The Shapiro Files

Monday, June 13, 2005

Shadows and Fog

My work in the short independent film Cinema Nightmares (working title) is now complete. Our director Jerry and the entire cast and crew were all wonderful and made the whole experience so much fun. The entire process was a pleasure from beginning to end.

We shot the entire Casablanca scene on Saturday. Shooting began with a medium two-shot that allowed us to perform the whole scene uninterrupted, which was a good way to start off the day. After a handful of takes, we then went to a tighter two-shot, followed by an over-the-shoulder shot of Fernanda, and then one of me. We finished up with close-ups of each of us and an extreme close-up of Fernanda. For that final shot, assistant director Bob and I held a light reflector board under Fernanda's chin (barely out of frame) while I simultaneously performed my lines.

Jerry was incredibly prepared and well-organized so the whole day went very smoothly and we finished shooting almost a full two hours ahead of schedule.

Sunday was dedicated to the Titanic scene. Again, everything went very smoothly and by lunch, all my scenes had been shot. Unlike doing theatrical productions, which typically take months out of my life, it was strange that after only three rehearsals and one and a half days of shooting, my work on the project was finished. I was actually a little sad to be done.

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished project (it sounds like there will be some sort off premiere party for cast and crew) and I hope I get to do more of this film stuff in the future. I really had a blast.

3 Comments:

  • Now... when do WE get to see the final project? ; )

    By Blogger Irina Tsukerman, at 6/14/2005 7:28 PM  

  • Our director is planning on submitting the film to a number of different film festivals. So I'll be sure to post information on any festivals that will be showing the movie. He'll also be providing the cast with DVD copies, but of course I'm not allowed to post the movie on my website or anything as he holds the copyright.

    But who knows, maybe IFC will pick it up (they sometimes show shorts to fill in the gap between movies) and you'll be able to see it by way of your very own cable provider!

    By Blogger Steve Shapiro, at 6/16/2005 5:50 PM  

  • I would certainly hope so! I can't wait!

    By Blogger Irina Tsukerman, at 6/16/2005 7:43 PM  

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