Click on the title for a glimpse of the short that I did with Craig Sunderlin & CJ Powers. It will be entered in the Elgin Film Festival. Even with just this quick bit, not bad for a $99.00 Camera! Should be interesting!
Naturally it will be posted in it's entirety once i get it.....
Church video update, it's a go! Woo Hoo! Plus, Walt Sloan & Craig Sunderlin have agreed to be a part of it! There will also be a few cameos by other locals, I'll let you know as we put this whole thing together.
I have gone from an "accidental" meeting with Linda to now we are going to put together the most professional video we can for an 8 month training program! And it appears all the pieces are rapidly falling into place! Yea God!
So what a great time. Clay was back for the weekend, church was great today, poor Pastor Dave asked me & Mark to come up & help with a demonstration... we helped! Super music, then Clay & I went & worked on the house, home for dinner, now he's out & I'm getting caught up.
PLUS, I have signed up to make a film for the 168 Project in California! Now I am committed! (or should be committed!)10 minute film, based on a scripture verse, made in exactly 1 week! What a way to break into film making!
At ICVM it was prayed over me that I would march boldly forward, going through every open door, & that rather than God open the doors for me to go through, He would simply close the ones I should NOT go through! Open door, here I come!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Biting off a big chunk! Watch what you ask for...
How great when things just "seem to fall into place." A week ago I "happened" to run into Linda Casaletto at a doctor's appt for my mom. She was the drama director at E-Free, hadn't seen her in 6ish years. It was a great opportunity to get reacquainted, AND, turns our she was in the process of writing a script for a program the church will be hosting during the coming 9 months. I used to do a lot of drama sketches at the church & she was actually wishing I was available for this one. Bingo, we meet at the doctors office! Now how did that happen, I wonder?
We made plans to meet & get caught up, turns out they were going to need scripts & actors for the duration of the project, a long time commitment. So my thought was why not video tape the whole thing, several presentations could be done the same day & the time commitment is short term, lots of good reasons to go this route rather than live actors. Well, they have given Linda a green light, so now it's time to rock & roll!
At the onset this was just a script Linda was going to be responsible for, to now, they want the most professional product we can come up with, from a mustard seed..... Now as to my involvement, I've been wanting to do something with the talents God has given me, to make a difference with my acting, to touch someone, make them think, encourage them to think about things.....well, this is a program about how to share Christ, with your co workers, your friends. It's a teaching program. Hmmmm do you think "Someone" has listened to what I've said I want to do & now....here it is? Be careful what you ask for!
Well, now there is MUCH to do, hopefully the workers will not be few!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
LIve like geese! From Walk the Talk
A Lesson from ... GEESE!
If you ever happen to see (or hear about) geese heading south for the winter – flying along in “V” formation – you might consider what science has discovered about why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew by itself. Any goose that falls out of formation suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into position to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the set and another goose moves up to fly point. And the geese in the back honk to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen teammate until it is able to fly or it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own – or with another formation – to catch back up with their group.
This was written as a leadership guide for business, but can you imagine that this behavior just accidentally happened? How incredible!
If you ever happen to see (or hear about) geese heading south for the winter – flying along in “V” formation – you might consider what science has discovered about why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew by itself. Any goose that falls out of formation suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into position to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the set and another goose moves up to fly point. And the geese in the back honk to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen teammate until it is able to fly or it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own – or with another formation – to catch back up with their group.
This was written as a leadership guide for business, but can you imagine that this behavior just accidentally happened? How incredible!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
New Technology
Ok, CJ has sold me on a camera. I purchased the $99.00 HD Vado that he used on the shoot last weekend. This morning it was $117 on Amazon, BUT I bought a pink one for $89.00! This way I know my son will not try to take it to college with him when he comes to visit!
I missed out on an audition opportunity as I didn't have a way to get myself on tape the other day, the person who was going to do it got an unexpected job, yea him! And although my camera does take video, it makes me sound like I have a dreadful lisp, not a good trait when filming an audition! Thus the new camcorder!
In a couple days I'll be letting you know how simple it is to operate (hopefully) & what a great thing it is! I did see some of the footage from the short with CJ & was thoroughly impressed. I also read a few reviews & comparisons & this one seemed to hit the mark. Now I could think about it forever, then I'd still be rushing around to get someone to help me out in the short term, so Hey I'm a big spender, I dropped a bundle!
