A short film that I flew back to film in NE about a year and a half ago had it's official "premiere" at the Omaha Film Festival last night. There were preview screenings prior to the public screenings (a second one will be held Friday) and this is what Leo Adam Biga of "The Reader" had to say about the film already... (Note: the stars are out of 4)
Amerigo the Brave ****
Of the 20 films I screened, the single best work of art is this short by Omahan Jonathan Trvdik. He’s a serious filmmaker to be watched. Shot in expressive black and white by Bill Sitzmann, it is reminiscent of the best original “Twilight Zone” offerings. There are hints of Arthur Penn’s Mickey One and David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks.” It ultimately stands as something all its own. It plops us into some backstage netherworld on the vaudeville circuit for a few telling moments in the lives of three people on the edge of existential abyss.
A sense of impending doom drives the story. Jon Purcell, Bill Hutson and Nora Vetter distinguish themselves among the small cast. Kudos to Michael Arch for lighting design and Justin Thompson for set design. I can’t wait to see another film by Tvrdik, his producing partner Purcell and his DP, Sitzmann, who reportedly have new projects in the can and on the drawing board. Add Tvrdik’s name to Nik Fackler’s, Dana Altman’s, Alexander Payne’s, Vince Alston’s, John Beasley’s and Omowale Akintunde’s as Omaha’s best hopes for a homegrown feature film industry.
Wheeeeee! This group that I worked w/ are up and coming for sure. I'm happy I was able to be a part of their film and hope the opportunity arises for me to work with them again.
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
See "Heart"!
Check out the latest on my website!
http://noravetter.com/videos/heart.asp
This film is the first acting gig I had in NYC - Here were the blogs about it - http://thenkv.blogspot.com/2007/06/heart-day-1-filming.html
http://thenkv.blogspot.com/2007/06/thats-wrap.html
Have a show opening this weekend and with the strike the foot traffic around Broadway is WAY down. Originally, the heads of the theatre thought our crowds would be larger because people would be milling around trying to find alternative theatre but now the crowds are just not even milling at all and finding entertainment elsewhere in the city. Will see how it goes...
http://noravetter.com/videos/heart.asp
This film is the first acting gig I had in NYC - Here were the blogs about it - http://thenkv.blogspot.com/2007/06/heart-day-1-filming.html
http://thenkv.blogspot.com/2007/06/thats-wrap.html
Have a show opening this weekend and with the strike the foot traffic around Broadway is WAY down. Originally, the heads of the theatre thought our crowds would be larger because people would be milling around trying to find alternative theatre but now the crowds are just not even milling at all and finding entertainment elsewhere in the city. Will see how it goes...
Friday, September 7, 2007
That's a Wrap! (for me)
Woke up and headed to a friend's house to get ready and have a bit of coffee and breakfast. After the morning was spent it was time for lunch with another friend in the Old Market.
Then the final day of filming for me began. And we were all punchy - surrounded by fog, mist and cigar smoke (the only time we could light the cigar as the school was a no smoke zone). But punchy-ness aside, just like that my final scene was over. So soon?
They sweetly offered me a poster that was created for the fiction circus that was the backdrop for the film and I got to see what dailies they had so far - minus audio.
There are a couple more scenes yet to film in the short but they are hoping to have it edited and complete in about a month and a half. Plans are to have the premiere at Film Streams. Hopefully I can make it back to see it! :)
One more friend to meet at DJs Dugout and then it was back to Lincoln to get packed and get ready to fly out tomorrow.
Then the final day of filming for me began. And we were all punchy - surrounded by fog, mist and cigar smoke (the only time we could light the cigar as the school was a no smoke zone). But punchy-ness aside, just like that my final scene was over. So soon?
They sweetly offered me a poster that was created for the fiction circus that was the backdrop for the film and I got to see what dailies they had so far - minus audio.
There are a couple more scenes yet to film in the short but they are hoping to have it edited and complete in about a month and a half. Plans are to have the premiere at Film Streams. Hopefully I can make it back to see it! :)
One more friend to meet at DJs Dugout and then it was back to Lincoln to get packed and get ready to fly out tomorrow.
