lycoming County..

The Festival , open 10 am to 6 pm, will continue through the weekend with Native American Dancing featuring many styles including, Aztec Fire Dancers..There will also be 5 Ceremonial Drums, craft and food vendors (wait till you see the sumptuous food offerings), storytelling, music, arts, a Petting Zoo, and many other fun events & surprises..Admission is free, but donations are encouraged and will be accepted at the entrance, with all the proceeds going to charity (including a Christmas Run to area hospitals), so get out there and support this folks!..Rarely do we see a convergence of events that celebrates culture, as a fun event, where the entire proceeds go to a charitable cause..Remember, closing time is 6pm, this is an ideal 'day event' for all ages..Check out the Bull Run website here

Carlos

Tip of the Hat to: Dancing Otter Site

Photography by: Kevin Stroble

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, ”Inspiration Lycoming”, Michael Pilato, Bull Run Festival, Native Americans, First Friday,
Lycoming County,
Festivals

Little League Panels Are Up..

2006-07-16T14:02:00.000-04:00

This is what we started with, furring strips for the 15 Little League Panels to be placed on the Bullfrog Brewery Building..

The Great Mssrs. Brent Foster(l.) and Tony Brown(r.) pulling rig/grip/construction duty..

..under Michael's watchful eye..

..racing the sun..

and finally--the Little League Panels..

There is some great company on that porch..

And all before sunset..Man, this town has had some good fortune..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, ”Inspiration Lycoming”, Brent Foster, Tony Brown, Michael Pilato, Little League

Panels--In 3D!!..

2006-07-15T11:52:00.000-04:00

The first 3D panels in the Mural "Inspiration Lycoming" are up..Pictured behing the T.V. are Grayce & Carl E. Stotz (pronounced 'stuts')..Carl is the founder and father of Little League..

Carl and the scene within the T.V. is the 3D portion of these panels..Under the television, are the two boys who were the initial inspiration for Carl; Major & Jimmy Gehron..

On Deck: The rest of the Little League Panels--stay tuned..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, "Inspiration Lycoming", Carl E. Stotz, Grayce Stotz, Major Gehron, Jimmy Gehron, Little League

Ooops!, Rain-Out..

2006-05-26T22:53:00.000-04:00

Threat of rain on Thursday, and rain on Friday in downtown Williamsport, postponed placement of some panels on the Mural, "Inspiration Lycoming", which includes the first 3D panel..The panels are scheduled to be placed this Tuesday, May 30th.

Here is what "Inspiration Lycoming" looks like on a sunnier day..

Here is a liiittle peek at what the 3D panel looks like. (Michael Pilato at right) See you on Tuesday around 6pm.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, Michael Pilato, "Inspiration Lycoming"

Meet The New Panels, Plus One In 3D!!

2006-05-24T08:41:00.000-04:00

This Thursday and Friday there will be activity in downtown Williamsport at the mural--"Inspiration Lycoming." More panels will be placed including the first 3D Panel. Above are some panels placed on May 3, 2006. (Photography Courtesy of Robert Shirley)

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, murals, "Inspiration Lycoming", Robert Shirley

May 2006 First Friday

2006-05-16T23:58:00.000-04:00

Michael Pilato (second from left) gives a quick tour of new panels

Cameraman/ Assistant Producer Jean Chargois filming reaction shots.

(from L. to R.) Jean Chargois, Technical Director Asa Kelley,

and Director Carlos Saldivia, share a laugh while on set

of May 2006's First Friday Celebrations

(Mural Photography Courtesy of Ron Vermier)

Technorati Tags: murals, Williamsport, PA, Michael Pilato, Jean Chargois, Asa Kelley, Carlos Saldivia, Ron Vernier

A League Of Their Own..

2006-03-09T19:18:00.000-05:00

Hello?..Hello?..Mr. Welles?!?..Mr. Orson Welles?

Wherever you are--we sure do miss you..

Underestimate American audiences at your own peril

Carlos

Via----OpinionJournal.com

Technorati tags: Hollywood, Status

As Good As It Gets

2006-03-01T19:47:00.000-05:00

Believing in your goal means also believing in the struggle that it takes to achieve it..

For 10 month's, we have searched for a non-profit sponsor based in Williamsport to sponsor our film..Late yesterday, the Williamsport-Lycoming Arts Council informed me that they are going to sponsor our documentary film, "Michael Pilato: Mural Canyon"..We are thrilled and specially grateful to the W-L Arts Council..A very special thank-you to the Executive Director, Deb Parsons.