Spent lots of time entering data into my new tracking program, really like it so far, little things that I'd change, but the tech help is so great that outweighs any of the downside. The scary part is seeing just how much I spend on things that generate NO income. Theater is pushed so strongly in Chicago so I take every opportunity, but what a drain on the finances! it's a negative ROI!
OK, I have been reminded that I have been on this box too long today so off to dream world with me! More tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My Journey
In the past several years, I’ve come to realize I have a talent that has merit & value, and should be used for more than to just pay the bills, and that has redirected my purpose in pursuing this career. I know what I do is a skill and it is a gift that has been given to me. I want to take that gift & use it to affect others. I’m not just talking about roles that are stereotypical “happily ever after” but real characters, with real challenges & real issues. Even the “bad” characters, if their quality is that they make someone think, is worthwhile.
One of my more negative roles was as a mother dealing with her daughter’s interracial marriage in The Bell Tolls. My character had preconceptions, viewed her daughter's future husband with stereotypical eyes, filled with prejudice, and finally realized those notions were false. Unfortunately, my character never had a chance to come full circle, but she was shown how wrong she was.
A similar role in Take This Job, a web series, came with similar prejudices. Obviously these are even in this day & age, real issues that must be dealt with & film is the perfect medium.
In The Discarded, (set photo) due out in 2010 (I hope!), I take an even deeper step into darkness. My character is the quintessential evil step-mother in a dark noir fairy tale reminiscent of Hansel & Gretel. She is pure evil, completely self absorbed & controlling but the bottom line is that the audience knows she is bad, her character is not glorified which is the case so often in film these days.
Even in Smoking Apples, the 48 Hour Film, I was once again the bad guy, but in the end, a mother's love came through, just a little bit too late.
All this goes to show that no matter the character, there can be a positive outcome, a moment of redemption or simply the audience knowledge that this persons character has a defect, is bad, wrong, evil and hopefully they will not sympathize with the negative, but instead look to a higher redemptive solution.
That is my desire, to put forth a performance that will cause one to think, to look beyond the obvious. To NOT want to be the bad guy with all the fun stuff. Not to glorify self focus, obsession, "he with the most toys wins" attitudes, but to be a catalyst for growth.
Just some thoughts, how about yours?
Short Film & Fan Page
Well, as to the short film Co-ed Baby Shower, I spoke with CJ on Sunday & at that point he was pretty pleased with how it was turning out. He was able to work the ending so that Craig & I didn't have to come in for ADR, that was great, so now I'm just waiting to see how the whole thing comes out. There are so many different levels things can be great or go wrong. Script, actors, delivery, lighting, editing, sound, each one important, some can offset deficiancies in other areas, so now it is all up to CJ! His script was great, lighting, sound & location were somewhat problamatic, the acting is over, it's all in your hands, CJ! Edit away!
As to the new fan page, it seems I must now put my money where my mouth is! The numbers are slowly growing, and I hope they continue to do so. The posts become more important, who is interested in me rambling.....not even me! So out of respect, time to get on the ball! More projects, more postings, more photos! coming right up!
PS Thanks for your prayers for my mom, her leg is healing nicely although still quite painful.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Short Film Shoot-Story or Equipment
So what is more important to a film, the high tech (expensive) equipment being used, or the story. Can one make a piece that will interest the audience using equipment from the lower end of the spectrum? How about a $99.00 HD Camera?
I was honored to work with Chicago actor Craig Sunderline and award-winning producer, writer & director CJ Powers, on just such a project yesterday. What adds another variable is that most of the dialogue is voice over! How do you grab & keep audience attention with what could appear to be insurmountable obstacles.... well just you wait!
It is a great story, every person will feel a connection....that is if you have some brainwave function! I jumped at the chance to work with CJ, wanted to get to know him, and then when I read the script, wow! It is so simple & it's just beautiful, the way the whole thing works, of course I don't want to give away any of the story, so you'll just have to wait & see!
We had our challenges. I offered my son's car to use as it seemed there would be more room to film the driver & passenger in a convertible, not just any convertible, but Clay's red convertible, '96 Mustang! I picked up Craig, backed into his driveway & then couldn't go forward, really! I tried everything, no good. Jim was driving Clay to college and I got them on the cell phone, problem solved.
