A new post

A new blog post. Many new projects to come to finish this year and to start the new year which is right around the corner. Baby Aniya is doing good.. she is growing quickly and faster with each new day... too many things to describe but I should try and make an effort anyways.. before they are long forgotten and I am already freaking out about the age of her latest boyfriend...

Pilferer has been rejected from film festivals left and right. Happy Sauce has so far been rejected from one festival and I am waiting to hear from a number of major festivals that take place in the next few months of the new year. Honestly, I am not sure what kind of film gets into these festivals anymore.. at least none of my mine so far.

That is all for one night.. a modest return to the blogger of ole!

This is my angel, Aniya, 6 months old.

BLUE OWL FLICKS

Blue Owl Flicks Pours Maker's Mark Screening

Blue Owl and Maker's Mark team up to present the big-screen premiere of six internet indie films at Village East Cinema. These short films capture the essence of New York's cocktail culture and the spirit of independent filmmaking.

Blue Owl, Will Candis & Ed DuRante invite you and a guest

Monday, September 24, 2007

Village East Cinema
181 2nd Avenue (across the street from Blue Owl)


• RED CARPET ARRIVALS: 6:45 – 7:00PM

• SCREENING: 7PM

• AFTER PARTY AT BLUE OWL: 8PM - 10PM


Blue Owl Flicks Pours Maker's Mark
Bar Life - Six short films that started online make their big-screen debut as Blue Owl and Maker's Mark team up.


Blue Owl, www.blueowlnyc.com, one of New York's preeminent nightlife venues, is thrilled to announce the debut of the Blue Owl Film Series. The series features six short films, each less than five minutes long, that address the life of a bar - Blue Owl, circa 2007.

Brothers Ed and Paris DuRante, filmmakers, New Yorkers and Maker's Mark enthusiasts, decided to each make a short film incorporating their favorite libation and bar. They invited four friends to produce films under the following guidelines: the maximum budget was $100, each films had to be shot within a four-hour time constraint at Blue Owl, and creators were allowed only one day to edit. This was independent filmmaking at its finest – and most challenging.

The results of these six efforts will debut during a special evening that begins with a screening at The East Village Cinema, followed by an opening night party on location at Blue Owl.

In honor of the film series, Blue Owl will offer the Jules Winnfield cocktail, an ode to PULP FICTION, which is made with Maker's Mark Bourbon, French apricot liqueur, fresh lemon juice and dash of fresh orange juice with pulp. The Jules Winnfield is part of the much anticipated new fall cocktail menu that will debut from mixologist Charles Hardwick. The new menu will also feature the Rucker Gimlet made with lime vodka, pepper-infused apple liqueur and fresh lime juice, served in a Demerara sugar-rimmed glass.


About Blue Owl

In keeping with the zeitgeist of East Village nightlife, Blue Owl is a modern-day speakeasy featuring an extensive menu of classic cocktails and innovative creations. Owner J. Ashley Smith maintains a refined, spirited ambiance that captures the festive elegance of the Roaring Twenties. New York revelers return nightly for the live music and DJs.

Located downstairs at 196 Second Avenue (between 12th and 13th), Blue Owl offers top-shelf spirits, house-infused vodkas and an acclaimed specialty cocktail menu created by master mixologist Charles Hardwick, who made a name for himself at Mercer Kitchen and The Odeon.



Filmmaker Bios

Ed DuRante
Ed DuRante is a graduate of NYU's Graduate Film Program where he was awarded the Graduate/Professional Opportunity Fellowship, NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program where he received the ASCAP Foundation Yip Harburg Scholarship and Yale University. His work has been produced by Talking Drum Theatre Co., the Vineyard Theatre, Theatre for the New City and Playwrights Horizons where he was an original member of the Black Playwrights Unit. His play "Homeboys" is part of the literary anthology Patchwork of Dreams. He directed the webseries "Wire" for Eyestudio.Net. and has written, produced and directed several short films including "America", which was a Wasserman Award Finalist and the recipient of awards for Editing, Acting and Production Design. He taught lyric and playwriting at the Musical Theatre Writing Workshop at London's Theatre Royal Stratford East and he was awarded a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship for Filmmaking. Presently, he is in post-production of the feature film "JAKE GETS PAID."

Paris DuRante
Paris DuRante is a graduate of Deerfield Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. He served for 10 years and reached the rank of Captain. He has appeared in the films "Not Again!, "2 Manhattans," "digger," "Man In Polyester Suit," "Jake Gets Paid," and in the webseries "Wire." He is best know as one of the murderous DuRante Brothers in Charlie Huston's novel "Caught Stealing." His collection of erotic haiku "Hard & Black" is the number one selling book of poetry in Finland.

Andre Morton
A Brooklyn native and former front man for New York based rock and roll band Ratchethead, Andre relocated to Oakland California in 2001. Andre then began to pursue his lifelong dream of making narrative films. In 2002 he received a STAND grant from San Francisco's Film Arts Foundation to produce the experimental film "America Remembers" - a critique of mainstream media post 9-11. Andre has worked as director and cinematographer on a variety of documentary and narrative films including PSA's for The American Cancer Society, and The Greater NY Hospital Association. He currently resides in Brooklyn.

Adria Petty
Adria Petty was born and raised in Los Angeles, but has been a New Yorker for 14 years. After college, she immersed herself in film production and worked for the award-winning directors Johnathan Demme, Penny Marshall and Johnathan Stack. Later, she attended the Graduate Film Program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She directed many music videos as part of a directing team with Anna Gabriel. During their collaboration she became fascinated with new media and innovative ways to market and explore music. This inspired the creation of "low flame" the site-specific video installation, which exhibited at the P.S.1 Museum of Contemporary Art, a division of MOMA in New York City. She directed her first commercials for clients: Converse and Volkswagen. She developed a highly successful marketing campaign and series of videos for Regina Spektor. She has also made videos for Mat Kearney, The Veronicas, Kings of Leon, The Ditty Bops, StellaStarr*, Johnathan Rice, and The Crimea. Ms. Petty has art directed numerous album covers and printed materials for music artists. She was also commissioned to create tour visuals for legendary rock band The Who. The year 2006 brought Adria's first foray into feature filmmaking. She spent the year shooting a controversial feature length documentary about Paris Hilton and the culture of celebrity.

James Francis Richards
James Francis Richards has a BFA in Commercial Art and Illustration from St. John's University and a MFA in film production from New York University's Graduate Film Program. He has directed several short films one of which, Warm Tide, starring Quentin Chestnut and Gilbert Glenn Brown, tied for first in the short film competition at the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in Oakland in 1997 and was invited to screen at the first annual Martha's Flavor Fest in 1998. He has written for Blackfilm.com and co-created with Tish Benson the Poetry on Video series on the Urban Box Office. Currently he is on staff at the film department of New York University.

Rohan Sen
Rohan Sen is a writer/director/editor. He was awarded a scholarship to study physics, but after taking an undergrad Third World Film class at UCLA, he decided to be a film director. His films have screened at film festivals across the globe. His short film SHANTI won the BEST SHORT FILM PRIZE at the 2001 Doubletake Documentary Festival. He has also edited two feature films, HOW I KILLED A SAINT and JAKE GETS PAID. HAPPY SAUCE was shot and inspired by the events and emotions during the final months of his wife's pregnancy.

PILFERER rejected again

Pilferer was rejected from the 10 or Less Film Festival. I think that makes it 0-4 or 5.. need to keep sending it out... no further updates on Happy Sauce screening except the mad rush to get the film in the can. I should deliver tomorrow on schedule.

HAPPY SAUCE & BLUE OWL FLICKS TO SCREEN AT VILLAGE EAST THEATRES

Great news.. Maker's Mark has stepped forward and will be hosting the world premiere screening of HAPPY SAUCE and the other Blue Owl Flicks on Monday, September 24th at the Village East Theaters in Manhattan. More details to come as I learn more info, but it now means I really have to scramble to get Happy Sauce ready for the screening. The deadline is next Friday to submit the final cut of the film.

The coolest thing about having a baby

What's the coolest thing about having a baby? It really depends on whom you ask, but the best feeling in the world, for me, is whenever my little one grabs hold of one of my fingers with her tiny little hands. You would be suprised with her strength and intensity of the grab. She's been able to grab hold ever since she was a just a few days old, but each time, I can't help but thinking it's one of the greatest feelings in the world.

Back on track

So after much talk, I finally submitted Pilferer to 10 different film festivals... some take place later this year and many are early next year. It's time to play the waiting game and of course submit to more festivals as well. I am trying to target the cheaper film festivals, which means the entry fee is as little as possible.. I never submit if the entry fee is over $30 unless I think it is a high profile festival and my film has a really good shot at getting in. Generally, film festivals have early, regular, late, and super late deadlines.. the key is to enter as early as possible..