Without a non-profit sponsor, we cannot fundraise effectively..Most philanthropic sponsors (NEA, Ford, Rockefeller and MacArthur) won't fund an artist directly, and for donors that give lesser amounts, the non-profit status affords them a tax voucher/deduction not available otherwise..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Fundraising, Williamsport, PA, murals, documentary

Golden Apples..

2005-10-14T14:10:00.000-04:00

about Fear and Art..

"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it"--Bill Cosby

Via- Dr. Rob Gilbert

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Dr. Rob Gilbert, Quotes

Wickedly Cool Re-visiting Of 1961 Oscar Winner

2005-10-02T11:58:00.002-04:00

On A Hot Summer Night..

Tip of the hat to: a mentor

Carlos

Technorati Tags: filmmaking,

The Accused..

2005-10-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

As a filmmaker, be prepared to deal with the wake of controversy and this type of rubbish in the course of creating legitimate film projects and trying to raise coin..

Transparency is the new world app, so make sure that as part of your filmmakers toolbox you include a clear and comprehensive presentation when you are in front of investors..Like in anything else, you'll always have to do the heavy-lifting for people but more so with investors..

I will never be able to express adequately enough my feelings on this issue..There can never be enough transparency with the constant rash of people out there looking to steal money from unsuspecting donors..MAKE donors your partners, the more comfortable they feel, the better the asset they can be..MAKE them your walking brochure..

More on this subject later, as I will delve into the anecdotal anatomy of raising money in a small town..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Fundraising, documentary, Williamsport, PA, filmmaking, people

48 Hours...

2005-09-14T19:16:00.000-04:00

…of honor and reflection embodied a vigil recognizing the loss of life and personal sacrifice on 9/11. From Noon on Saturday(9/10) through Noon on Monday (9/12), Michael Pilato held a vigil in honor of the victims that were lost and the devotion of the emergency personnel that worked tirelessly throughout the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

The vigil (his 5th since 2001), is an intensely personal and spiritual periphery to any mural that Michael is working on. It is about his contribution to leave the world a better place, spread the message of love and honor the personal values that he grew up with, versus using the date and occasion to market and publicize any current mural he’s working on.

My goal was to record the event in a solemn way with minimal intrusion. We did no interviews, asked no questions, did no pre-vigil promotion and shot & will present this footage for the film in a straight-forward dignified way.

Michael was up a total of 57 hours. A total of 10 panels were placed on the south-east corner of the Mural.

Click here to view the video.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Documentary, Murals

"Mural Canyon: The Smudge Ceremony"

2005-08-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Click the pic to load the video (in quicktime).

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, Filmmaking, Murals, Native Americans, Mural Canyon, Documentary Film, Smudge Ceremony

The Voyage Home

2005-07-20T19:45:00.000-04:00

James Doohan, "Scotty" from Star Trek passed this morning. It feels like a member of the family died today.

Thanks for the memories.

Onward and Godspeed.

Carlos & Steve

Technorati Tags: James Doohan, Star Trek

Oh what fun it is to ride...

2005-07-12T21:36:00.000-04:00

YES! We have an attorney!

When we discovered this project, it wasn't the eleventh hour, it was more like Michael was dipping his brush in the paint to start the mural and we arrived in a heap like the 3 Stooges..

As entrepreneurial as film is, rarely do you find yourself with the opportunity to do such an important story that demands that you start filming right away and catch up the pre-production functions as you film..Although it is more common with documentary films..

Of these functions, getting the right fit with the right attorney is a decision that will resonate through the entire production and involves a lot of work and maybe some help from Gandalf..

Stay tuned as I will have some good news soon about our sponsoring non-profit..

Carlos

Technorati Tags: documentary, filmmaking, entertainment law, murals

Finally--a vlog

2005-07-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

Ok... We're going to give this video thing a shot.

Click the pic to load the video.

The video is in quicktime).

Weblinks related to the video:
Michael Pilato
Bullfrog Brewery
Community Arts Center
Community Theatre League
J. V. Brown Library
Williamsport
Our Towns 2010

Enjoy the video.

Steve

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, Filmmaking, Murals, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Documentary, Tourism

Film Tools

2005-07-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hello All,

From time to time I will be posting "Film tools". My goal is to post tools that have strong value and help you cut through the wall of noise for our attention regarding film tools for filmmakers. So here's the deal, if I don't use the tools myself or trust them I won't post it. Enjoy.

