Casting, Crewing and Locations pt. 1

Hey Team,

So we're in the thick of it. So much to do and it's lot of fun (mostly).
We've had more auditions, this time for Virgil. Talk about brave actors to come in there and do improvs for us with no lines. To create characters based on the couple paragraphs we gave them (and the script if they were able to read it). It's been exciting and I have lots of respect for them. Being an actor is tough and to be in that room and see all the people that walk in that door to a room full of (most likely) strangers, and put yourself out there is a challenge. The ones who make a choice and commit to it fully, and connect with the "reader" in the room are the ones who make the strongest impressions, but even the ones who don't go all the way I have to give props to for going into that situation.

On top of that I'm starting to interview Director's Of Photography. On past projects I've always been my own DP, which is something I really enjoy doing, but for this one I know it'll look better and be better if I let someone else unleash their skills in that department. So of the 13 people I've contacted hopefully one of them will be a perfect match for personality, creativity, style and skill.

And we're looking for locations... so if you know of any 3 story (or 2 story with peaked ceiling attic) houses in the desert somewhere around LA (or anywhere really) that we could use, please shoot me an email and let me know.

Thanks!
Craig O

Auditions Round 1

So we've had 3 days of auditions for the roles of Lilly, Rubin and David in the last two weeks. It's been a really wonderful experience. Seeing all these talented actors and actresses coming in and reading. Each with their own unique take on the characters and where they would take them. It's an exciting process.

Despite having shot over 20 short films in the past few years, I actually haven't had auditions for any of my films since my rarely seen first feature "All The Days Undone", shot in 1999. And this time around we've got a great casting director, Greg Phelan helping out and setting up all these auditions. We're doing it at a place called CAZT in the heart of Hollywood. And all the headshots and resume's are being submitted online (which is very different from getting hundreds or thousands of headshots in the mail!).

And we've had some Amazing actors and actresses come in. It wouldn't be proper to mention names, but the headshots have been very well known actors and actresses from cool horror movies, action movies, TV-shows past and present. In addition to many talented unknowns as well (but people who deserve to be known :)

Now, not everyone has it all together, and of course some are stronger actors than others, but still, I have such respect for people who can walk into a room full of (usually) strangers, and put themselves out there. It's really cool to watch.

So we've got more auditions coming in the next few weeks, and then callbacks. We're focusing on the larger roles now: David, Lilly and Rubin. Then we'll look for our Virgil. Then cast the smaller, though very important other roles.

This is so exciting!
CraigO