The goal is for Pilferer to get into a few film festivals and then through word of mouth get accepted to many many more festivals without having to pay any fees at all.. will keep everyone posted on that..

It is definitely time for a baby update, but that won't happen tonight.. hopefully in the next few days.

I am working 6 shifts a week to help bring the bread to the table and plan on finishing HAPPY SAUCE, that Blue Owl Flick in the coming weeks and begin sending that film to festivals as well. In terms of JAKE GETS PAID, Ed and I have agreed that I no longer have the time to see the film through beginning to end.. the solution is that he will edit and I will fine cut, polish, and help him make it to Sundance and beyond.

Looking out the window

Back from Vegas

So I am finally back from Vegas. It is so nice to be home!

I start working again on Wednesday so I have two days to settle and spend some good quality time with my wife and the little one. I also hope to send my short film Pilferer to some film festivals.

Here she is!

Here Aniya is between two and three weeks old..

Some thoughts about Las Vegas

Vegas is really a town for the rich. Unless you are willing to spend a couple hundred bucks gambling or 50-100 bucks on dinner every night, there really is not a whole lot to do. Sure you can check out every casino, but really unless you are gambling, what fun is there in that?

I found a place that has 1 & 3 dollar blackjack down the street from the hotel my work is putting me up in. It's time to drop a twenty and try to get lucky... Maybe I can walk away with ten bucks from the 3 dollar table- that would be a real accomplishment.

This is another test texting from the mobile phone

that was a test

the test from my new PDA phone of course did not attach the photo with it.. which really sucks.. at least I can text updates about me from the phone easier now, but the real joy is to be able to send some photos of my little girl whenever I want.. it's been a month or so since I have had a moment to do anything, so hopefully I will have a lot of baby updates and thoughts to post in the coming weeks and months.

I am a little annoyed about not being able to send photos from the stupid PDA..

FW: 1st Aniya photo on blog

-----Original Message-----
From: rohansen@hotmail.com
To: go@blogger.com
Sent: 6/7/2007 5:44 PM
Subject: 1st Aniya photo on blog

This is my little girl. I am in Vegas now for work, but am hoping to start updating the blog regularly again.

Test message from phone

Pilferer Rejected Again

Pilferer was rejected from the CineVegas Film Festival. I really need to get the sound design and mix completed and only then send the film out for more rejections.

Some facts and Initial Thoughts

In the end, Allison's dream of natural childbirth was never meant to be. Aniya was simply too big to be delivered naturally. Allison has been a champion both during and after labor. She started having contractions Friday night and delivered the baby Tuesday evening - about 90 hours, and these contractions were painful. Some women have easier labors and other's don't, and my poor wife dealt with a lot of pain but Aniya was too big and never moved down, so Allison finally demanded a c. section. She has recovered very well and was walking around and took a shower today for the first time since getting to the hospital. There is a chance she will be able to leave tommorow which is a day earlier than expected.

The first words I will use to describe my little Aniya after beautiful, angelic, gorgeous, etc. etc. are "breastfeeding champion". She took to Allison's breast pretty much immediately and always wants more, and so far, she is a very quiet baby. She is a natural suckler - she is a baby that likes to suck on anything and all of her ultrasounds seem to prove it since her hands were always near her face. Right now the only alternative to a breast is Allison's pinky. I left the hospital tonight and we decided to leave the baby in the nursery as opposed to the room. Since Allison is walking around again, the baby can stay in the room with her at night - dads are only allowed to stay until 10:30 PM. Aniya had recently fed several times and we were hoping both baby and mommy could get some much needed rest. Aniya settled down for about 10 minutes before she was wide awake, ready for some more "special sauce". After yet another feeding session, Allison finally needed to sleep, but my sweet Aniya was not satiated. The nursery was an easy solution, but tomorrow night a fussy baby might be the start of our new lives. I am eagerly waiting.

I returned home to Gabru and let him smell one of Aniya's wet diapers. He smelled it twice, demanded some love as I explained the situation to him, and then he went back over to the plastic bag the diaper was in and I showed it to him again. For some reason, I think he understands. I think things have been hard for him... he saw his mom go through a lot of pain for days and suddenly she disappears and I am only home for a few hours every evening before off and running in the morning. For a dog, I think that's pretty confusing, but we are both confident that as long as I can pay attention to him, he will get over his initial grouchiness and welcome the arrival of Aniya with love.

Childbirth is such an amazing experience, but I am still at a loss of words to sum it up. There were such a range of emotions that I felt and am still feeling. I am a little timid with my baby girl - simply meaning I am afraid to make a mistake and somehow hurt her, and it is showing. I still hold her a little akwardly at times - I know I will get much better within days, but she is just so small and tiny and beautiful I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I caused any harm. I am told I will be handling her like a football within days.

As for my wife, I couldn't be prouder and happier that I found such a beautiful and strong woman to be my life's partner. She was so strong during the whole ordeal and now her maternal instinct is evidently very solid. I can't describe how much I love both of my girls.

She's Finally Here!

We are pleased to welcome our daughter, Aniya Karin Sen, into the world this evening at 6:08 PM weighing 8 pounds, 15 ounces. She is 21 inches tall and both she and mother Allison are doing well at the hospital. I have the initial photos from which I will try to post from somewhere around the hospital.

In the hospital

Ally is going with the epidural- just too much pain. will update more later

baby update

Another long night full of little sleep and many contractions that refused to either fit a pattern or become consistent at five minutes per contraction.

We are heading into the Dr.'s office for a scheduled appointment. We are hoping to be able to return home so Allison can enter active labor at home rather than at the hospital.

Baby update

little contractions during day - lets see what the night brings

Aniya Karin Sen

This is Aniya's name in Hindi:

अनिया करीं सेन

Test

Test again

test blog from mobile device

test blog from mobile device

Middle Finger

This past Monday Allison had to go the hospital again to make sure the amniotic fluid in her belly could support the baby, and fortunately for us, we got to take a another peak of baby Aniya through ultrasound. It was pretty cool, we saw her hands, her heart beat, a little leg, and then her middle finger. It was streched firm, already defiant, as if to say, "I'll come out when I'm good and ready, now f**k off and leave me be".

I will scan and post Aniya flipping off the world when I have a chance.

A lot of progress

A lot of progress was made last night. At around 9 pm, I took Gabru for a walk in the park. Forty-five minutes later, Allison called me and told me to get home ASAP so we could start timing contractions.

I rushed home as fast as Gabru would allow me, pulled out my copy of The Birth Partner and turned to a page that had a chart for timing contractions. The contractions were lasting about a minute and the first couple I timed occurred with intervals of 10, 14, and 8 minutes. For the next hour, Allison had contractions every 6-8 minutes that lasted 40-65 seconds. During this time, I began rubbing Allison's lower back to help her through the contractions, which seemed rather painful. We continued to note the length and intervals for some more time and tried to catch some sleep in between contractions. I definitely did a better job at the sleeping part than Allison. The contractions started to slow down in frequency around 4 am... she is now asleep upstairs and still having a few strong contractions each hour.

What does all this mean? It means the baby is on it's way, and inducing the baby is probably no longer necessary. It also means Allison is going to have a long painful labor (full respect that labor is painful). My mom delivered me in under five hours while Allison has been having contractions for the past 36 hours. While the contractions have slowed for the moment, we anticipate they will pick up with more energy sometime later today.

10 days late

The baby is now 10 days late. Allison is still doing great, though she is ready to deliver this baby girl! We have until Monday for the baby to come naturally, and then the Dr. will schedule an appointment to induce the baby, but hopefully it does not come to that. Allison has been having strong contractions over the past 18 hours. They were fairly consistent last night every 20-30 minutes or so, but then subsided this morning,

Essentially, the first sign of real labor is when the contractions continue to get stronger and more frequent, and generally, labor for many mothers begins in the evening, and on full moons. The next full moon is May 2nd, but we are hoping either this evening or tomorrow evening our baby girl enters the world.

I'm Still here

I've gotten a bunch of emails from people wondering if everything is okay.. I would like to thank everyone for their concern, and yes, everything is great. This past week we moved, have had the in-laws in town to help with the move, spent a day in the hospital with Allison for tests, and I also do not have access to a computer on the late-night at home. Allison is doing well, so is baby, but she does not want to come out. Today is the due date, but baby Aniya likes her womb!

I think I will have more time in the next few days to resume my blog activities.