Almost Done
Finally got to meet up with my friend who's been helping the guys with lighting during the shoot. She's been working days for them and I've been coming in nights to film so....we split the difference and met for lunch! :) Lunch in South O. Neither of us had actually WALKED around South O so we decided to explore and find an unplanned place to eat which ended up being Don Cody's. Authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price! :)
I found myself with actually time to kill before my next stop for coffee with a friend at
Starbucks. But then the schedule was packed. After coffee it was supper at Cheeseburger in Paradise where I met a friend and inadvertently met another friend who is a manager there. He didn't know I'd moved to NY! So we certainly had some catching up to do!After Paradise I met up with another friend at Sr. Matias for $1.79 margaritas - within reason, I still had filming to do!
Filming would be at the guys house in their basement. I got ready, we ran the scene, the guys set up the space with fog and mist and right when we were ready to film, the battery light started blinking on the camera. The director asked for a spare battery. Everything was in check...except for the battery. It was discovered that it was locked up under alarm at South. Any alternatives? Not so much....hmmmm...now what?
Decided to call it a night. I crashed on their couch and we would attempt filming the scene tomorrow afternoon with a skeleton crew - the four of us that worked on "You Can't Take It With You."
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Winding Down
This morning I met my New York roommate and fellow Nebraskan at The' Cup in Lincoln. She is back in Nebraska to be a part of Tada's Production of Tick, Tick, Boom! (Go see her if you can!)
We both thought it was crazy that we live in NY to be actors and here we are back in NE to act. Go figure. It was good to see her though no matter the environ.
Later, I met with a former director of mine at Starbucks to get her insight into NY and she was full of helpful bits of info! Have a list of places to check out when I get back that I hadn't known about before!
Another night of filming and the last for one of my co-stars. It's almost over already!
My last scene is scheduled for tomorrow night - late. Since the last scene is not at South they decided that if I didn't mind, they'll film that AFTER the night's worth of filming @ South. I asked if they had a couch for me to crash on. They do, so I'm game.
Stills from the Short
Here are stills the director emailed from the film so far. The film was shot in color digital so they are changing it to black and white, aging it and making it look like it was shot in 35mm.
The first few stills are rough because they are partial treated. The double shot is the "rough" still followed by what it looks like fully treated.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
D-day - in a good way
Today I was meeting up with the some of the D's individually. When we meet in a group it's a 
good time, but often we don't get a lot of catching up done.
My first D date was at Mimi's Cafe. She insisted on picking up the tab and just told me to remember that for when I become rich and famous and she needs a meal. Will do! ;)
Then it was on to visit Mommy D and baby as baby was able to come home Saturday! Upon walking up the driveway I immediately heard and saw their black lab flipping out at the approaching visitor.
I used to puppy sit for their dog and although he may still act like a puppy he is not puppy sized - clearing 100 lbs!
Once things calmed down a bit Mommy D brought baby down for me to hold again. She showed me his tiny fingers and toes and told of more facial expressions and what they mean. But soon it was time for her and her husband to get baby ready for a doc visit. I followed them to the nursery and hung out in the door way as they both started to change baby's diaper.
I was just about to say - Has he gotten you yet? When Mommy D quickly moved her hand to block a stream and her husband's eyes looked my way.
I didn't feel anything - I said, as I looked down at my clothes.
Her husband was sure it went that way.
I looked again and sure enough. My skirt now had a glistening to it. Mommy D said she had looked at that seconds before and thought - Oh! I never noticed sequins on there before.
They were her baby's sequins! ;)
Got cleaned up and met another D for supper at Camille's Sidewalk Cafe. We had plenty of good girl talk!
On my way to South for filming in the Catacombs! The place was "dressed" now with plenty of props and lighting. Only one problem - the longer cable the camera (You can see the camera sitting on the trunk in the left pic) required to reach down the long hallway was frayed on the side that would connect to the monitor so there would be no outside view. 
The producer (pictured on his throne - jokingly of course) told the director - You're going to have to trust your camera person. He did. But it was hard.
The makeup trick I learned from this evening is that cocoa and glycerin mixed together can look like elephant manure on a person when applied in a convincing manner mixed with grass. Mmmmm....
