Sitting In On A Table Read...Love The Creative Process

Years ago, a local film director asked if I wanted to sit in on a table read for an upcoming feature film he was going to direct. A few days before the event, I got sick and when the time came, I decided not to go, even though I most likely could have. I've often wondered what that experience would be like. Whenever I hear of others who got to participate in a table read, I've always felt bad that I'd missed out.

Last week, a call went out for another table read, different filmmakers this time. When I saw the announcement I immediately volunteered to be part of it. The reading was set up so the creators of the story to hear their story read aloud. As a writer, I try and read aloud what I've written as much as I can. There's so much you can pick up from hearing a story read. And, as a writer, I know that you get so familiar with the story, you miss things. Having others read your story helps to find problems and issues you'd normally miss.

We met in Draper. I can count the times on one hand I've ever been to the city. I've driven by it many many times, but not the city itself. There were a half a dozen of us readers. We all read multiple parts. It took several hours. Your standard feature film screenplay is between 100 to 120 pages long and this one fit in exactly that length.

The others around the table were like me, people with varying degrees of performing experience. One character in the story had a strong Scottish accent. I was chosen to read that part--I didn't even try the accent.

The script was funny, tender, brutal (the story, not the way it was written...), and it had complex characters with strong motivations and understandable actions. Parts of the ending took me by surprise as well. 

I am a part of a couple of writing groups. I love being part of the creative process, even though I didn't write this particular story. The film played out in my mind as we read. It's a good story, a strong story. I have no idea if this particular film will get made. I hope it does. I know the filmmakers will do an excellent job.

The first time I was asked to be part of a table read for a film, I turned it down. I didn't this time and I'm glad I didn't.

"Just Let Go"...A Dream Fulfilled

I saw a movie trailer today and watching it actually brought goosebumps to rise on my arm. Movie trailers nowadays are like little doses of addictive drugs. Any clip from a much-anticipated film like Star Wars drives the fans crazy, myself included.

But as I watched the trailer for the new film, Just Let Go it affected me in a different way--I saw dreams fulfilled.

Back in 2006 I was introduced to two wide-eyed and idealistic filmmakers only a few years out of film school. I could tell right off that they LOVED what they did, and after seeing some of their short films, I knew they were good at what they did, two friends who wanted to do something ever since they were little kids.

We came together because I wrote a screenplay and thanks to their talents and excellent suggestions we created an award-winning short film.

Since 2006 I've watched as opportunities have come their way and they've taken full advantage of them. Finally, after years of hard work, long hours, and time away from family and friends, their dream will be shown to audiences, hopefully all over the country and the world. They believe it's a story worth telling.

And so do I.

I watched the trailer and I saw in the shots my friend's work and their love of what they do. Sure, the next Star Wars installment is due in December of this year and it will earn billions of dollars, but I think I'm more excited about a little indie film made by two wide-eyed and idealist filmmakers that opens on September 28, 2015, not just because I know those involved in the film, but because I know--in part--what it took to see their dream fulfilled.

You can see the trailer: HERE. Maybe watching won't bring goosebumps to your arm. Then again, maybe it will.

Just Let Go...The Movie Is Coming!

Do you have a friend who you trust? I trust most, if not all my friends (that's why they're my friends...). Having a friend who is, say, an auto mechanic--again, someone you can trust--can literally save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches.

Trusted friends can be lifesavers, or they can make your day just a little bit better. Since I've gotten to know a lot of authors, I love being able to read and recommend what they've written. And even if I've not read their books, I trust them based on past experience with them, or from something of theirs that I have read.

So, believe me when I tell you that I expect nothing but great things when the movie Just Let Go is released later this year, and I can write this with confidence because two of my friends are involved in this project. 

Years ago I entered a little screenwriting contest and against all odds (if you're interested, I'll tell you more about it sometime...), my story won. I was assigned to a director and a cinematographer and we made the film. It went on to win several awards and working with these two extremely talented filmmakers gave me the confidence that I might just be a writer after all.

Those two men, C. S. Clark and Patrick H. Parker have moved on from shorts and inspirational messages to full-length feature films. Just Let Go is their first, first in hopefully a long line of films. And I know it's going to be amazing because I've seen what they did with my flawed little screenplay and the desire and drive they have to make impactful films that deliver messages that will change people's lives.

Between now on the film's planned release date of October 9, 2015, I will be trying to get the word out for this film. Please help me by watching the YouTube trailer, following on Instagram, Liking on Facebook and tweeting the information using hashtags #JustLetGoMovie and #JustLetGo to as many people as possible. Pre-screening opportunities for those following the movie on social sites will be available. Details on this will be forthcoming. 

Watch the YouTube video: HERE!

Like the movie on Facebook: HERE!

Follow on Instagram: HERE!

And visit the official movie website: HERE!

It's already an amazing story. Now watch it come to life and see how one man's decision to forgive changed the lives of so many and will have ramifications for generations to come. 

Just Let Go...is coming!

"Let It Go" Film News...

News came this week announcing two principle actors hired on the Let It Go film project. If you're not familiar with this, friends of mine are making a feature film based on the book of the same name. The story is centered on the life experiences of Chris Williams. It's a story of redemption, tragedy and forgiveness.

And I can't wait to see the finished product!

 

Those involved in the film have been posting on social media sights have excited they've become of late, especially with the casting. With so much local talent, it somewhat surprised me they had opened their search in both L.A. and New York.

Looks like they're off to a great start!

Here's news from the website:

 

:: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ::

The story and script has attracted talent far and wide. The producers have cast Harry Ian Cusick from the hit television series LOST, and The 100 to play the lead role as Chris Williams. In addition, the team welcomes Academy Award Nominee Brenda Vacrro. Many other supporting cast have been selected from a rich talent pool inside and outside of Utah.
 
The film is set to begin production in Salt Lake City, Utah in June of 2014.
 
The compelling true story was covered nationally and touched many lives because of Chris’ decision to forgive the under aged drunk driver who tragically killed his pregnant wife, son, and only daughter in a terrible automobile crash in 2007.
 
Writers/Directors C.S. Clark and Patrick Henry Parker, the principals of Propel Pictures, learned about the amazing story shortly after it occurred in 2007 and approached Chris Williams about producing a documentary about his eventual triumph over tragedy. The response to Chris’s story and the documentary was remarkable. The team decided to develop a feature length production about Chris’s incredible journey from tragedy to healing.

You can access the project website: HERE. I've said it before--I'll bet Mr. Clark and Mr. Parker are just busting knowing the dream they've chased for so long is actually coming true. And good for them! Two nicer guys you'll never meet.