Variety - A must for up to date info on the industry, great features and collectively, hands-down the best film reviews, specially Todd McCarthy.

Scott Spears - Great inter-active video classroom tech tips.

Script for Sale - Tips, articles and a great newsletter(free).

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Documentary

Short term wins

2005-06-15T21:21:00.000-04:00

I got a call from the folks at PVLA. They got us an attorney referral.

I corresponded with the attorney this week and he is eager to take on our project.

Did I mention what a great resource PVLA was?

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Entertainment law

Little things make a difference...

2005-06-14T14:21:00.000-04:00

..especially when you don't expect them.

This week-end, I got a very touching letter from Valerie M. Whyman, the Executive Director of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, recognizing us for the sponsorship we made to them this season.

Now, I know a lot of people recommend that young filmmakers do stuff for free in an effort to be discovered. But please, bear in mind a couple of things.

-Create work that has purpose.
-Create work that has original content.
-Surround yourself with the best people possible.

As a filmmaker, the most powerful things you own are: YOUR CHOICES.

It makes no sense to direct(pro-bono) say, two low-budget slasher flicks for reel, when you want to be discovered as a director who shoots serious drama. Make your time count by creating purpose-driven and original work that includes great people.

All of us here at First Contact want to thank you Valerie, for the opportunity to work with the WSO, and fulfill the aforementioned values.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, Filmmaking, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra

We're gonna turn and head for third..

2005-06-11T12:27:00.000-04:00

..because the essense of the truth is our only obligation. This is a baseball term and of course--the ball's in play.

So, this is my very public response supporting my friend Steve's first post surrounding the important film work on the Mural Project, that we have been so privileged to find in our great city of Williamsport.

Also, I'd like to add that a feeling of belonging is the greatest need for human beings--this should never be subverted nor ignored, because if you ignore the important things, if you ignore the sensible solutions...what else is there?

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Murals

What We Have Here is a Failure to Participate

2005-06-05T08:01:00.000-04:00

Carlos has been pointing out to me that our blog is titled "TWO Guys in a Garage", and not "Carlos and his Silent Partner" so I figured it is about time for me to start making some posts on here. Alas, this will be my only post for the next 2 weeks as I will be away. Nonetheless, off we go.

One of the topics that this blog will also be covering are some of the rough patches that we have to go through as being film "pioneers" in an area nearly devoid of a film industry (which we are working on changing).

For instance... if one of our crew members inexplicably deserts us and then goes out and starts spreading bad rumors about us, that might end up on here.

-or-

If the members of any oganization connected to the mural project or our film project were to act in nefarious ways in order to sabotage either project, and our repeated attempts to make peace with them were completely ignored, we might put something about that on here as well.

These "hypothetical" situations are just two examples of problems we might run into out here, as I imagine that pioneers in any industry might run into. We will blog (video will be on here at some point) about these problems moreso to show how we choose to navigate these situations so that anyone undertaking a mission like ours may find our experiences informative and useful.

That being said, we won't dwell on the negative much (unless, and this is a fear of mine, we run into an excessive amount of bad things with the project and are given little choice) as we wish to keep this project and everything related to it highly constructive.

So, in conclusion, I have now officially made my first post here and I wish to encouarage any of you pioneers out there sruggling with adversity not to lose sight of your goals as it can be easy to get sidetracked on that which is not important.

Steve

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Documentary

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

2005-06-02T14:18:00.000-04:00

We ushered in a new month with a flurry of activity. I was in Philadelphia yesterday with our ongoing search for an attorney. My first stop was at PVLA. For P.A. filmmakers this is a HUGE resourse--a must see. They were very informative and listened to what I had to say. It's so refreshing to deal with people who have the human components in order. I will blog more in-depth on human components issues in general in future posts.

While at PVLA, they turned me onto Isaiah Zagar. I took a ride through South Street to see some of his work. It's amazing and inspiring. South Street, by the way, reminds me of a blend of Melrose Ave.(L.A.) and Bleeker Street (NYC), a very cool place.

I interviewed with one other attorney, but they were not licenced in N.Y., PA, and CA. We need someone that has all three. It's just easier to have someone in legal that has a passport that cuts accross all borders where we will potentially do business (distribution companies mostly). Nevertheless it was an informative chat and a strong contact.

When I got back to Williamsport, I got an e-mail from Steve Shope. He informed me that he's coming on board and was available on all fronts to give his expertise to the film. He is a Williamsport guy with world experience and a great addition to our Marketing/Fundraising team. Thanks Steve!