Almost to CJ's & I asked Craig to call him to let him know we were almost there, Craig who has never spoken to CJ says "Good morning CJ, Craig here, Have you heard from Francine? She was supposed to pick me up a half hour ago....." Aiiiiii, I'm sure CJ needed that first thing in the morning!
As I said, it is a perfect script, perfect weather-overcast, & the streets had been recently repaved, nice concrete, perfect! Some discussion, rehearsal, characterazation & off we go! Did you know that concrete is really not smooth? That all sorts of lumps & bumps are built into it & every 20 ft is a manhole with another seam in the road....& most of the roads in Glen Ellyn that are not new concrete are under construction? We do, now! Add that to a car that has been modified to be low to the ground and is manual transmission, makes for interesting filming, can anyone say steady-cam? How about shock absorbers!
Luckily, CJ knows the area well and we found a couple streets that were good old asphalt, & how nice, the cloud layer starts breaking up & the dappled sunlight came streaming...no glaring into the car! We want slow thoughtful expressions, let's see the transition between thoughts, but hurry before the sun comes out, and the cement wall will be here any second and now it's the part of the road filled with patches....challenges!
Follow all that up with a great lunch, then sound recording, wonderful conversation, getting to know CJ & Craig and all in all a pretty great day! Sunday ADR & we'll see what magic CJ has done with the film......& the day wasn't over, but my time at the computer is! More later!
I was honored to work with Chicago actor Craig Sunderline and award-winning producer, writer & director CJ Powers, on just such a project yesterday. What adds another variable is that most of the dialogue is voice over! How do you grab & keep audience attention with what could appear to be insurmountable obstacles.... well just you wait!
It is a great story, every person will feel a connection....that is if you have some brainwave function! I jumped at the chance to work with CJ, wanted to get to know him, and then when I read the script, wow! It is so simple & it's just beautiful, the way the whole thing works, of course I don't want to give away any of the story, so you'll just have to wait & see!
We had our challenges. I offered my son's car to use as it seemed there would be more room to film the driver & passenger in a convertible, not just any convertible, but Clay's red convertible, '96 Mustang! I picked up Craig, backed into his driveway & then couldn't go forward, really! I tried everything, no good. Jim was driving Clay to college and I got them on the cell phone, problem solved.
Almost to CJ's & I asked Craig to call him to let him know we were almost there, Craig who has never spoken to CJ says "Good morning CJ, Craig here, Have you heard from Francine? She was supposed to pick me up a half hour ago....." Aiiiiii, I'm sure CJ needed that first thing in the morning!
As I said, it is a perfect script, perfect weather-overcast, & the streets had been recently repaved, nice concrete, perfect! Some discussion, rehearsal, characterazation & off we go! Did you know that concrete is really not smooth? That all sorts of lumps & bumps are built into it & every 20 ft is a manhole with another seam in the road....& most of the roads in Glen Ellyn that are not new concrete are under construction? We do, now! Add that to a car that has been modified to be low to the ground and is manual transmission, makes for interesting filming, can anyone say steady-cam? How about shock absorbers!
Luckily, CJ knows the area well and we found a couple streets that were good old asphalt, & how nice, the cloud layer starts breaking up & the dappled sunlight came streaming...no glaring into the car! We want slow thoughtful expressions, let's see the transition between thoughts, but hurry before the sun comes out, and the cement wall will be here any second and now it's the part of the road filled with patches....challenges!
Follow all that up with a great lunch, then sound recording, wonderful conversation, getting to know CJ & Craig and all in all a pretty great day! Sunday ADR & we'll see what magic CJ has done with the film......& the day wasn't over, but my time at the computer is! More later!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Starting the week out right!
I started the week right, Mom did not! I started in Milwaukee, put on tape for 2 clients, Constant Contact & BonTon, then took Mom to the Dr. Didn't like what we heard, have to go to a surgeon tomorrow, her injury is too severe for her internist to handle-30 stitches in her lower leg, very VERY ugly & deep. Tomorrow we'll see the surgeon.
This evening went to an audition for Pride & Prejudice with GreenMan Theater Troupe, could tell the show ought to be really fun, director will be very good. Lots of young girl parts, a few men & 2 women, so we'll see what happens, will get a call by Friday one way or the other.