Since we'd been off a few days I felt a tad out of it. Not sure how others felt. Time got away from us again - here's hoping we got some good shots!
good time, but often we don't get a lot of catching up done.My first D date was at Mimi's Cafe. She insisted on picking up the tab and just told me to remember that for when I become rich and famous and she needs a meal. Will do! ;)
Then it was on to visit Mommy D and baby as baby was able to come home Saturday! Upon walking up the driveway I immediately heard and saw their black lab flipping out at the approaching visitor.
I used to puppy sit for their dog and although he may still act like a puppy he is not puppy sized - clearing 100 lbs!
Once things calmed down a bit Mommy D brought baby down for me to hold again. She showed me his tiny fingers and toes and told of more facial expressions and what they mean. But soon it was time for her and her husband to get baby ready for a doc visit. I followed them to the nursery and hung out in the door way as they both started to change baby's diaper.
I was just about to say - Has he gotten you yet? When Mommy D quickly moved her hand to block a stream and her husband's eyes looked my way.
I didn't feel anything - I said, as I looked down at my clothes.
Her husband was sure it went that way.
I looked again and sure enough. My skirt now had a glistening to it. Mommy D said she had looked at that seconds before and thought - Oh! I never noticed sequins on there before.
They were her baby's sequins! ;)
Got cleaned up and met another D for supper at Camille's Sidewalk Cafe. We had plenty of good girl talk!
On my way to South for filming in the Catacombs! The place was "dressed" now with plenty of props and lighting. Only one problem - the longer cable the camera (You can see the camera sitting on the trunk in the left pic) required to reach down the long hallway was frayed on the side that would connect to the monitor so there would be no outside view. 
The producer (pictured on his throne - jokingly of course) told the director - You're going to have to trust your camera person. He did. But it was hard.
The makeup trick I learned from this evening is that cocoa and glycerin mixed together can look like elephant manure on a person when applied in a convincing manner mixed with grass. Mmmmm....
Since we'd been off a few days I felt a tad out of it. Not sure how others felt. Time got away from us again - here's hoping we got some good shots!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Birthdays Galore!
My mom told me that stats show August to be the most popular month for births. I know 3 people who have birthdays today. One of them is my Dad. He already qualifies for some senior discounts and is just a few years from the official declaration of senior. Doesn't seem possible. My grandparents are seniors. How can my parents be? I mean, I know I'm not getting older so how can they?! Tee-hee.
Since I was working @ Husker HQ and both 'rents work downtown it worked out well to meet up for a birthday lunch @ Noodles & Co. And since it was my dad's birthday...we stopped at The Cookie Company afterwards. (Gotta get my fix while I can!)
After work it was back to Omaha to help a friend celebrate her 21st
birthday! She decided that she wanted her first drink to be The Millionaire Martini served @ Upstream. So family and friends gathered there to help her celebrate and she and her mom had The Millionaire Martini. Unfortunately my time was limited (sensing a trend?) since filming was scheduled so I quickly enjoyed my meal (which included mashed potatoes with dill havarti cheese melted on top - try it, you'll like it!) and skedaddled.
Somewhere between stops I had realized I left my script at South the night before. And as luck would have it, tonight they were filming my monologue. Oy.
I retrieved my script and reviewed/crammed as I got ready. Oh geez. I know I can do this - I just don't feel ready to...
My fake husband stood outside the set with script in hand in case I needed help. True, film is a little more forgiving when it comes to dropping a line but time is spent just the same.
Heeere we go! Several different shots were taken and by the end of the night the director asked me how I felt about it. I asked him if he felt like he got what he wanted. He said - Yes. Adding that it looked good. I said, That's all that matters.
On Tuesday we start filming in The Catacombs.
Since I was working @ Husker HQ and both 'rents work downtown it worked out well to meet up for a birthday lunch @ Noodles & Co. And since it was my dad's birthday...we stopped at The Cookie Company afterwards. (Gotta get my fix while I can!)
