I think the best thing about this production so far is the great people we've met along the way. Of course, confidentiality agreements keep me from naming anyone specifically, but the wonderfulness just keeps on coming. So far, we have met with (name redacted) Post production company in Atlanta, GA. They not only put in a fair bid, but their vision for the outcome of the film is very parallel to that of mine and the director's. Plus, they earned a place in my heart forever for taking me to a late lunch in Buckhead to demonstrate their work and picking up the bill.
Then, we phone conferenced with (name redacted), a 20+ year veteran in the field of stunts who has worked with the likes of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ray Liota, and Mark Dacascos, to name a few. This guy was not only cool as hell, but sans an inflated ego and enjoyed the script so much that he called me on my personal cell phone to express his extreme interest in working on our project.
Moving on, we got to visit the studio of (name redacted) who worked on The Signal as well as a host of other awesome films in the special effects make-up department. It was so cool touring his shop & seeing casts of famous people's faces hanging from his walls. Though we haven't formally signed contracts with him, he has become a close friend and worked on concept drawings for our creature at no cost. What a terrific guy!
On a weekend not long ago, the CEO and CFO of a huge movie studio met with the director, Caspar, Hawk, and I, and gave us a personally guided grand tour of their sound stages, back lot, and green space. I never thought I'd see the day when we could schedule a private tour like that! Not only were the facilities state-of-the-art, but their prop shop was the bomb! It was like being on the sets of Hollywood blockbusters as they were being filmed.
Then, (name redacted) Post in Atlanta got us in touch with the CGI guys with (name redacted) company in the mid-west, whose overall special effects resume include such films as Star Wars and The Mummy. The president of that company, (name redacted), in fact, just flew to Atlanta a couple of days ago on business and took me to lunch to hash out some script details and negotiate their fees. He ponied up the cash for two yummy cocktails and buffalo chicken strips, then gabbed like like an old friend with me for over an hour.
Finally, we landed an awesome cinematographer whose work I've been a fan of for years, (name redacted), who is also working on spec for us until contracts are signed. I'm sitting here thinking, I remember when I first saw the film that turned me on to her work and making a goal to get on a project with her one day. Now, that day is here and I'm just thrilled to have her on board, as is Josh and the director, who both immediately took a shining to her wonderful personality and camera know-how.
What a blessing it is to be able to talk with these film professionals and know that our next movie is going to rock so hard our grand kids will get queasy. Plus, the free meals aren't bad, either. :)
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