Baby Thoughts

After riding the subway with Allison and realizing how stressful the commute to work is each day, I have become over zealous in my desire to make sure that she is okay and in minimal discomfort. We were walking in Lowes this evening and had to pass by a stopped forklift type machine parked in an aisle. I of course was vocal about caution, and after we passed the unruly obstacle, Allison said that pretty soon we'll tell each other to go forward and make sure the route was safe while the other protected the baby.

There is a lot of truth to that joke, interpret it how you wish. We are both very nurturing people and are not the type to let the baby cry all night without our intervention. We are more the type to hold the baby constantly.. probably at every possible moment. But I really don't know... what I do know, after talking with many people, is that my life will change forever and the only way to describe it is to experience it. If any of it is true, my life is making a dramatic change as we speak... I am now 33... assuming that I live to be 100 years old, the first act, third, or 33 years of my life are now complete. The next phase will begin the day Aniya Karin Sen is born. She will begin the second act of my life story, a story that just begun to take shape, a story where the first and second acts begin with the act of birth.

Times are Hectic

I have been unbelievably hectic the past week, and the baby is still in Allison's belly. She is doing well, but has been having some weird sensations in her belly and cramps as well. The baby is moving down into her pelvic area and we are hoping she is getting ready for her first breaths. It is really hard to believe that in less than two weeks, we should be proud parents of a newborn baby girl. There are, of course, many things that still need to fall into place.

We are moving into a bigger place this Saturday. Our current home is a maze of boxes full of either kitchenware or baby necessities, but everything is slowly working itself out. We have already arranged for all the utilities to be transferred over and the movers and extra help in the form of the in-laws are ready and waiting. I need to take a serious look at my office and perform the moving ritual, but I feel like I haven't had a chance to breathe. I'm still working six days a week, but I am scheduled for some off time this weekend to move, which is very nice. As excited as we are for the baby, we are secretly hoping she will make her due date sometime next week, which will let us move and establish a sliver of stability before baby Aniya takes center stage.

Jake Editing Woes Continue

I went to Ed's this evening to do some tests loading the HD footage into the computer. We didn't get really far. The computer never recognized the camera. I tried the few possibilities I could think of and we gave up when we saw Ed's version of FCP was just a little dated. There wasn't a whole lot more for either of us to do, so we called it a night and deal with the problem tomorrow.

Initial Thoughts about the Blog

This is month three in the world of my blog and the blog archive. I've written 57 posts, I think this is the 58th, and it's time to think about some things.

Overall, I have found the blog to be a very rewarding experience. While making Happy Sauce, I found the blog a very good way to organize my thoughts and also order/plan my life and the things that needed to occur to make the film happen. The blog also helps me write down my thoughts and commit to making decisions. My brain thinks many things, but I am lazy and just think the thoughts, and then I lose because I never follow through with my initial ideas. Writing the blog was an invaluable asset while making Happy Sauce.

One thing that I feel I need to work on are posts when I am not making a film. I have been tired lately, but I also think I have not known what exactly to write, even though my life is a crazy mess. We will be moving soon and we are now only two weeks from the April 18th due date. A letter to my daughter has been on it's way, but obviously I have not been ready to write it.

So that's it for now. I have other thoughts but they can wait.

Editing Setback for Jake Gets Paid

Sometime between my last post and Saturday morning, I had decided that I was going to really take the initiative and churn out a rough cut each weekend of the footage by the following Friday. There still is no baby and it would be nice if Ed had a chance to see the film and get some additional shots if needed.

I showed up on set Sunday, checked things out, grabbed the tapes, and went straight home to try and load some scenes into FCP. Of course, I got a tape format area. The film is being shot on a JVC camera using 24 AP technology. My deck, unfortunately, is a SONY and can not play tapes that are recorded at 24 frames per second. The solution is relatively easy but makes editing the film quickly diificult.

There are two solutions, and both involve using the camera as a deck. First, we can load the footage in Manhattan at Ed's house every week and then I would take the drives to my place in Brooklyn and begin editing. Theoretically, this scenario works fine as long as we are running the same version of the editing software, but you can generally expect some delays. The second scenario entails me taking the camera to Brooklyn every Monday, loading the footage, and then returning the camera every Friday so it is available on the weekends. Both possibilities are viable... which solution is best is yet to be determined.

Jake Gets Paid

In addition to producing and directing a Blue Owl Flick, Ed DuRante is beginning to shoot his first feature film, JAKE GETS PAID, starting this weekend at The Blue Owl. I will be editing the film when I am not either working for cash, taking care of the baby or Gabru, or working on my own projects. More importantly, Ed is planning to shoot every weekend during the month of April, so my main responsibility as editor is to watch the footage early in the week and figure out which cutaways/coverage I am missing that I feel is essential to the story.

That is the plan for the moment. Thinking about it more, we may need to take advantage of the five day break each week better- I should load parts of the footage and edit some sequences to figure out if everything is working.

Baby Update: Week 37

Allison has a weekly appointment with her OBGYN at this stage of her pregnancy. She is still completely closed up so the baby will definitely wait another week. We did, however, find out that Allison tested positive for Strep B, which basically means that she will have penicillin immediately upon arrival at the hospital and every four hours after that. The baby will also have to have the penicillin as soon as she is born. The danger is that my little girl could become infected as she passes through the birth canal. Although this is extremely rare, medicine today is preventive and drugs and prescriptions are it's tools. There should be no side effects for mother or baby, but the positive test definitely complicates the ideal set of circumstances that are needed to give birth naturally, as Allison is hoping for.

After the Dr.'s appointment, Allison went straight to work and wrote up a birth plan. I kind of understand what she wrote, but there is a lot of information and some of it can be confusing. As long as mother and baby survive in good health, I think I will be happy.

Happy Sauce: Thoughts about the Edit

Overall, I am very happy with how Happy Sauce has progressed. For those who have seen the film, the reaction seems to be very positive. Everyone has raved about the lighting, acting, and cinematography, but I still think I can make the film better.

I feel that the beginning and ending work very well right now, but the middle part where the bartender is looking at the man talking on the phone is a little forced. What might not be working are the transitions... from the bartender taking the bottles to the bartender returning them. All I know is that the middle section feels a little forced while the beginning and end feel pretty good to me.

The solution lies in the baby bottles. The man has made such a big fuss about them it is probably best to see them being washed somehow. At the moment, I do not have an answer, but I did shoot enough to edit something together. My goal is to complete the final edit and hopefully mix before the baby arrives.

Big Scare: Don't Use Filevault

Earlier this evening, I was supposed to send Tanya's D.P. a copy of her film SINK to view. When I went to my computer, I could not open the FCP project and was getting a general error. I called one of my work buddies and he told me the project was either an older version of FCP or it was corrupted and I was screwed. I couldn't understand what was going on, and I began checking my other projects, and each one of those had a general error as well. My final edit for my short film PILFERER, which I have been waiting patiently to online cheaply at work, was gone, as well as all 2000 or so photos that my wife and I have taken of each other.

I was on the verge of a complete meltdown.. I wasn't sure what was worse- losing the edit information, the photos, or maybe the thought that it was time for a new computer, but my brain was on the verge of going to a very unhappy place when I remembered I had installed Firevault on my mac to better secure my files. It was my last hope for salvation, and when I tried to turn the security off, my computer of course told me I needed 4000 more gigs to do so.

My computer recommended to delete the trash and make more room on my hard drive, and I began burning backup DVD's of my entire system and deleting to create more space for firevault to shut itself off. Finally, after several tense hours, all my files are now restored. I can open Tanya's project as well as my own. I did not start this blog to bash any products or companies, but I have to warn others about Firevault. It's use of encryption somehow rendered all my important files useless. The lesson learned is to only mess with your computer when you know what you are doing. I'm happy I will be able to sleep tonight. .

Happy Sauce: The First Cut

So I finally made it! This is the final cut of Happy Sauce, for now. Truthfully, there are a few places I would like to go back and see what I can do to make the film even better. If anyone has any comments, please feel free to post them.

Click To Play

Happy Sauce: First Cut Complete

I wound up crashing around midnight last night, only to wake up with great fear this morning at 6 AM. I went straight to the editing machine, churned out a cut by noon, and emailed Petr and Ed a version for some comments. I already spoke with Ed and am now just waiting on Petr's thoughts before I make a final version to go on the Blue Owl Flicks site.

In my opinion, the cut is close... I do need some more time to go through and consider some alternate possibilities but I do not have time to do that tonight. In any event, I am pleased and confident that I was able to edit a version so quickly and make my deadline.

I will post the same version on my blog as well.

Happy Sauce Edit Update 2

After working all day at my paid gig, I met Allison, her aunt, uncle, and cousins in the park. They were playing soccer with the dogs- our dog Gabru and their new puppy Rugby. The uncle I am referring to is none other than Petr, the DP for Happy Sauce. It was very nice of them to visit Allison while I was away at work all day. We had a German/ Austrian dinner at Cafe Steinhof and had a chance to chat further about the film and the footage.