After work it was back to Omaha to help a friend celebrate her 21st
birthday! She decided that she wanted her first drink to be The Millionaire Martini served @ Upstream. So family and friends gathered there to help her celebrate and she and her mom had The Millionaire Martini. Unfortunately my time was limited (sensing a trend?) since filming was scheduled so I quickly enjoyed my meal (which included mashed potatoes with dill havarti cheese melted on top - try it, you'll like it!) and skedaddled.Somewhere between stops I had realized I left my script at South the night before. And as luck would have it, tonight they were filming my monologue. Oy.
I retrieved my script and reviewed/crammed as I got ready. Oh geez. I know I can do this - I just don't feel ready to...
My fake husband stood outside the set with script in hand in case I needed help. True, film is a little more forgiving when it comes to dropping a line but time is spent just the same.
Heeere we go! Several different shots were taken and by the end of the night the director asked me how I felt about it. I asked him if he felt like he got what he wanted. He said - Yes. Adding that it looked good. I said, That's all that matters.
On Tuesday we start filming in The Catacombs.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Filming Continues...
Waking up in Omaha means sleeping in! (But not too late though....)Breakfast at Panera! (Their new Mocha Chip Bagel is yummy!) Met up with a friend who I first met while acting in my first show in Omaha and later she hooked me up with the dresser gigs - she's pictured in the center. We caught up photographically as we shared pics of our latest adventures. We stayed long enough to see the lunch crowd build which meant it was time to split!
Yippee! I'm on my way to meet yet another friend at Valentinos Grand Italian Buffet. It somehow has become a traditional spot for us to meet - so the tradition continues!
She's expecting her first child in January (Elvis's birthday) and much like my new mommy friend she has a glow, too. Unbeknowst to either of them both mom-to-be and new mom plan on donating their long locks to Locks of Love. Very cool.After she went back to work, I attempted to catch up with all things internet at the FREE Wifi Scooters across the way. (Note to those in Omaha - this place is great for wifi use as it never gets very crowded.)
Met up with my bro @ the Subway near South for supper. After we sat down students from the school arrived and 2 were fighting over a full cup of pop with no lid. One kid decided that if he couldn't have it no one would and forced it to dump all over the floor and splatter our direction. The workers ordered them out immediately and one left behind their backpack. Please oh please let this not be a reflection on how the majority of that generation acts. One can hope.
Filming Time!
The guys and girl had separate dressing rooms but mine lacked a mirror so I would make use of theirs when all were ready. (That's when I took this pic.)
They had a monitor set up outside of the set so the director could watch what was being filmed without being in the way. I was later told by the director that another person on set said, "She does look blind!" Well, that's good!I discovered another challenge with acting blind is that you can't make eye contact (I wasn't wearing glasses) with your fellow actor. So what you are motivated by can't be taken from them you have to create it on your own and hope you are giving the other actor what they need. Not only that but I couldn't watch these fabulous actors act!
Always the picture taker, I hid my camera in my prop purse so I could pull it out for shots such as this one...
Although we were still a bit behind we did seem to be on track.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Amerigo the Brave Begins
Today's the first day of filming and I'm continuing to play with lines and my accent. Geez, I hope I don't make a fool of myself! I haven't really had a chance to use my accent on anyone so will hope for the best.
The friends I met today - bless their hearts - had to listen to my worries about the pending filming. What if I drop the ball after all the work they've put in and negotiating of schedule to get me back in NE? One friend told me I was thinking too much. Guilty.
That said friend (check out his website) was the first one I met today for lunch. He used to work with me @ AP and now works @ ConAgra. We ate at Nicola's and caught up. As usual time flew and I took him back to work and headed for the Oakview Barnes & Noble to meet another friend for coffee.
My friend is another person I met while being a dresser backstage @ the Orpheum. The last show we worked on together was Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The pic is of her posing with "Joseph" aka Patrick Cassidy. She is also my Pampered Chef hookup as she had a party a while back and I've been using her rep ever since. So many great gadgets to use - but will I in fact ever use them?! Hmmmm...the constant debate before purchase. ;)
Next stop - Sgt. Pfeffer's to meet another friend for her birthday! Behind us in line stood a local playwright and his family. He asked why I wasn't in NY. I assured him I was only back temporarily.
