I am extremely happy to anounce that ‘Crossroadz’ is an official selection of the 2007 Central Florida Film Festival. August 31 - September 2, 2007. Please plan to attend this premier event. For screening times and locations please visit their website. www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com Or if you have any other questions contact me through this website.
Yes, a monumental day has arrived. Crossroadz is entering the world and is learning to crawl. The world premier screening of PROMISED LAND music video will be at the 2007 FilmJam. http://www.floridamusicfestival.com May 16th - 20th 2007. Please check with the festival website for exact showtime and location. As I find out more, I’ll post it here. So if you find yourself in downtown Orlando, check it out. It’s a great festival, an opportunity to listen to allot of great musicians, and support the film as we begin to create a buzz.
As things develop further, the final version of Crossroadz takes shape. the final product appears and packaging will include in the glorious two disk set, the storyboard, a director/producer/writer commentary (Jarrod really opened up on that), and a gag real. The two-disk set will also feature a director’s cut and a beautifully engineered separate soundtrack for the worlds listening pleasure.
Well, I know what you’re thinking. What’s taken so long since the last entry? Marketing and packaging can be quite time consuming and that’s where we are right now… That’s pretty much it… I figure if I use the word September frequently enough, you’ll think I actually posted this in September. So, September, September, September.
As summer draws to a close we ponder what awaits us in the coming months. We’ve worked long and hard to achieve the goals we’ve set, and in retrospect, we’ve accomplished more than originally dreamed possible. The fact we, as a collective force, came together drawn on the strength of passion for our craft with nothing more than the desire to create, have done more than simply create. We’ve formulated relationships, and memories that will last forever. Film festivals soon await our submission, and the attention garnished will, by some standards, reflect the success of “Crossroadz”. But the experience of leading this team, and the friendships gained, will far surpass any other rewards.
As we near the completion of another phase of development, we are once again reminded of the harshness and transience of life. And, in the face of promises made to all of never letting anything stand in the way of completing what at times seem overwhelming challenges, life presents you another example of it’s cruel nature, and by fate, it’s definition. A fate, which eludes no one. In living our lives to the fullest, pursuing our dreams, we pay homage to those most dear to us, to those whose sacrifices made it all possible. Those, that have helped lead us to our crossroads. And as you finish reading this, stop, remember them, and never forget.
Well, it has been just a few days since my last entry, but it’s all good people. Chris Dawson has done an amazing job with what has needed to be done in the post audio world. Those of us involved with the first week of shots realized that because of some of the compromises a low budget film such as this encounters, there would be the need for a little “cleaning up”, at this crucial stage. Chris has not only addressed those issues successfully, but has also taken what was presented to him and raised it to a higher level of artistry that everyone will be proud of. Once again, Jarrod and I continue to be amazed at the level of artistry that constitutes the team we’ve been able to assemble.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome to the team two new cast members. The lovely and talented Krysta Zeiset as the gracefull, poised voice of the “Narrator”, and the just as lovely and talented, Kevin Rainsberger, as the voice of the evil and sinister “Boss”. (He’s not really as lovely)
Moving right along, editing has reached a crossroads of it’s own. The project has now been handed over to the very capable hands of Christopher Dawson for his magical touch in the post audio dept. Chris will now be handling the “cleaning up” phase. Additional foley and V.O. work stands waiting in the wings as well. More attention is also drawn now to the marketing of the film, and promotional areas, packaging, billboards, skywriting, etc.
Reshoots and additional footage was shot this past week and because of incredible contributions to those who participated the final product will be even better than one could expect. A tremendously heartfelt thanks goes out from Jarrod and myself to all those who were able to participate. It was great to be reunited with those familiar faces that shared so much in that adventurous week in April. Jarrod and myself were again reminded of how generous creative people can be in times when called upon. Very special thanks must also go out to our friend Owen, who traveled great lengths to be with us. His contribution to the film again cannot be understated, and so too our appreciation of what a good friend he has become. (Or maybe he just missed shooting the trailer) Of course with “NEW and IMPROVED” additional scenes, our cast and crew grows, and grows. Welcome to the new crew members, Christopher Dawson, and Laurence Kingston for their much needed craftsmanship. Ric Karlson, Butch Westbrook, and Jarrod Hanks, (yes Jarrod got another promotion) contributed greatly to the authenticity of the “Woodstock ‘69″ scene. Travis Winkler reprised his role of “father” Ballzack, and new cast member Arian Ash delivered a stellar, moving performance as Jefferson’s mother. And of course, I couldn’t go any further without acknowledging the enchanting performance of 1 1/2 month old Elizabeth Lydon, as newborn Jefferson. I’m not sure, but I think this marks the first performance of young Elizabeth in a cinematic role. And if this was any indication of what’s ahead, mother is in for quite a few curtain calls. Thank you Tammy as well.
Friday night brought us the opportunity to finally shoot the music video “church” scene, and things went so well that the edited product could very well turn out to be the first “trailer” for the film. Musicians Angelo Jannotti, Anthony Riley, C.C. Dixon, and Glen Guernsey, were incredible as they delivered highly entertaining, yet believable performances as the band behind our beloved Stephan Jones.
Just a few short days away from the scheduled reshoots, and the anticipation starts to build again as we grow even nearer to the completion of editing and those pristine words we’ve patiently and passionately been waiting to hear, final pass. It’s good to feel the renewed energy that accompanies the reunion of friends and colleagues that first came together for the first week of shots. I’m reminded again of not only the talents that came crashing together then, but also the genuine “love for the game”, that motivates us all. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time now, then you hopefully have some sort of desire to see at least some sort taste of a synopsis or teaser…be patient a little longer. Something is just around the corner.