I am now back in the editing chair at home. As I continue to piece together the footage, I realize that maybe I have too much to accomplish by tomorrow evening. I almost forgot that films shot on video have so much more footage than a film shot on film. When you shoot video, there is no concern for wasted film stock and money. Digital tape is so cheap it allows you to shoot everything, including the rehearsals. I am very thankful now that my assistant Sally not only took great notes about each shot but she also slated every new take.

My deadline is officially Monday, but realistically I need to email Ed a cut to post on the Blue Owl Flicks blog Sunday night. I work all day Monday and would rather not have the stress of rushing home and making any final decisions Monday evening. I know I will be finished in time... the task just seems very impossible at the present moment.

Happy Sauce Edit Update

The edit is progressing slowly but surely, and I am working backwards.. I have figured out how I want to end the film... I am using the wide shot when Gabru leaves the bar with a slow push into the baby bottle that the bartender finds behind the counter... I think it looks and feels really nice. Now that I know how I want to end the film I can edit the beginning to build properly to the final moment.

Life Update

The Dr.'s appointment this morning was rather anti-climatic. Both baby and mother are doing great. Allison is not dilated yet, and the baby is facing downwards, but she still needs to move down more for labor. As a result, unless Allison's water breaks unexpectedly, the baby will be in the belly for a couple of more weeks. This is our first baby, and usually the first baby is late. Technically, Allison is now full term at 36 weeks, but she also thinks she will be a week late, or she will go into labor on moving day, whenever that might be.

I worked the late shift at work today, so there will be no HAPPY SAUCE editing tonight. I woke up around 6:45 this morning so we could make the 8:30 am OBGYN appointment, and my power nap was on the subway on my way to work. I will be in full editing mode tomorrow night and Saturday night. The goal is to have the final cut ready by Sunday night.

I will post updates on the status of the HAPPY SAUCE edit.

Baby Photos Chronology

This is the baby at 9 weeks.



This is the baby at 12 weeks.



This is a 3D image when the baby was about 20 weeks.



This is when the baby was about 24 weeks.



This is the image from this morning. This is my girl's head. She is now so big it is hard to tell what is what unless you are either a medical professional or a woman.

Happy Sauce Post Update

I have loaded all the footage but the only thing I have edited is the opening shot, and there is not a whole lot of editing involved. My initial idea of the bartender preparing the drink and then a baby bottle sliding into frame does not work. It feels like the baby bottle gives the story away too soon. Instead, I am cutting to the title "Happy Sauce" as the bartender finishes making the drink. This is the "Happy Sauce" and we are now going to see what happens with it.

I guess I am still thinking how to edit the footage together. It looks fantastic, but with the quick turnaround, I would rather distance myself as much as possible from my initial concept to remain objective through the edit. I will have to edit quickly.. make a lot of decisions, decide if the film is working, and then tweak accordingly. I will still have a cut by Sunday or Monday, as mandated by the Blue Owl Flicks Rules, but I guarantee that it will not be my final edit. Maybe I will be wrong.

Dr.'s Appointment

Tomorrow morning is our 36 week check up with the OBGYN. The Dr. will perform the third and final ultrasound of my baby girl before she is born. It will be interesting to see how much she has grown from the last time we saw her in the womb in late December. The photo is from the 3D ultrasound session.

This appointment is also important because the Dr. will give us a better idea of how the baby is progressing and how soon she might take her first breaths.

New Baby Name

We stumbled across a new baby name today. Last week, I emailed my parents with a new name, Anya. When we spoke to them this morning, my mom pronounced the name Ania. We were both pretty sure Anya was not going to make the cut, but Ania jumped out and grabbed both of us. Ania is of Polish and Slavic origin, and means graceful, or full of grace.

As of right now, we are considering two names: Ania and Saria. My parents are thoroughly against Saria for many reasons, the silliest being that in Hindi, a slight change on the vowel emphasis makes the name mean the steal girders that buildings are made of. That doesn't sound too good to me either, so let's see if Ania is the one. I know the name is not Indian, but it sounds very pretty and it is very unique. I'm curious to see which family member or friend will step forward with an objection.

Wife Nixes 1st spec commercial

When Allison realized that our families would be able to watch the spec commercials in which she was starring, she immediately nixed the first idea. It is unfortunate because I think the first idea was the best. It involved a pregnant woman, trying to be sexy, using some erotic tools to set the mood right. Of course, the woman is destined to fail miserably. Allison was always a little uncomfortable with the idea, even more once she realized that her friends and family would be able to see her. As she is in her 35th week of pregnancy, there is not a whole lot I can do.. if she doesn't want to do it, she doesn't want to do it.

I still think my idea is good and can generate the type of buzz and hype necessary to help me obtain paid directing work. Now I have to do it the old fashioned way - find an actress who is visibly pregnant and willing to pose in front of the camera.

2 MANHATTANS

Here is 2 MANHATTANS directed by Ed DuRante. You can either click on the title or the link below to view the film. I am still trying to figure out how you watch the film directly on my blog.


2 MANHATTANS Directed by Ed DuRante

Blue Owl Flicks: 2 MANHATTANS complete

The first of the Blue Owl Flicks in now available for viewing. Ed DuRante shot first, and his film 2 MANHATTANS is now ready. You can watch it by clicking on the Blue Owl Flicks link under links on my blog. I am trying to figure out how to include the link here, but have come up empty so far.

Expect to see HAPPY SAUCE by next week as well. Remember, all the Blue Owl Flicks must be shot in one day and then edited within two weeks.

Meet Ed DuRante

I worked the late shift today so I will be pretty much be a zombie tomorrow when I go in for a normal day shift. It would be better if I had slept in this morning, but I had a lot to take care of. Most important, I met with Ed to discuss his feature script. We had a really good brainstorming session and I think he might incorporate some of my suggestions into the final script. As the editor, you give your comments and suggestions and then wait to see what the director will come up with. Fortunately, Ed and I have worked together for over 7 years, and we have been able to develop a good working relationship.

Ed is really the only friend I have from film school, and I have been to film school twice, once for undergrad and again for the grad program. I have edited for other fellow students and am still in touch with a few people, but Ed is a friend, and I don't have a lot of friends. We are both directors, but he is an excellent writer and I am an editor, so he has written scripts for me and I have edited films for him. We somehow have similar aesthetics that compliment each other.. we both like to push the envelope and only pursue ideas that we feel are new and present a new spin to an old situation. The funny thing is that when I first moved to New York City to attend NYU, we lived across the street from each other. We never hung out until the next year when I moved uptown.

The Truth about the wife

I mentioned last week that Allison was still doing really well even though she stopped going to yoga. That was not the truth. She is still doing great, but she is ready to deliver the baby and move forward. Ever since we returned from the baby shower she has gone visibly downhill starting with the 33rd week. She is nauseous, throws up every now and then, and isn't really sleeping well during the night anymore, only getting a few hours here and there.

The main issue, in my opinion, is that the belly has become too big and cumbersome to carry around. She needs to be extra careful, do everything slowly, and not over exert herself. She is still a trooper, but it is getting hard for even her to be positive about these last few weeks.

Baby Names

We still haven't come up with a name for our baby girl yet... the problem is that I really want a somewhat unique name for my child. Growing up as the only Rohan in kiddie land had a lot of advantages, but today every third or fourth baby in India seems to be named Rohan. So there probably aren't a whole lot of unique names left.. the trick is to find one that you really like and stick to it.

The frontrunner at the moment is either Saria Karin Sen, or Sariya Karin Sen. The biggest problem with baby names is that everyone wants to know which names you are thinking about, and then they will give you their full opinion. An opinion entails a general thrashing of your names and a presentation of names that your friend really likes. One of my bachelor friends thought Saria sounded like diarrhea while another thinks people will shorten it into Sari or maybe even Sarah.

A few other options we are thinking about are Diya (light), Ashla or Asha, and that's about it for the moment. There are more complicated Indian names as well, but then people in America will really shorten the name just to pronounce it. I have a big book of Indian names that I will begin thumbing through once again, but Sariya is still our favorite.

Upcoming Projects

I am still recovering from the shoot on Sunday. Last night I tried to get some work done and woke up bundled up in my chair. I probably need a few days to rest and clear my head, but the baby is due April 18th. If what I am told is correct, I need to get as much done before then.

I did do something Sunday night. I watched, fixed a title, and then output the final cut of Tanya's film, so I now have time to pursue some of my own projects while I edit Happy Sauce. The final edit is due March 25th which is a pretty quick turnaround for any film. At least it will be over quickly.