On my way to meet my friend for supper I got a call that the gal that volunteered to do my hair wasn't able to come to South but I could stop by her work. Since I had plans that was a no go, so after supper my friend and I headed to Walgreen's to get whatever hair supplies I was lacking. Here's hoping something works!
Arrived at South and headed to the dressing room to get ready. I hoped they remembered a slip for me as I realized the striped bra I was wearing was probably going to be seen thru the thin material of the dress. Keeping my fingers crossed I discovered....there was no slip. Eeeek! Well...what to do? After troubleshooting with my fake husband for a bit it finally occurred to me that I had a back up in my car as I was staying over with a friend that night. Whew!
Now the hair...I was given a drawing of what the gal had in mind for my 40s do. It seemed simple enough for a non-hair savvy person like myself but ultimately I asked approval for a low slung ponytail. Too much messin' and we had to get filming!
We ran thru the scene a few times before filming and my accent got approved thankfully!
Once filming started it was a bit of trial and error as they figured out how the lights were hitting us and what shots they wanted for the scene. (The couch was basically my homebase for most of the shoot. And you can see the boom mike that was used leaning against the open trunk.) We fell a bit behind and with the alarm preset at South we had to get out of there before we were trapped in there. So no late nights to catch up. Hopefully we will catch up...we have to.
I was thankful that I didn't have to drive all the way back to Lincoln as I headed to my friend's
apartment. We stayed up late catching up - didn't have much of a chance to talk when I saw her at "Anything Goes" rehearsals. But she needed to get up for work the next day so we forced ourselves to quit chattering on and get ready for bed! ;)
The friends I met today - bless their hearts - had to listen to my worries about the pending filming. What if I drop the ball after all the work they've put in and negotiating of schedule to get me back in NE? One friend told me I was thinking too much. Guilty.
That said friend (check out his website) was the first one I met today for lunch. He used to work with me @ AP and now works @ ConAgra. We ate at Nicola's and caught up. As usual time flew and I took him back to work and headed for the Oakview Barnes & Noble to meet another friend for coffee.
My friend is another person I met while being a dresser backstage @ the Orpheum. The last show we worked on together was Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The pic is of her posing with "Joseph" aka Patrick Cassidy. She is also my Pampered Chef hookup as she had a party a while back and I've been using her rep ever since. So many great gadgets to use - but will I in fact ever use them?! Hmmmm...the constant debate before purchase. ;)
Next stop - Sgt. Pfeffer's to meet another friend for her birthday! Behind us in line stood a local playwright and his family. He asked why I wasn't in NY. I assured him I was only back temporarily.
On my way to meet my friend for supper I got a call that the gal that volunteered to do my hair wasn't able to come to South but I could stop by her work. Since I had plans that was a no go, so after supper my friend and I headed to Walgreen's to get whatever hair supplies I was lacking. Here's hoping something works!
Arrived at South and headed to the dressing room to get ready. I hoped they remembered a slip for me as I realized the striped bra I was wearing was probably going to be seen thru the thin material of the dress. Keeping my fingers crossed I discovered....there was no slip. Eeeek! Well...what to do? After troubleshooting with my fake husband for a bit it finally occurred to me that I had a back up in my car as I was staying over with a friend that night. Whew!
Now the hair...I was given a drawing of what the gal had in mind for my 40s do. It seemed simple enough for a non-hair savvy person like myself but ultimately I asked approval for a low slung ponytail. Too much messin' and we had to get filming!
We ran thru the scene a few times before filming and my accent got approved thankfully!
Once filming started it was a bit of trial and error as they figured out how the lights were hitting us and what shots they wanted for the scene. (The couch was basically my homebase for most of the shoot. And you can see the boom mike that was used leaning against the open trunk.) We fell a bit behind and with the alarm preset at South we had to get out of there before we were trapped in there. So no late nights to catch up. Hopefully we will catch up...we have to.I was thankful that I didn't have to drive all the way back to Lincoln as I headed to my friend's
apartment. We stayed up late catching up - didn't have much of a chance to talk when I saw her at "Anything Goes" rehearsals. But she needed to get up for work the next day so we forced ourselves to quit chattering on and get ready for bed! ;)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Lincoln, Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Lincoln
I'll admit it. Today was not well planned as far as commuting goes. The gas prices are killing me! But gots to get stuff done, so what's a person to do?