Have an audition on Sunday for the Citadel in Lake Forest & that one sounds like a great show too, Murder in Green Meadows, so who knows?
Plus, lucky me, I'll be doing a short film for CJ Powers this weekend. I'm really looking forward to it! It's really an experiment (format) , but the script is great.
As per usual, it's late, bed time & more detail later. It's so exciting seeing what my friends are doing in this crazy industry, I love being a part of it & when I get my schedule filled up I can just keep going ! Nitey nite!
This evening went to an audition for Pride & Prejudice with GreenMan Theater Troupe, could tell the show ought to be really fun, director will be very good. Lots of young girl parts, a few men & 2 women, so we'll see what happens, will get a call by Friday one way or the other.
Have an audition on Sunday for the Citadel in Lake Forest & that one sounds like a great show too, Murder in Green Meadows, so who knows?
Plus, lucky me, I'll be doing a short film for CJ Powers this weekend. I'm really looking forward to it! It's really an experiment (format) , but the script is great.
As per usual, it's late, bed time & more detail later. It's so exciting seeing what my friends are doing in this crazy industry, I love being a part of it & when I get my schedule filled up I can just keep going ! Nitey nite!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Facebook Fan Page, Loads of updates!
Ok, I have a fan page, it's official! Thank you David Grelck, a great photographer, creative, producer type (at Cabernet Studio in Schaumburg) He is so knowledgeable, does this stuff in minutes instead of me taking hours to figure things out. OK, so maybe I'm the only one who struggles, but there you have it, I may know what I want, I just don't know how to get there!
So now the website is also updated, all but the Demo reels, the new versions will be up tomorrow. From the website are links to the blog, Imdb, Linked In, Facebook, now how did all that happen? That would be David Grelck again!
So if anyone knows how I get from my original FB page to the fan page, let me know, I've copied the address & have to go to it that way. I think there's supposed to be a link from the home page but I can't find it!
Lost my tenant, but they left the house in very good condition. 2 months early so unless a new renter shows up I'll have to keep the security deposit. I'll be up all day cleaning tomorrow, well, since there are no auditions, at least it will keep me out of trouble!
I'll continue with my story that I started the other day in the next day, until then,
So now the website is also updated, all but the Demo reels, the new versions will be up tomorrow. From the website are links to the blog, Imdb, Linked In, Facebook, now how did all that happen? That would be David Grelck again!
So if anyone knows how I get from my original FB page to the fan page, let me know, I've copied the address & have to go to it that way. I think there's supposed to be a link from the home page but I can't find it!
Lost my tenant, but they left the house in very good condition. 2 months early so unless a new renter shows up I'll have to keep the security deposit. I'll be up all day cleaning tomorrow, well, since there are no auditions, at least it will keep me out of trouble!
I'll continue with my story that I started the other day in the next day, until then,
"May the road rise with you,
and the wind be at your back;
And may the good Lord hold you
in the hollow of his hand.
Sleep well!
and the wind be at your back;
And may the good Lord hold you
in the hollow of his hand.
Sleep well!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Rondinas Rock!
What cool siblings! I had the nicest evening with Anthony & Jessica, they are such great people! They are focused, love the Lord, have a great family, & spent the evening with me! Yipee! (Note: the picture is from ICVM!)
I have a tendency to blather on and on, but this was great, EVERYONE talks! Who knew Pizza & Woodfield could be so much fun? Well, take it from me, it can be! They are another great reason to go to the Gideon & ICVM, you could meet them too, & who knows, by next year there could be another member to their (film) family!
Yes, not only are they super cool & fun to hang with, they are filmmakers too! Haven't seen Jericho yet? What are you waiting for? Oh that's right, it's not out yet...SOON!;-)
Hey Wendy, way to go! & get the guest room ready! I've got an invite!
xoxo Francine
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Where does time fly to?
Time flies, how time flies! I think it has to do with a kid going away to college ...again!
This week has been spent on the computer so far, lots to do & it takes me FOREVER! but just imagine if I was doing it all by hand, staying in contact with so many folks, on top of what's happening in the world, etc. Of course, sometimes I think it might be better NOT being as informed as we all are! Not the best stuff out there!
So lets see, rather than think about where this week has flown to, how about a few words from our sponsor.....or maybe me instead!