I have two spec Mastercard "Priceless" commercial projects that revolve around Allison. The pregnant part plays a huge role, so I only have a few weeks to complete both commercials. I also want to start editing a doc with some footage I shot in India a few years ago, and I will be meeting, discussing, and then editing Ed DuRante's feature which begins shooting in early April.

My goal is to continue to shoot short film, commercial, and music video projects until I obtain paid directing work. I want to shoot one project every month. So far, I am behind the curve. Happy Sauce is only my second project this year, but I am also writing a new feature length script. My goal is to have the script ready in July to show people if either of my short films do well on the film festival circuit.

These are lofty goals, but you gotta aim high.

Happy Sauce Wrapped!!

I was tired when I woke up this morning at 6 am. I really wished I had that extra hour of sleep lost to Daylight Savings Time, but I found a parking spot at 7:30 am in front of the bar. I was able to relax for just a few moments before Ed, the EP and creator of the Blue Owl Flicks series sauntered up with a coffee in one hand and a grip bag in the other.

The shoot was fantastic.. it was a great day. I haven't directed a narrative short for some time, so feeling that on set magic again was really good. Everyone was really helpful and my DP Petr was a true professional. He was super fast, lit the bar well and was always ready to shoot another take. Both Stephen and Walt gave top notch performances, so theoretically I should have all the material to make a decent flick.

The final shot had to be taken by 3 pm, but we were way ahead of schedule and wrapped a half hour before at 2:30. A few of us went to the bar for the obligatory drink, and when I returned home, I took a shower and crashed out on the couch for a couple of hours. The tapes are sitting in a box on my desk in front of me, but I can't watch them back yet. I need at least a one night break from the project. As per the guidelines for the film series, my completed cut is due in two weeks on March 25th. i really should be loading the footage right now.

Happy Sauce Shooting Script

This is the last revision of the script. A few minor things have changed that are not reflected.

HAPPY SAUCE
By
Rohan Sen

INT. BAR - DAY

A pint glass full of ice enters the frame. A bottle of Maker’s Mark flows generously into the glass. Coke, lime juice, and a dash of cranberry are added. A hand reaches out to mix the contents.

SOUND FX: COLLISION AT DOOR.

A baby bottle slides into the frame.

CUT TO:

INSERT TITLE: HAPPY SAUCE

INT. BAR - DAY

FIVE BABY BOTTLES scatter across the bar counter. A man’s hand frantically stacks the bottles in a line on the counter.

GABRU
Please, you got to help me.. I know this sounds crazy but I need you to run these through the dishwasher...

BARTENDER
Sure, buddy, whatever.

The bartender reaches out and grabs a bottle.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)
What are you drinking?

Gabu’s cell phone rings before he can respond. The bartender grabs the baby bottles and walks away.

GABRU
Hey.. I am sorry.. I know I know I am handling it though.... I’m in a cafe.. Yeah they do.. I was surprised myself.. I’m really sorry, why don’t you try and walk her around....

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS

The bartender looks at GABRU as he puts the last baby bottle in the speed washer. Gabru continues his fruitless conversation with his wife. The bartender gazes at GABRU, as if remembering an earlier time in his life.

SOUND FX: The short but sharp ring from the dishwasher pierces the air.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - MOMENTS LATER

GABRU still talks on the phone as the bartender stacks the baby bottles in front of GABRU.

GABRU
Wait, that’s only four.... excuse me.. hey let me go, excuse me...

Gabru’s eyes grow wide, but the bartender interrupts Gabru swiftly.

BARTENDER
It’s okay, brother. I got your bottle right here.

The bartender reaches down and holds up the last baby bottle.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)
This one is for you.

The bartender reaches out and holds it for Gabru to take. Gabru hesitates and reaches for the bottle which is now filled with an exotic liquid. He looks at it, sniffs the top, and sucks on it for a moment. He immediately stands up straight, energized and exuberant.

GABRU
Tutti Frutti! Root, toot, toot.

Gabru dances, glowing with joy. He sucks vigorously on the baby bottle.

GABRU (CONT'D)

Wow.. what was that?

BARTENDER
Oh, I just like to call it my happy sauce.

GABRU
You’re happy sauce, huh?... Well here’s to it. To Happy Sauce. Happy Happy Happy Sauce...

Gabru puts the rest of the baby bottles into his diaper bag and continues to dance sucking ferociously on the baby bottle as he walks out of the bar.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS

The bartender smiles as he watches Gabru leave the bar. He thinks for a moment before bending under the bar. The bartender emerges holding a baby bottle that he carefully unscrews.

SLOW PUSH INTO BABY BOTTLE

The bartender pours a drink into the baby bottle. He puts it in his mouth and sucks away.

FADE TO BLACK.

Film Update

Rehearsals went great with my actors today. We rehearsed on location at The Blue Owl. I can not begin to explain what a luxury it was, and I do not have the time either. I've bought food, snacks, and juices for everyone to nibble on throughout the day and I just went through my house and assembled every item that could be of use on set: clothespins, moleskin pads, the microphone, a backup camera (I've gone this far, don't want anything silly to ruin the shoot), and many other things.

I will give a full update later.

Happy Sauce: Final Preparations

I should probably be more stressed out and nervous about my shoot on Sunday, but I really see no need. I am rehearsing with my actors tomorrow and any further adjustments can only be made after that. Tomorrow night will definitely be very busy. I expect to alter the script, the storyboards, and shot sheet slightly. A film is an evolving process... someone once told me that if your film doesn't change slightly from script to final product you are making a mistake. I find this philosophy a good compliment to my creative process. I like to feel out the shots and the action and my best ideas are often spur of the moment reactions to complications I did not initially foresee.

A good example is the evolution of the opening scene in Happy Sauce. I initially thought it would be a montage of shots of a bartender preparing the "Happy Sauce" which is interrupted when a man stumbles through the door with bags of newborn baby products. The more I thought about this the more lame the idea became. I somehow realized the baby bottle had to be the focal point of the interruption and thought a pan from the drink being prepared on the counter to a baby bottle sliding towards camera would do the trick. When I mentioned this to Petr he suggested a static frame and the baby bottle slides into frame. I really liked this idea and decided that it would be strongest if the opening was only one shot- a high angle shot as a glass of ice is put in the center of the frame. The ingredients are added, and just as the bartender is about to shake the concoction, there is an offscreen thump, the bartender drops the spoon or shaker, and a baby bottle slides into frame in front of the pint glass. For me, I think this is a strong opening shot - from drink to baby bottle.

As I rehearse with my actors tomorrow, there will be moments, words, and actions within the scene that need adjustments. Many times, I might not have a solution until after the film has been completed, but my only objective is to try my best. Sometimes you have to make a wrong decision to gain the experience to make a better one in the future. As I said, film is an evolving process.

Pilferer Rejected

My short film PILFERER was rejected from the Tribeca Film Festival. It is Pilferer's first rejection, and definitely not the last. I actually thought the film would get in based on it's vivid shooting style in the streets of Manhattan, but obviously I was mistaken. It is never a good feeling when your film or idea is rejected by anyone, but I know I just have to get used to it and apply to more festivals.

Wife Yoga Photo

I posted a photo of Gabru, so I thought it is only fair to showcase my beautiful wife Allison. We like to say we love Gabru red and each other blue. That's why Gabru's photo is on the left side and the wife's is on the right.

This photo was taken about 6 weeks ago, maybe even 7 or 8. She used to do yoga 3 or 4 times a week, but recently stopped when it simply stopped being enjoyable. She is now 34 weeks pregnant. She went to the Dr. yesterday for a check-up and mother and baby are doing great. If for any reason Allison did go into labor early, there is no need to try and stop it. She is good to go. I know I will be at a loss for words when the moment finally arrives.

Busy day

It was a hectic day, but I got everything done except meet Ed to talk about his script. I really wished I could have fit that in, but it's faster to walk than drive in Manhattan. Here is a breakdown:

My dog, Gabru, was as happy as can be this morning. Allison woke me up when she went to the bathroom at 6 am, so after laying semi-awake as long as I could, I was in the park by 7:15. There was still an inch or two of snow in the park, and snow, ball, and park are Gabru's three favorite words. He was very silly, and only wanted to play by himself with his ball- he loves to dig and drag the ball through the snow with his front paws and then chase it when it rolls away. I returned home at about 8:15.

While I was in the park, Allison managed to catch some more beauty sleep. She was still sleeping when I walked in the door, but it worked out in the end. She decided to take the subway to her appointment and I drove into the city. I was able to take advantage of street cleaning and found a nice spot past 10th Ave on the same street I was picking up the equipment. It was 10:20ish.