Back on the road to Omaha to meet up with former co-workers from AP @ Jason's Deli. The temp I trained has left now and they have a perm. replacement that seems to be working out. I got the low down on the latest @ AP and filled them in on NYC life. It was nice chatting with them - all 3 are sweet gals. Felt a bit guilty that I was free of work for a bit while they sighed and went back.
The guys managed to get access to The Rose's costumes for the film so I stopped by there to carefully try on several vintage dresses that might work (The short takes place in 1946.) Thankfully I finally got my Brooklynese tape to listen to, too! Checking the time, I saw my meter ran out so I plugged it again with reassurance from the gal in charge of costumes that they rarely come by to check meters this time of day. Whew! Came back and found boots to wear that ended up using 3 shoestrings tied together to lace 'em up.
Ahhhh! Time! It was inching closer to 3pm already and I had told my old boss @ Husker HQ I'd start my shift about then. I said my goodbyes and ran out to the car to find the meter had expired again and I now had a ticket. Garrr!!! The director walked out about the time I discovered it and assured me they could find money in the budget to cover it. Okay - I'm good with that! ;)
As soon as I got in the car I put in the Brooklynese tape and began to try and absorb what I could. I was told the tape had a woman and man speaking so that was good. Until I heard the woman - she had an accent but her pitch was high, think Cyndi Lauper only a bit higher. My director wanted me in my lower register so there were times that I'd have to say the line like Cyndi just to feel the accent in my mouth before I could say it lower. The man on the tape read a segment from Much Ado about Nothing (Nuttin). That was truly entertaining! ;)
I was a bit late to Husker HQ - but he did say I could name my hours, right? Immediately I was
put to work opening newly delivered boxes and counting/pricing the shirts inside. Then I got to fold them all and put them in cubes. Just like old times. Another worker asked me if much had changed with the place since I worked there - not a lot had. I remember helping hang the flags that still circle the ceiling in the front section of the store. But there seemed to be A LOT more merch crammed into the store. There always seems to be something new to put a Husker logo on. But apparently they keep raising the licensing fees so the mom & pop Husker Memorobilia creators are getting pushed out of the pic. Stinky.
Before the workday was over I got to go on a Juice Stop run - a tradition started when I worked there. My boss used the term "glop-ula" for his drink. Something I had totally forgotten about. Back in college I would get Juice Stop drinks to help clear the glop out of my system when I had a cold. So my boss in turn would call the Juice Stop drinks "glop-ulas". And I guess the term stuck.
Back in the car again and listening to my tape on my way to the Bellevue Little Theatre to see my friend rehearse for "Anything Goes". Am going to miss the actual performance so she suggested I come to a rehearsal. I did "Anything Goes" in High School and was surprised about how much of the lyrics I remembered. But yet, I don't remember all of the periodic table that I had to memorize in high school. Go figure. Au - gold. Ag - silver. (That's right, right?) Not all, but some.
The rehearsal was with the choreographer and I guess nights are split between choreographer and director. And from what I hear the two don't always communicate so movement is changed quite often. How frustrating.
Besides my friend I also got to see and visit with some other actors I had worked with or knew. Some didn't know I had moved.
One person said - Well, you're married, right? (Apparently wondering how my "husband" felt living in NYC.)
I told her I wasn't.
And she said - Well, I guess you just played one well then! (She played Truvy to my Annelle in Steel Mags at BLT)
Indeed.
Unfortunately as rehearsal was running late (apparently it is a trend) I had to sneak out to head back home.
And once I got home, Pizza Hut pizza was waiting for me! Yippee!
Back on the road to Omaha to meet up with former co-workers from AP @ Jason's Deli. The temp I trained has left now and they have a perm. replacement that seems to be working out. I got the low down on the latest @ AP and filled them in on NYC life. It was nice chatting with them - all 3 are sweet gals. Felt a bit guilty that I was free of work for a bit while they sighed and went back.
