Warrior: A Filmmaking Experience

So scheduling is hard. We had a 2 actor day Thursday and one of our actor’s couldn’t make it.. :’( so that was two days with nothing to show for.. and I was about to pass out sick, but I got my ass out of bed to film.. but it wasn’t the actor’s fault. Their car broke down. so onto today, Friday. The guys had to leave early to go to rugby, but they both got a bit lost getting to the shoot show we started late, then had camera trouble(FUCK) and then had to leave early. Then the girls did a beautiful job on the dance date scene. I had this huge GAW face the whole time. And they seemed to have a ton of fun. They are best friends so playing a queer relationship between them isn’t that far off. They are so funny in between takes. So I got something done togay. (oops?) Now to schedule tomorrow.. SIGH.

So the day started as most WONDERFUL days start, with me coughing and dry-heaving and then puking bile into the sink. Let’s just say my illness has progressed, shall we? Anyways, I got dressed after that twenty minute puke sesh and went to school, because why not infect the children? I got stuff done there, sitting in the senior lounge editing and I am most of the way done with scene 7. Yay! But I was sweating and shaking and so Lizz and Sean were like. GO HOME. This is what senior program is about, being realistic and saying, sometimes you get sick, shit happens and I was like, but I really want to get this done. So I stayed at school like a fool, until 1:30 rolled ‘round and I had to get my butt to therapy in Lakeville. Little(Lot actually) did I know about the hell of traffic that would await me upon reentry to the city. I knew I had an appointment at HD at 4 to sign papers to officially become an associate, but I didn’t know it would take the full hour. They had lost me in their system for a second and so I read over and filled out papers, while the other people around me got to finish the important stuff. I thought it would take 30 minutes tops, and I would happily be on my way to shoot at Miranda’s house, but lo and behold I was wrong. I ended up not being able to go to practice and when I got in the car after HD my GPS was like, best possible outcome, arrive at your 4:45 shoot at 5:57. Naaht cull son. I am really feeling shitty, and unprepared and I let down my actors, who actually all showed up on time. I want to make it up to them by being super director these next few days. 

Also a bit of perspective, I can now see why there are different people in charge of scheduling, directing, lights, and cameras, because if one person can’t make it, people can still get shit done. Me being “in charge” means, yours truly, AKA a huge fuck up, will ultimately fail to be able to shoot when things go awry, because I am carrying all the weight of final responsibility on my shoulders in the form of the camera. 

So today was a big day. We had our first rehearsal, and a person I had envisioned playing Jocasta ended having to back out because of a parental miscommunication. I didn’t find out until she didn’t show up.. I should have checked my messages, but I was at a track meet. Luckily, Derek and Della’s friend Miranda was available and enthusiastic about joining literally last minute. She did an awesome job on a read through over facetime. I am super impressed with her, and everyone for their ability to express the lines I wrote. Anyhow. Earlier as I wrote before I had a coffee date with, I’ll call him my film mentor, J.D. O’Brien. He is an award winning filmmaker, most noted for his documentary Out in The Cold. He is so supportive and encouraging and knowledgeable and he has allowed me to use his professional camera. I am going to have to pick up the school one tomorrow, but I ran out of time to drive over to the upper school campus to pick it up today. 

I just emailed the whole group to tell them what we are actually going to be doing tomorrow. I was so spent after the day that I totally was forming non-sentences. I think I am going to have them film some of the bedroom scenes and I’ve made up my mind to use my actual bedroom from my house. Which means I will have to beg my brother for permission, but I will also only have to be one one side of town. So wish me Godspeed with that.. Anyhow. I will also be picking up lights and (possibly) sound equipment from church, but the operations guy, Stephen hasn’t gotten back to me yet. I have realized that I am planning a lot of stuff I already thought I had planned, but nothing ever works out the way you think it will. I will have to clean my room and it is a rec, and I will also have to grab my guitar and bass from Casco at some point(probably when I grab the lights and stands. It is going to be a busy day tomorrow.

Production title: Music in Harlem Union / Non-Union: Non-Union Production Type: Independent  / student Project length: Feature Film (50+ minutes) Posted on: Monday, April 28th, 2016 Production location: Minneapolis Company website: http://warriorfilmproject.tumblr.com/ Director: Jaimi Salone Producer: Jaimi Salone Casting Director: Jaimi Salone Audition Location(Date): To be decided.(May 15th)

Shooting Location: Twin Cities Email: [email protected] Compensation: No

Hi,

My name is Jaimi Salone. I'm a high school senior from the Blake School in Minneapolis. I am participating in a two week senior/May program.

My two-week self-designed project is the production of a low budget film adaptation of a play I wrote last year entitled, "Music in Harlem".I am looking for Actors and Crew. If available and interested, contact me via email as listed above,Rehearsing and Shooting will occur from the 16th to the 25th. Any final shots will be taken on the 28th if necessary.

Synopsis:This film follows Harlem and his group of friends as they propel themselves into music and struggle. Themes include teenage angst, romance, sexual assault and drug abuse.Travel with this ragtag group as they grow through the chaos of adolescents.

Looking for actors to portray the following characters (gender of actor might not match character depending on production decisions):

Harlem(m/f) (16-19)

17 years old, Harlem is a dreamer. They want to be a musician when they are older and their uncle who is raising them unenthusiastically supports them. Harlem is unknowingly arrogant, selfish and hypocritical, but he also kind and well-intentioned. He is passionate and focused, to a fault. He also has a hard past that gives him an aversion to criminal activity. Once Paxton draws attention away from Harlem he feels his dreams are threatened.

Jocasta(f/m) (16-19)

Harlem’s friend since childhood, their relationship has always been slightly more than friendship. They are very non-judgemental and is a great listener, even though they’re normally a motor-mouth. Jocasta is an all around great friend, but is too much of a giver and lets Harlem take over their life. Jocasta end up in a relationship with Paxton.

Bowie(m/f) (15-18)

A mutual friend of Harlem and Jocasta, Bowie is shy with big dreams of going out with Jocasta. Paxton’s step sibling, they all go to school together, but Bowie is in all advanced classes. Appears to be younger than the others.

Paxton(f/m) (16-19)

Paxton is an individual who is mad at the world. They share interest in music with Harlem but is somewhat unreliable. Paxton truly has a heart of gold, but copes unhealthily to the abandonment of their mother and their father’s remarriage.

Dr. Ramsey Masterson(40-50)

Harlem’s uncle on their mother’s side, takes his nephew/niece in when they were suddenly orphaned at age ten. Has always been close to Harlem, and supports them in most of their dreamy endeavours. Dr. Ramsey wants Harlem to be successful and believes they are growing into a fine young adult, but is not 100% certain that a music career will hold Harlem.  Ramsey is pretty overbearing and has taught Harlem his arrogance. The audience is meant to revere him as a trustworthy father figure, although it’s evident that he has his own flaws and secrets.

Elijah(17-19)

Comic Relief, Elijah is a member of Harlem’s band Blue Content. An extremely laid back individual Elijah comes off as stoned. Elijah just wants to play music, he has on a baggy hoodie and perhaps a beanie if the actor looks good in one. Also he always wears a pair of aviator sunglasses. This actor needs range.

Dan Tomlin (Paxton’s father)(40-50) ---Cameo

A very reserved character. He is only in one scene. He is married to Bowie’s mother who went to school with Ramsey. He has many secrets and is deceivingly charming.