The meeting at SAG went great. My business rep was really helpful and I am now legally able to use Stephen as my actor. I am really happy to be somewhat legitimate.

It was just before noon, but as I was walking towards the subway to go downtown I kind of realized there was no way I was going to rent the equipment between 6/7th Ave, walk past 10th Ave to get the car to then pick up the crap, and then drop the car and the equipment in Brooklyn and be back in the city to meet with Ed at 2:30 or 3. I know I could have just parked the car in the city, but film equipment is expensive. I did not have the most costly rentals, but I would still rather be safe than sorry.

I finally returned home around 2:45. My paying gig started at 5 pm, so I used the hour to catch up on some other important things - paperwork and email. Work was work, but it did pass quickly. The office ordered Indian food so that was a very nice surprise. I finally left some time after midnight when simple things began taking a really long time.

Busy Schedule

With my film shoot approaching, I will be attempting to accomplish many things in the next 3-4 days. For my benefit, here is the breakdown of the next couple days.

Wednesday night

- Finish the final tweaks on Tanya's film and watch down one more time
- Complete all the SAG paperwork for my meeting at 11 am.

Thursday

- take Gabru to the park to enjoy snow
- drive into city and drop wife at chiropractor at 10 am.
- find a parking a spot in the 20s
- meet SAG business representative at 11 am
- pick up 3 C-Stands from a equipment rental house
- drop car and C-Stands at the house in Brooklyn
- Meet director Ed DuRante to discuss his feature script at 2:30-3pm
- Go to work 5 pm- 12-1 am

Friday morning will be the test when I roll back into work at 9 am. There are many more things I need to do, like send my short film PILFERER to some film festivals and massage Allison's back, but I can't schedule or remember them right now.

SAG Update

I got voicemail when I called my business representative at SAG this morning, so I sent her an email. She promptly replied back and our exchange of emails was positive. I am meeting with her tomorrow morning at 11am to finalize the paperwork, and it appears that I will be able to use Stephen as per union rules. I will be really happy when the paperwork goes through, but I am the cautious type so I it is something I will think about till it's resolved.

SAG requirements for HAPPY SAUCE

The hardest thing for me as a filmmaker is the paperwork. My actor Stephen is a SAG member and he was concerned about union rules so I want to do the right thing and do the little things the union asks of you. As a director of a short film with no budget, I am entitled to use SAG members as long as I fill out and file some paperwork. Cast sheets, budgets, scripts, reports on meals and overtime, nominal compensation, and a post production report is all that is required by SAG (as far as I can understand) to use a union member. I am also supposed to send them all the information at least fifteen days before my shoot. The only problem is that my shoot is Sunday, less than 5 days away.

One choice is to embellish upon the shoot date and make it "appear" that my application is on time. There might be a lot of takers for this approach, but it isn't my style. Besides, I would have to purge all traces of my blog to hide the shoot date, and that will never happen. I enjoy the blog process too much. I will be honest and see what happens. I have to call the business representative assigned to review my film tomorrow and hope that my short film project can still be approved in time. I am available to meet Thursday before work if needed so I am hoping for the best.

Actors are Cast

I called and cast my actors today. Stephen Federbusch will play Gabru and Walter Hoffman is the bartender. They are both great actors and I am very happy they are available for the shoot. The only wrinkle is my only rehearsal will be on Saturday, the day before the shoot. I originally wanted to rehearse Wednesday evening, but Walter is unable to make it. I wanted to work with Stephen on Wednesday and work out the dance/ celebration after Gabru takes a sip of the "Happy Sauce" from the baby bottle. In my opinion, much of the movie hinges upon the contrast between frantic, stressed out Gabru and the exuberant man that leaves the bar. I guess I like the idea that a small drop/ squirt of something new, a small glimmer of hope, is all that is needed to change your feelings.

I have the rehearsal space booked on Saturday from 1pm-4pm. I got Studio A again. It is the largest studio at the theatre company I am using. I really don't need extra space, but I also don't like to feel confined to one area. I can be weird like that, more often that not. The plan is to work with Stephen from 1-2pm and then maybe give Stephen a break, chat and work with Walt for half an hour, and then work it out with both actors from 2:30-4pm.

And then it's time to shoot. The call time on Sunday will be 8am and the so-called martini shot is at 3pm. No questions asked.

Wife and Baby Update

The big day is slowly getting closer and closer. Allison is still doing really well, but the size and weight of the belly is beginning to cause her a lot of stress. This evening she let many crowded subways pass on her way home before she found one with a little more standing room, and she still got queasy. She also has contractions off and on, but they have been going away after laying on her left side. I think this is normal.

The concept for the short film I am making this weekend arose when Allison thought, about a month ago, that she might be experiencing many signs of early or premature labor. I was horrified at the time, and to be honest, we are still totally unprepared. We have all the baby necessities but nowhere to put it. We won't be able to move into our new house before the end of the month, so our dining room has become baby storage. If worst comes to worst, we can put the bassinet in our bedroom and use a dresser as a changing table, but having a baby and moving are ideas that just really don't go well together.

I know that everything will work itself out, just how is the big question.

Happy Sauce Storyboard

This is the first pass of the storyboard for Happy Sauce. The images represent how I envision editing the final film. Clicking on the actual storyboard page is a link that enlarges the board.

Creating Shot Sheet

It always takes much longer to create storyboards, shot sheets, etc. etc, but I am done with my first pass, which I am very happy about. I presently have 6 different camera setups inside the bar and 14 shots that I would like.

As an editor who has cut pretty much every format, I like to think I know what shots I need and which shots I don't. Each day when I edit there usually is a moment where I need a shot to make an idea work and the director/producer or camera man just didn't think to get it. And that's where my job begins. I then have to comb through each shot, every single frame to somehow cheat, or create a real, believable moment. It can drive me crazy sometimes.

To be fair, there often is no way to anticipate that your original concept will not work and some heavy editing is required. The only thing you can do is try to shoot a few options, even safety shots, so in case something does not work, there may be a creative way to solve the problem.

I hopefully will come up with some new ideas over the week to further improve my existing boards.

Happy Sauce Script V2

This is the update to the script. It is still evolving, but seems headed in the right direction.

HAPPY SAUCE
By
Rohan Sen

INT. BAR - DAY

A pint glass full of ice enters the frame. A bottle of Maker’s Mark flows generously into the glass. Coke, lime juice, and a dash of cranberry are added. A hand reaches out to mix the contents.

SOUND FX: COLLISION AT DOOR.

A baby bottle slides into the frame.

CUT TO:

INSERT TITLE: HAPPY SAUCE

INT. BAR - DAY

FIVE BABY BOTTLES scatter across the bar counter. A man’s hand frantically stacks the bottles in a line on the counter.

GABRU
Please, you got to help me.. I need you to run these through the dishwasher...

The bartender reaches out and grabs a bottle.

BARTENDER
Sure, buddy, whatever. What are you drinking?

The cell phone rings before GABRU can respond. The bartender grabs the baby bottles and walks away.

GABRU
Hey.. I’m here.. oh no, I forgot those.. I’m sorry, I know I know, looks like I have it under control.... what?, wait hold on.. Hello.. Oh hay, yeah I think we are going to be ok... sure thing, I know, I just did that..

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS

The bartender looks at GABRU as he puts the last baby bottle in the speed washer. Gabru paces back and forth, overwhelmed. The bartender gazes at GABRU, as if emembering an earlier time in his life.

SOUND FX: The short but sharp ring from the dishwasher pierces the air.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - MOMENTS LATER

GABRU still talks on the phone as the bartender stacks the baby bottles in front of him.

GABRU
Wait, that’s only four.... excuse me.. hey let me go, excuse me...

Gabru’s eyes grow wide, but the bartender interrupts Gabru swiftly.

BARTENDER
It’s okay, brother. I got your bottle right here.

The bartender looks down at a baby bottle that he is drying in a towel. He looks at Gabru.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)
This one is for you.

The bartender reaches out and holds it for Gabru to take. Gabru hesitates and reaches for the bottle filled with a brownish liquid. He looks at it, sniffs the top, and squirts a few drops into his mouth. He immediately stands up straight, energized and exuberant.

GABRU
Tutti Frutti! Root, toot, toot.

Gabru dances, glowing with joy. He picks up a rattle and shakes it vigorously.

GABRU (CONT'D)
Wow.. what was that?

BARTENDER
Oh, I just like to call it my happy sauce.

GABRU
You’re happy sauce, huh?... Well here’s to it. To Happy Sauce. Happy Happy Happy Sauce...

Gabru continues to dance sucking ferociously on the baby bottle. He picks up his bags and dances out of the bar.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS

The bartender smiles as he watches Gabru leave the bar. He thinks for a moment before bending under the bar. He emerges holding a baby bottle filled with brown liquid. He puts it in his mouth and sucks away.

