Today's Diary is going to be different. First, I'm going to share a response that my friend Jay received from a celebrity on a message board. Second, my brother finally has a Heavy Metal road story. So, let's get things started with Jay's question and the answer, again, by a celebrity - the lovely Jennifer Jason Leigh, the topic is the filmThe Anniversary Party. Enjoy!
Originally posted by : JAY329
Jennifer & Alan,
Congrats on a terrific film. Enjoyed the writing and character development, it was refreshing.
Did shooting on video impact the work of you and your collaborators in any major way vs. shooting on film? (Did shorter set-up times allow for more spontaneity, did you feel you could improv more or try more takes, did it make filming an easier process physically, etc.)
Thanks in advance,
JAY
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Jay,
I think shooting on video does create a more intimate shoot and with it a sense of freedom. There is a hell of a lot less down time. For us it was a financial necessity. We shot with 2 cameras always, the day of the Charades and the day of the Toasts we used 4. Which we could never have afforded on film with our budget. And because the camera is small (although we used the Sony DSR 500 which is not so small) and the crew is also some what smaller and because there's less equipment dv allows you into locations one wouldn't under normal circumstances have access to. And it's a HUGE time saver, simply not having to check the gate probably saves you 45 minutes a day and when your shoot is 19 days that time does make a difference. We didn't do many takes, and the film is entirely scripted (though there are some great ad libs) there's no improvisation. We simply didn't have the time. But because of the speed at which you can shoot with video I do think it's great for actors. You're never bored, once you get to set you work, so it does create an immediacy. Most importantly, the time dv saved us allowed us to have all these great actors and get them in and out very quickly.
-Jennifer
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Wow, that's real! Pretty cool, I think. OK, finally, my brother's first Heavy Metal road story. Take it away George:
"I have always been of the opinion that Heavy Metal at its best is full of surprises, but a gig we played on the 9th at Price's Tavern in Canonsburg, PA gave new meaning to the phrase.
We were all set to kick Price's Tavern in the ass, when all of the sudden, as I was getting ready to hit that stage, I was informed of a certain celebrity's supposed presence at the bar, to which I promptly replied- "Forget it, you're crazy, I'm not falling for this." Well, much to my chagrin, at that very moment, in strolled none-other-than golden-eraSaturday Night Live icon - FATHER GUIDO SARDUCCI!!!
He just happened to be in town on business, and decided to "bless" us with his presence. He seemed to be mingling with the crowd quite well, with a beer in one hand and his ever-present cigarette in the other. He was very friendly and chatted with everyone, and just-so-happened to mention that he's only celibate on the weekends :-). We were honored that Father Guido was kind enough say a few words to the sinners present (even offering an impromptu confession), and he is obviously a big fan. :-)
Just as we were about to peel the paint off the walls, Fr. Guido got on the mic and told a few jokes. After that he turned to me and said, "What's the name of the band?" I said, "AfterShok". He then turned back to the mic and said, Lady's and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to my favorite Heavy Metal band...Please welcome, the "AfterShack." That's right folks, After SHACK. Damn.... Oh well, that's showbiz!
There you have it, a personal endorsement from a renowned theologian, philosopher and raconteur! What more could one ask for? That's it Hell Hounds. Stay tuned for the next installment in a few weeks, My Encounter With Yngwie Malmsteen!"
Metal Forever!!!!!!www.aftershok.com