Where I came from:
I have been acting and modeling for over 25 years and don’t believe in overnight success as you can see from my longevity! I started out in Chicago, but then expanded into the Toronto & Montreal markets. I had a lot of fun traveling the Midwest until settling back down in Chicago.
I wasn’t actually in “the biz” all that time; I took a break in 1998 to complete my long awaited Bachelor’s degree (in Criminal Justice) and another “sabbatical” when both SAG & AFTRA were striking in 2000 & 2001. With a mortgage & a child, a paycheck was a necessity, so I accepted full time employment as a business administrator in of all places, an office environment! All things happen for a reason, however, and it was during that time I met my husband and found the strongest supporter of my dreams & ambitions!
I’ve always enjoyed this business, it was not only my financial support, but also provided my social network. As a single parent, you don’t just go out at the drop of a hat, so to work in an environment with fun people who enjoy their jobs was an additional perk. Also, when my son was little, the inevitable unemployed days enabled me to chaperon field trips with my son’s class, or volunteer. I loved that I could make decent money for a few days work & then not worry about the mortgage. That was reason enough to be in this business.
Enough of my start, it's time for bed, to begin this all over again tomorrow! G'nite!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Photo Printing Discount!
During the month of August, Argentum Photo Lab will offer 2 for 1 photo printing, good on everything! Order 100 headshots ($90.00), get 200. Good on ALL their photo printing! They do a GREAT job! Highly recommended! Go for it!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Itching to go...
Well, last week was great, ended with a bang! Had a booking in Grand Rapids, MI. Lovely drive, whirlpool was the client. Nicest folks , very laid back studio even though there were some problems with their internet & camera. Modern tech, when it works, it's great! One simple shot, but because of the distance I was guaranteed a 1/2 day booking, nice!
Tomorrow is the 48 hour Film Screening, should be interesting! Never been in or seen so many shorts, being on the last day of screening is good as that is when the awards are handed out. Wonder about the competition...?
Next week, I feel it's time to get things happening. That's what happens when I have too much time. I try to stay busy (built the shed last week!) when not on auditions or working, but now I'm itching to get a project going! I've spent the afternoon on the computer, this thing is supposed to make life easier, but it REALLY takes up time!
I've been updating the various sites & links & staying on top of what is in the mix, it does get confusing at times, how does Britt keep it all together? Help!
I think I inadvertently offended a director/casting person last week. I asked about casting opportunities for the principle roles in an upcoming project. He replied that all roles are worthwhile, other directors would be at the audition, this is how they get to know who is prepared & professional, etc. I apologized & ate crow & explained I had had quite the week & seemed to have misplaced the audition info & would he be kind enough to refresh my memory...but I have not heard back! Now really, that would not be out of the question, I thanked him for his response & thought I phrased it well, but all's quiet......so I assume he be a bit perturbed! Ah well, can't please all the people all the time!
Sooner or later I will get around to some really interesting stuff to post.....! Guess I'm just getting my feet wet & comfortable with the whole process! Hello?!?
Tomorrow is the 48 hour Film Screening, should be interesting! Never been in or seen so many shorts, being on the last day of screening is good as that is when the awards are handed out. Wonder about the competition...?
Next week, I feel it's time to get things happening. That's what happens when I have too much time. I try to stay busy (built the shed last week!) when not on auditions or working, but now I'm itching to get a project going! I've spent the afternoon on the computer, this thing is supposed to make life easier, but it REALLY takes up time!
I've been updating the various sites & links & staying on top of what is in the mix, it does get confusing at times, how does Britt keep it all together? Help!
I think I inadvertently offended a director/casting person last week. I asked about casting opportunities for the principle roles in an upcoming project. He replied that all roles are worthwhile, other directors would be at the audition, this is how they get to know who is prepared & professional, etc. I apologized & ate crow & explained I had had quite the week & seemed to have misplaced the audition info & would he be kind enough to refresh my memory...but I have not heard back! Now really, that would not be out of the question, I thanked him for his response & thought I phrased it well, but all's quiet......so I assume he be a bit perturbed! Ah well, can't please all the people all the time!
Sooner or later I will get around to some really interesting stuff to post.....! Guess I'm just getting my feet wet & comfortable with the whole process! Hello?!?
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