FADE TO BLACK.

Casting and Film Update

The casting session went very well, and only one actor was a no-show. I am also 95% sure I know which actors I would like to use. The funny thing is that I thought both actors could work out just looking at their headshots and resumes.

After walking through the bar with Petr (the DP), and hearing and watching actors bring my words to life, I realize that the script needs a few minor tweaks. Most important, I need to address why a man stumbles into a bar to get his baby bottles sanitized. A simple solution is his family is on vacation and he forgot to get the bottles sanitized before leaving the hotel. Another possibility is that the family lost their diaper bag on the subway, in a bus, or in a cab, and the man runs into the bar because he is starting from scratch. I think making this adjustment will give the man more motivation on the phone.. at least now he has something to talk about where before he was just babbling to his wife.

I am sure the script will change again after rehearsal later this week. I will post the updated version at the end of the night.

Bar Etiquette

I met Petr, the DP for my short film project (and also my wife's uncle) at the bar to walk through the visuals of the film. Things were going great until we reached the point where the bartender puts baby bottles in the dishwasher to sanitize them. Petr thought it might be nice to shoot that behind the bar counter. I agreed and we proceeded to walk behind the bar to take a closer look. That was our first mistake. The real bartender was actually behind the bar counting the till before the bar opened. The bartender seemed annoyed but let Petr pass, and then we heard "Guys.. this is not good. You can't go behind the bar".

After saying "I'm sorry.. I didn't know.. Sorry bout that" many times, we discovered that no one is allowed behind the bar. An unwritten rule. Not even if you work at the bar do you go behind the bar. Not even if the bar is not open do you go behind the bar. I guess we both presumed that the bartender knew what we were doing and did not mind, until we broke the first rule of a bar. NEVER GO BEHIND THE BAR.

I look back at my wilder days before I was having a baby, even before I met my wife, and like to think that I was a good bar customer.. I respected the rules and did not abuse them too often. I always knew the bar counter represented a border that was never meant to be breached, but only today do I know how serious that line really is.

I guess I really have to tip the next time I see the bartender.

Progress Update

So I did everything that I said I was going to do... I have a number of actors that are coming in to audition on Sunday, and I tried calling a few of the people that responded to the mandy ad for crew positions, but nothing really panned out.

Today is going to be a busy day in the city. I am meeting my D.P. Petr at 4 at the bar to do a location scout and talk some shots. I came up with a really good idea in the shower. More importantly, we are in the city to buy all the baby essentials that are still needed.

Today is the day

Today is the day I stop procrastinating and take action. In less than thirty minutes, I am going to book a casting space for three hours on Sunday, call a number of male actors for auditions, and I am also going to set up meetings with prospective crew members from ads that I received through mandy. I did not receive many responses through the ad, but I do need an A.D. and probably one P.A. to assist the shoot. I was going to hire them without meeting them but my friend Ed strongly suggested I meet them in advance to ensure good on-set chemistry. I also need to make sure the A.D. knows what he is doing.

I looked at the script again last night as well. My only idea was that the bartender needed to search harder for a old, worn baby bottle, but I didn't feel I needed to put it in the script.. the idea is on paper, I will shoot an extra shot. I do really want to hear the dialogue and see how some actors respond to the material before I make any further changes... if everything works out properly, that should be on Sunday.

Actors

It's hard to believe that I am having a hard time finding actors. There are a ton if I walk into a school or post a notice on the internet, but as of right now, there are very few, actually not a single actor, that has been recommended to me by the many people I have asked. Perhaps I am supposed to act both roles in the film myself, or I am just not trying hard enough. Tanya is here... time to finish editing her short.

Good Day

My main task today was editing director's Tanya Steele short film and dropping Maria off at the airport to go back to Germany. Both jobs went well.. Tanya seemed pleased with the progress on her film, and I found a new route to the airport using the backroads while dropping off Maria.

There were several positive developments for my short film as well. I got director Andre Morton to sign on as a grip/gaffer for the shoot and I also identified several studios that could provide casting and rehearsal space. I of course am still not cast, but I made a few more inquiries today too. It's nowhere near panic time, but I do think I need to have some solid leads by tomorrow evening.

back to filmmaking

It was nice to get back to film work after four days of fun but intense baby preparations. I am still no where near cast or crewed up and probably way behind schedule, but I know it will all work out. I reached out to more people about actors today and found an online resource with just good ole headshots in case I can't go off of some recommendations. I also put a free ad on mandy for crew positions... let's see how many resumes I get... the problem is always trying to find the good from a sea of people who you just don't know and always have much less experience than their resumes boast.

I might be fooling myself, but my plan is to have a couple of hours of auditions sometime this week, probably saturday and cast two actors out of the lot that show up. I think I only need to meet with them three times after that.. once to rehearse on Wednesday or Thursday, once on Saturday for final thoughts and then on the shoot day- even that could be overkill.

Who am I trying to fool. It's never that easy...besides I also have to finish editing Tanya's short as well as start editing for cash again next week. I must prepare myself for extreme hardship.

Baby Shower

The baby shower was fabulous. Sorry for not updating as the event progressed, but there was just too much going on. There were of course some minor hiccups, but all of those occurred on Friday. The florist failed to do their job properly and promised to fix everything the morning of. He said he was going to be at the house at 8am. Of course, the florist rolled in around 9:30, but the flowers were beautiful.

The event itself was great. The funny thing is that the preparation is always more than the actual event. Before we knew it, people were leaving, and the event seemed to end as quickly as it began. We received many many wonderful gifts from all of my mother-in-law's friends. Believe me, we need all the help we can get.

We are now back in Brooklyn, but only after driving through the entire storm on Highway 80 that is responsible for all the snow in the tri-state area. I have less than two weeks until I shoot my short, and I am still not crewed up or cast.

Baby Shower update

Allison, Maria, and I are now in Pittsburgh for the baby shower on Saturday. We brought Gabru, our dog, but left the cats behind in Brooklyn. It snowed off and on during the drive, but the drive was very smooth, except that Maria and Allison spent 15 minutes in Fatburger waiting for a chocolate milkshake.

There is a lot of snow on the ground here which I really like. My in-laws house is in full pre-shower mode. Two big platters of cookies arrived during dinner. Tomorrow, we have been asked to limit our time in the house which basically means leave at 11:30 and don't come back till you really have to. Further updates await.

Romance and Birth

When I got to the OBGYN's office my wife was already in the exam room. I checked my watch, but I was still five minutes early. I thought I could walk straight through the door and hallway that led to the exam rooms but was promptly reprimanded by one of the secretaries and had to wait an extra five minutes before a nurse finally escorted me into the back. Of course, we had to wait another fifteen minutes before the Dr. knocked on the door.

When we told the Dr. that we had a lot of questions, she said let me examine you first, and then ask questions. The exam was minor and the baby is doing great and in perfect health. My wife pulled out her list of notes, three pages of them, and the doctor answered every question, though she did look at her watch as if to say "not again" after the first question. In the end, our doctor is very liberal and will support us in our effort for natural birth. Basically, natural birth is the easiest thing for any doctor. There is no thought involved except for catching the baby. It's when things don't go naturally that the Dr. will have to inform us of what she thinks and then we have to proceed from there. She left us with the following thought...

"Most people think there is something romantic about babies and birth. Let me tell you.. there is nothing romantic at all".

I'm still thinking about what she said.

Happy Sauce Script V1

This is the first draft in script form of HAPPY SAUCE, the 3 minute film I am making March 11th. It was interesting to see how the script changed from story to script form once I had to visualize the action. I know it will change even more.

HAPPY SAUCE
Written by
Rohan Sen

INT. BAR - DAY

Montage... close ups of tiny cubes of ice as a glass is filled... a bottle of Maker’s Mark... the long pour... high angle shot of ingredients being added to the glass...

SOUND FX: COLLISION AT DOOR.

Swish pan: A man stumbles through the door, his packages of baby formula, bottles, and clothes now strewn across the floor.

INSERT TITLE: HAPPY SAUCE

INT. BAR - DAY

FIVE BABY BOTTLES scatter across the bar counter. A man’s hand frantically stacks the bottles in a line on the counter.

GABRU (O.S.)
Please, you got to help me.. I need you to run these through the dishwasher...

The bartender reaches out and grabs a bottle.

BARTENDER
Sure, buddy, whatever. What are you drinking?

The cell phone rings before GABRU can respond. The bartender grabs the baby bottles and walks away.

GABRU
Hey.. I’m here.. oh no, I forgot those.. I’m sorry, I know I know, I will be right there... okay, I will.. yes I’m sorry..

