Well folks, we did it. We got through our 17 day shooting schedule like the rock stars we all are and made a movie. The actors are done after today, as are camera, lighting, sound and PA's. The production moves to what's called POST and compiling all the footage to put together to tell this story and make this movie, begins.
I am not part of Post Production. I fly back to Washington State tomorrow as a grateful writer, a proud producer, and a better human being, I hope.
The last few days have been interesting. We cut filming early on Sunday for loads of different reasons. The park was packed, noisy, filming became difficult and Erich decided that we'd take Monday off as planned and come back fresh on Tuesday to film all the scenes we didn't get at the beginning of filming. The puppy was returning from Idaho and everyone was excited to see Seyka again. And Tawnii. And JiWon who plays the wolf sanctuary volunteer. We started at 7 am on Tuesday and worked hard until lunch at 12 which was Indian food. We had a vegan on set and I was regretful that our last buffet included nothing she could eat. And I'd ordered a cake that said "It's a Wrap!" Tuesday was a wrap for lots of cast so we did some little speeches and thank you's. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to Seyka because she will never be this little puppy again except in our movie. Selfish me.
Today, Wednesday, we're filming at Battle Creek Falls a gorgeous wild waterfall where the mom, Marka, releases her husband's ashes. It's an emotional scene with our actress, Megan, and the River Guide/paramour Nick who sympathizes with her. The hike to the waterfall was straight up hill, sweaty but worth it. Everyone is returning now from the mountain as I type this and they're setting up for the middle child's scene where he's hiking on the trail. Then the scene where Marka and Nick start to fall in love. As I said in previous posts, these scenes are shot out of sequence and those last two have already kissed and agreed to give their relationship a go.
When we get those scenes finished on the call schedule for today, it'll be lunch (deli sandwiches and salads at this trailhead park) and we'll move to the elementary school where I play the teacher telling the mom that Grace is drawing disturbing scenes of her as a baby being left in dangerous places by her birthmother. I'm excited to say my 4 lines! And wear makeup after a month of looking like a river rat, hiker.
Inserted photo of me after makeup!
Classroom where we shot the scene at Orem Elementary.
The last month in Utah has been incredible, I've learned so much about making a movie and it's hard to put it all in words so I thought if I synopsized a few Indie movie tips, that might be better.
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-Lunch is important. Spend the extra money to feed cast and crew well. Buy treats. Surprise them. Eat last or first as producer.
-Your call time is not an estimate. Arrive early. The director will love you for it.
-Don't be precious on set, asking for special consideration. No one will love you for it. Or appreciate that you did it.
-RV's with A/C is essential. Internet too. Power too. Have a hot spot on your phone. And a remote charger thing.
- Vodka and Febreeze spritzer will take out stinky costume smells between days. Our AD spritzes the costumes nightly.
- Crafty snacks are important too. Nuts, jerky snacks, chips, fruit, granola bars, dried fruit, etc. Switch up the drinks that are immersed in ice all day. Kids like Gatorade, Adults like Prime and Diet Coke. Lots of water! Keep those bottles coming, all day, everyday.
- Pop up tents, folding chairs, tables, coffee machine, bug spray, sunscreen spray, ziplocs, ice, ice, ice, walkie talkies, serving spoons (caterers forget!), clipboards, neck fans, baby wipes, WD 40, blankets for those night shoots when actors have to pretend they aren't cold in front of the camera, batteries (AA and AAA), paper plates, plastic cutlery, and towels if actors are getting wet.
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Next set I'm on, I would make sure I have a printer. I spent some time at Office Depot (which wasn't all that close) scanning, printing, emailing. Had we been fortunate enough to get permits when we applied and not two months after, the printer might not have been necessary but the Forest Service one took over a month to get action and even then, the ranger in charge of Battle Creek Falls didn't sign until the morning we filmed there! 10 minutes before we started hiking up.
Tonight will be packing up all my stuff, cleaning the RV a bit, helping organize props if Erich needs and waiting until my flight to go home. It's been an incredible experience and I'm thankful I didn't miss being part of the cast and crew of Braving Rapids this last month.
I learned so much.
Thanks for reading!
Kim
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