Drunks, Day 7: Well Oiled Machine

Mike rounded up Heidi, Theo and his son, Michael the day before to rehearse what had, up to today, a difficult scene. Since I started working in film, I have noticed the quality that rehearsals add to a shoot. Today was no different.

They all rehearsed yesterday and came in today with a strong game. I took them through a dry run, to allow Hank to get the camera angles worked out. Before we knew it, we had gotten some really great shots.

Michael, Mike's son, is a natural. This kid has natural talent. He takes direction well, remembered everything we wanted out of him from previous shoots and delivered a great performance.

Heidi, who takes acting classes with Mike and Theo, still has some learning ahead of her, but she takes direction well and asks questions that help hone her skills. I predict that she will eventually blossom into a fantastic actress. She has her doubts about her abilities and expressed as much. I tried not to flood her with useless knowledge, instead concentrating on what I thought she needed to convey in her role. She did great.

Theo is a class act and a really great actor. He always brings his 'A' game. And he can take a punch in the gut. Over and over and over and over and over again. Michael kept having to punch him, an act he thoroughly enjoyed, throughout the shoot. And Theo was a trooper with every hit. He'll always be on the top of my casting choices when I have something right for him.

Mike is a terrifically talented actor. Although, I have to admit, I haven't been happy with his take on a drunk accent. I tried talking to him about it in the beginning, but I think something was lost in translation. Regardless, he brings real sincerity to his part which really makes him shine. He's willing to do whatever it takes to make the movie work. As an actor and a producer, he's tops.

Rounding out the cast is Tim, who also takes classes with Mike & Theo. He's a very useful guy to have around. Not only is he a very natural, very gifted actor, but he's willing to jump the fence and crew if it's needed. He's been on boom for the previous shoots. He's now playing the cop who will have a run in with Theo & Mike in the film's finale.

Hank. What can I say about Hank? He's my ace in the hole. He did some great work on a couple of hand held shots. Without him, I know my work would lack a certain style and maturity. I need to get myself up to snuff in case he's not available for other projects. I hope to work more with Hank as the year progress.

We closed out the day with an impromptu rehearsal for next Sunday's climactic ending to this film.

I am anxious to start editing. More to come.

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