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS

The bartender looks towards GABRU as he puts the last baby bottle in the speed washer. Gabru paces back and forth, answering phone call after phone call.

SOUND FX: The short but sharp ring from the dishwasher pierces the air.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - MOMENTS LATER
Close up on sanitized baby bottles as the bartender stacks them in front of GABRU.

GABRU
(offscreen)
Wait, that’s only four.

Gabru’s eyes grow wide, but the bartender interrupts Gabru swiftly.

BARTENDER
It’s okay, brother. I got your bottle right here.

The bartender looks down at a baby bottle that he is drying in a towel. He looks at Gabru.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)
This one is for you.

The bartender reaches out and holds it for Gabru to take. Gabru hesitates and reaches for the bottle filled with a brownish liquid. He looks at it, sniffs the top, and squirts a few drops into his mouth. He immediately bolts upright in his seat, energized and exuberant.

GABRU
Tutti Frutti! Root, toot, toot.

Gabru stands up, glowing with joy. He picks up a newborn baby outfit and dances in a circle.

GABRU (CONT'D)
Wow.. what was that?

BARTENDER
Oh, I just like to call it my happy sauce.

GABRU
You’re happy sauce, huh?... Well here’s to it. To Happy Sauce. Happy Happy Happy Sauce...

Gabru continues to dance sucking ferociously on the baby bottle. He picks up his bags and dances out of the bar.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS

The bartender smiles as he watches Gabru leave the bar. He thinks for a moment before bending under the bar. He emerges holding a baby bottle filled with brown liquid. He puts it in his mouth and sucks away.

FADE TO BLACK.

baby thoughts

My wife really wants to have birth naturally, without any modern chemicals or drugs to help ease the pain or speed up the labor. We always planned to go the hospital, but as we read more and more, we are discovering that today's medicine is drugs, drugs, and more drugs. Often times, the hospital wants to treat the mother in slow labor with pitocin to speed things up, then you need an epidural due to the more intense contractions the pitocin causes, then a routine episiotomy. With the epidural, you are on your back, laying down, in stark contrast to giving birth in a more natural position. Once you start one drug, the other drugs follow, and they do have side effects for the baby.

It has gotten my wife so concerned she has wondered whether a birthing center might be more comfortable and accommodating for natural birth. They have showers and bath tubs to spend quality time in during labor. We would have to switch to a mid-wife instead of the traditional medical doctor and make sure the birthing center is close or attached to a hospital in case of emergency.

But before we jump our guns, we have a check-up with Allison's OBGYN, this afternoon. We never had any doubts about her before today, but she is a medical doctor attached to a hospital that likes to give out drugs. We never really had too many questions for the Dr. either, but today is grill away day. We have lists and lists of questions regarding hospital procedure, the Dr.'s ratio of epidural's, cesareans, her feelings about giving birth standing up, etc. etc.

I can't wait. It's going to be so much fun.

Screening for KING, (Sundance 2007) directed by Caran Hartsfield

I edited the short film KING for director Caran Hartsfield. KING premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and will be screening at NYU's Cantor Film Center on Friday February 23rd as part of the NYU film department's celebration of Black History Month.

Friday, 2.23 at 6pm at the NYU Cantor Film Center, (8th street just off University Place- two blocks west of Broadway). Reception to follow at Tisch Building (721 Broadway). Both are open door... feel free to invite anyone you like.

Maria is here!

My wife's name is Allison. Her best friend Maria flew in from Hamburg this afternoon to attend the baby shower that my in-laws are throwing in Pittsburgh this Saturday. Fifty eight people are attending. That's right. 58. I know my in-laws are going to throw a fantastic party, but that still is a lot of people.

And a lot of presents too.

Goals: Revisited

I guess I did rather poorly. I only sent a cut of the film to Tanya for her first impressions. It went over well, but I did not shoot the southwest commercial or finish the script. i did, however, receive an unexpected call from my accountant who said that tomorrow night will be tax night, so after pulling out every receipt in my shoe box for the past 5 hours, at least 90% of my taxes are done.

Tomorrow's a brand new day, but I am already behind. I have to finish the script for the short film and begin casting and finding crew for the shoot. Shouldn't be too hard, right?

Goals for the Day

Time is always a factor for me, so I have 3 goals to complete today.

1. Finish a pass on the short film I am editing for director Tanya Steele.
2. Complete a script version of the bar short film and send to folks for feedback.
3. Shoot and edit a 20 second commercial for a contest by Southwest Airlines. The deadline for this project is February 20th.

Let's see how I do.

Short Film Story

This is my first real draft of the bar short. I am writing it in story form. Some of the details may change, but this is the idea for the film.

A man stumbles into a dark bar, his packages of baby formula, bottles, clothes and other sundries strewn across the floor. He reaches into a bag and pulls out five empty baby bottles. He tells the bartender he needs all the bottles properly sanitized in the dishwasher. While the bar has no dishwasher, the bartender is sympathetic and offers to clean them anyways.

While the bartender is away, the man's phone rings incessantly. The bartender returns, but with only 4 bottles. Frantic, the man begins checking his bags again when the bartender reaches out and grabs the man's shoulder. "Brother, you need this one for yourself." The bartender holds up the 5th baby bottle and hands it to the man. The man studies the concoction and squirts a few drops into his mouth. "Maker's Mark Ginger?" The bartender's smile is all the man needs to see. He smiles and walks out of the bar, sucking on his baby bottle.

The bartender looks at the man, reminiscent of his days when he too was a new father. He reaches into the fridge, pulls out his own baby bottle and fills it with Maker's Mark. He leans against the bar and sucks his baby bottle.

THE END

Short Film

There are basically two ways to make a 2-3 minute short film in a bar about a man and his wife who is, or thinks she might be entering premature labor. Either the film is about the threat of early labor and how the man, in a bar, recounts/reenacts/muses about it, or the wife really is in premature labor and the husband stumbles in the bar and trips over his bags of diapers, clothes, bottles, and newborn accessories in his final moments as a free man. I guess the answer is obvious.

There might be a couple of other ways to do it, but there are some rules attached to the film which surely affected my thoughts. They are:

One shooting day. Directors will provide their own equipment. Shot entirely inside the bar, Blue Owl. (Folks can shoot through the windows, but the camera must be inside the venue.

No music. Films will be 2-4 minutes including credits. No more than 3 speaking characters. No nudity. No profanity. No B&W. Shoot dates will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Directors must request a shoot date by 12noon Feb. 9, 2007. At least one character must be drinking. Makers Mark bourbon must be seen or mentioned.

Films will be delivered to me on mini-dv tape no later than the 15th day after your shoot (by noon). Late films will be cut from the project. No exceptions. None. Directors are responsible for feeding their cast and crew. This includes coffee, water, bourbon, etc.

I will provide releases for the actors and liability releases for crew and cast and directors. These must be signed and delivered to me no later than the day prior to the shoot. I will not accept this paperwork on the day of the shoot! If I don't have this paperwork by the day prior, the shoot will be cancelled.

More rules may be added.

Stick to your guns

I tossed around a number of ideas for this short film I am making. Most of my thoughts were garbage, but then it happened. Last weekend, my wife had a brief anxiety attack, fearing that premature labor at 30 weeks was upon us. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry, but I knew that "holy sh*t, is this really happening" feeling was the right subject matter for my film. Of course, I didn't have a chance to finish my thought and write the scipt, and the period of self-doubt began. How would you end it? This isn't interesting. Make a real film. One that people will like.

And then it happened again. This morning. My wife was getting in the shower when she said, "Babe, I'm worried.. I'm having a lot of contractions"...

We have several books on childbirth lying about the house. I finally picked one up and began scanning. Frantically.

It's still a good idea for a short film.

brand new day

a brand new day and I still have not come up with the script for the short I am shooting in just 3 weeks. i guess i always expect to wake up and the have the next ET or Star Wars typing itself out in my brain. but that never really works. I am going to be using my wife's uncle as my D.P. It's still just a 2-3 minute short, but time is definitely becoming a factor.

The wife is also slowly becoming more and more immobile. The park is currently a sheet of ice that is not too friendly towards a pregster. Mental note: you'll be walking the dog more..

THE BEGINNING

So this is going to be the start of something new.. a chance to voice my thoughts about directing, editing, life, and of course the baby girl that my wife and I are expecting on April 18th. At the moment, I am editing a short film and also planning to shoot a short as part of the Blue Owl film series on March 11th. And I am supposed to be working six days a week the month of March and April. Let's hope for the best.

considering that today yesterday was friday, I really got a lot done.
Sent in a submission to a new reality series for filmmakers, started a blog, and even edited a bit.
still at a loss for a solid script for the Blue Owl shoot I am to shoot.