The Director's Chair: January 2010

THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
January 2010

Greetings from the Motion Pictures Studios! And a very Happy New Year to you!

As the dust settles on the flurry of activity that is my annual transition to a new year, I can finally sit down and send out the first newsletter of the year. I know you've been waiting eagerly. Perhaps even on tenterhooks.

Since I last wrote, I've had a few exciting things happen, including the premiere party for my third short film project, Animals. It went over very well with cast and crew, who were crammed into my mother's living room. And there was something particularly rewarding about seeing it play on her massive television. A good time was had by all.

I also had the privilege of directing Harvey at 2nd Street Theater in Bend, which also turned out to be the theater company's last production. Economic times mean the owner, Maralyn Thoma, cannot afford to run it as a company any longer, though the building will remain available for other groups to rent. Even now it is already booked for an April showing of a local playwright's work.

The run of Harvey was highly enjoyable, with a wonderful cast putting together a hilarious show. And did we ever finish with a bang! The last show, December 19th, was nearly flawless on all levels, both technical and artistic; the best of the run, in fact, with an audience that thoroughly enjoyed it.

And the year ended with a delightful Christmas. When I can bring home DVDs of The Village, The Majestic, Coraline, and Leatherheads, it's a good year. (Not that I'm into Christmas for the materialism, but as a movie enthusiast and wannabe-director, my material side was immensely satisfied.)

My new year already has a little work cut out for me, as I either begin or put finishing touches on about half-a-dozen works, including the Square D Circuit Breaker Tutorial (yee-haw!), the 2nd Street Theater Final Curtain tribute DVD, my grandfather's memorial DVD (a two-year-old project, not a recent loss), and the final audio mixes for both Mammon and the Archer and Animals.

In addition, I have a goal of shooting three short projects this year, one per trimester. I have more than enough script ideas to accomplish this; it will be a question of which ones are most feasible on a shoestring. I also will finish Horatio this spring - Yes, I will - and begin a second screenplay. It's a toss-up between Brian about four single 20-something men renting rooms of one house, or Fixations, a darker little tale about a retentive man who is certain that gremlin-y creatures are tormenting him by mal-adjusting the perfectly lined up things in his home and office.

I certainly hope the New Year treats you well and good. Be sure to write when you get there, and don't be a stranger - I'm always home (unemployed) so feel free to drop by.