More good news--WVIA will be in town to film for the Mural tomorrow on First Friday.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Entertainment law, Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Murals

Production Update

2005-05-25T20:41:00.000-04:00

Michael will be in State College for most of this week so it will be a great time to catch up on some of the "pre-production" that we are behind on, like finalizing the fundraising "Mastermind Team" and our ongoing search for both an entertainment attorney and a local non-profit.

We have decided to have Steve take a larger role as the on-site producer, that way I can focus more on Ex. Prod. functions. Bernadette Jones (Dir., Prod. on WSO spots) will also be assisting Steve produce.

The right attorney is crucial for a production like ours. We not only need a person that is passionate about law and film, but who is also a comrade and a friend. They also have to be licenced in NY, PA, and CA. That takes time. Good news though, I've had a couple of great chats with attorneys in NYC and Philadelphia this week, so that means--road trip on 5/31 and 6/1! Pics to follow, and yes, we will be vlogging soon.

The non-profit issue is more straight forward though. Their mission must link well with ours or else we run the risk of having IRS problems, so we want to get off on the right foot and find a strong match. Once we do, we can start fundraising.

Sad day today with the passing of Ismail Merchant, of Merchant-Ivory Films. The craft of his films and his company model are examples of what I'd like to fashion our company after; excellence--but people first--at all cost.

Remains of the Day and Howards End are must see films. Ismail, rest in peace and Godspeed.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Entertainment law, Filmmaking, Documentary

In Better Company

2005-05-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

Quick, winner for Best Picture 1977? The Goodbye Girl?... Nope... Star Wars!!?... Nope—Annie Hall... Sheesh!

What where they thinking?? Earlier this week there came a squeaky noise from Woody Allen reflecting on his preferred mode of remuneration. If I was an Academy member, you would have had to pay me off with a paper bag the size of a large Christmas parcel, for my vote for Annie Hall over The Goodbye Girl, much less Star Wars.

Here comes the good part...

Star Wars All-time USA Boxoffice Gross: $460,935,665

Annie Hall All-time USA Boxoffice Gross: $ 38,300,000

Hands down the best Best Picture debate ever. What do you think?

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking

Our Boys of Summer...

2005-05-19T18:15:00.000-04:00

Saturday, five of our crew members graduated PCT: Asa Kelley, Jean Chargois, Michael Blakesley, Brian Kehoe, and Dan McKim. I attended the afternoon commencement and I couldn’t help thinking about the fortune I had to meet them and have them on our crew. They represent not only some of the best that Penn College has to offer but the best walking representation of what America’s future looks like.

A little background... in early Sept 2004, I approached PCT with a project to co-produce 5 commercials for the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. The WSO asked me to consider doing these spots pro-bono and I thought it would be a great opportunity to involve the PCT students in the Media Media Communications Program. This gave them production experience, some reel that got airtime, and I got a physical (equipment) production partner. It was a win-win all around. Other great PCT folks like Dr. Jill Landesberg-Boyle, Veronica M. Muzic, Nick Vitterite, Bruce Huffman, and the great Chris Legarski made it happen from their end. Kudos to the college, they’re under-appreciated.

To a man, not one of the students had any commercial production experience, much less were they prepared to be on a set that basically mirrored a union set. As the A.D., I worked them as if they where on a pro set so the next guy’s set that they're on, no matter what happened, their heads would be above water. Not once did they falter. For example, on the first commercial, we did three days worth of work--north of 50 set-ups, with an inexperienced crew and limited equipment... in 12 hours!. The one skill that got them through my lunacy was their attitude. For producers and production managers out there, I can’t stress this enough: make sure that the human components are in place before you pull the trigger on personnel. The old rule of “measure twice and hire once” saves a lot of heartache and provides great ‘set culture’, especially on a low budget set. When you hire great attitude, you can teach them anything.

We will continue to work with Jean and Asa who will stay in town, but the other boys will be in VA., MD., and York, PA. It was a distinctive pleasure--thank you for your faithful service--Onward and Godspeed.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Documentary, Penn College, Williamsport, PA, Filmmaking

Welcome to Our Blog

2005-05-15T13:56:00.000-04:00

This is us... Steve and Carlos

This is an experiment. It's a mix between a video blog (vlog) and Project Greenlight. We're going to tell you the story of the making of the documentary film "The Big Story", hopefully filmmakers and artists will find it a useful how-to. Thank you to all of our supporters, you know who you are.

Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, Vlogs, Documentary