This has been an exhausting experience, but even more than exhausting, it's been amazing. I always adhere to the Goethe quote about commitment - to paraphrase, when you commit to something, anything, all else follows. The commitment to make our film has proven this to be true - everywhere we've turned in Albuquerque there's been a helping, welcoming hand, and every time we were challenged or needed to get something done, it's happened. We've truly been blessed through our first 8 days of shooting (plus a 9th day of B Unit).
The next three days will be our last days of filming. We have a jam packed schedule for the next two, with a little less to do on our last day, Thursday the 10th. We're close to realizing the goal we set out to achieve - getting a feature film in the can. 11 days of principal and 1 day of b-unit have us right on the cusp of having all the footage needed. My only concern in falling short is our ambitious schedule these next two days. On the other hand, I find solace in the fact that we've averaged 9-10 pages a day thus far - we've made every day without fail - and I'm confident we'll find a way once again.
Shooting here in the 'Burque has been a joy. It's always sunny (probably like LA before all the smog), there's no noise, or distractions, or parking issues. Everything comes cheap and easy it seems...maybe a little slow. :) But all of us have been amazed with what we've been able to get on a daily basis. We have no insurance, no permits, and no money, but we shoot at will, wherever and whenever we want. It's so liberating. For instance, on Day #6 we shot a scene in the film that calls for Dan, our lead, to run into a gas station and rob the store at gunpoint. We secured the location (for free, like most of the other locations) but we failed to tell the owner about the armed robbery...ooops. No problem. We talked him into it, and he ran his business between takes, as we had our guy running in and out of the place with a gun and then speeding away. This is the story throughout - on most days we show up at a place, stage our shot, roll it, cut it, and get lost, no questions asked, no disturbances, and no cash demanded. Try that in NY or LA!
As we come down the stretch, I can't say enough about how much of an impact this experience has had on me personally. Anything is possible if you believe. I think the crew and cast feel it as well. We're like modern day cowboys in the wild west just taking what's ours, and it feels incredible. I owe the world to our minuscule, multi-tasking crew - Angie Morrow (Producer), Ryan Pearson (Producer), Tito Sanchez (Co-Producer), Miles Vedder (Sound), and Olajide Kashu (Production Assist). Without them, we have nothing. This small group, including myself, are handling all the duties usually reserved for a crew of at least 50 on most indie productions, and up to 250 on major motion pictures. We're not cutting any corners, we're simply trying new ways to make it happen and we're working our asses off. The dailies look great - I couldn't be happier, and I can't wait to share Desert Rain with all of you.
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