The guys managed to get access to The Rose's costumes for the film so I stopped by there to carefully try on several vintage dresses that might work (The short takes place in 1946.) Thankfully I finally got my Brooklynese tape to listen to, too! Checking the time, I saw my meter ran out so I plugged it again with reassurance from the gal in charge of costumes that they rarely come by to check meters this time of day. Whew! Came back and found boots to wear that ended up using 3 shoestrings tied together to lace 'em up.
Ahhhh! Time! It was inching closer to 3pm already and I had told my old boss @ Husker HQ I'd start my shift about then. I said my goodbyes and ran out to the car to find the meter had expired again and I now had a ticket. Garrr!!! The director walked out about the time I discovered it and assured me they could find money in the budget to cover it. Okay - I'm good with that! ;)
As soon as I got in the car I put in the Brooklynese tape and began to try and absorb what I could. I was told the tape had a woman and man speaking so that was good. Until I heard the woman - she had an accent but her pitch was high, think Cyndi Lauper only a bit higher. My director wanted me in my lower register so there were times that I'd have to say the line like Cyndi just to feel the accent in my mouth before I could say it lower. The man on the tape read a segment from Much Ado about Nothing (Nuttin). That was truly entertaining! ;)
I was a bit late to Husker HQ - but he did say I could name my hours, right? Immediately I was
put to work opening newly delivered boxes and counting/pricing the shirts inside. Then I got to fold them all and put them in cubes. Just like old times. Another worker asked me if much had changed with the place since I worked there - not a lot had. I remember helping hang the flags that still circle the ceiling in the front section of the store. But there seemed to be A LOT more merch crammed into the store. There always seems to be something new to put a Husker logo on. But apparently they keep raising the licensing fees so the mom & pop Husker Memorobilia creators are getting pushed out of the pic. Stinky.Before the workday was over I got to go on a Juice Stop run - a tradition started when I worked there. My boss used the term "glop-ula" for his drink. Something I had totally forgotten about. Back in college I would get Juice Stop drinks to help clear the glop out of my system when I had a cold. So my boss in turn would call the Juice Stop drinks "glop-ulas". And I guess the term stuck.
Back in the car again and listening to my tape on my way to the Bellevue Little Theatre to see my friend rehearse for "Anything Goes". Am going to miss the actual performance so she suggested I come to a rehearsal. I did "Anything Goes" in High School and was surprised about how much of the lyrics I remembered. But yet, I don't remember all of the periodic table that I had to memorize in high school. Go figure. Au - gold. Ag - silver. (That's right, right?) Not all, but some.
The rehearsal was with the choreographer and I guess nights are split between choreographer and director. And from what I hear the two don't always communicate so movement is changed quite often. How frustrating.
Besides my friend I also got to see and visit with some other actors I had worked with or knew. Some didn't know I had moved.
One person said - Well, you're married, right? (Apparently wondering how my "husband" felt living in NYC.)
I told her I wasn't.
And she said - Well, I guess you just played one well then! (She played Truvy to my Annelle in Steel Mags at BLT)
Indeed.
Unfortunately as rehearsal was running late (apparently it is a trend) I had to sneak out to head back home.
And once I got home, Pizza Hut pizza was waiting for me! Yippee!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Jam Packed
Back to Omaha for rehearsal. Today we rehearse in the set the guys built.
During rehearsal my fake husband was using his Brooklyn accent and another actor was using his German accent and I was busy figuring out how to portray "blind" (did I mention I play a Blind Polish Woman from Brooklyn?) , but becoming very aware that I had no accent. Umm...
Now, originally I was told not to worry about an accent. (He'd written it with my voice in mind.) Then I was told they would have lessons for us when I got there - but so far no mention of lessons. So I raised my hand and asked about the accent and was told they had a tape. A tape which they didn't have at the moment but would get to me. Uhhhh.... I was told to call before I left Omaha for the day and connections would be made so I'd have the rest of the weekend to work on it - filming starts Wednesday.
I scurried off to Hector's for what originally would have been a baby shower but since my friend had her baby early it was now a Dora's Back from NY Luncheon (see explanation for Dora in one of my first blogs back in May). It was great to see all the D's gathered again. They'd been good about calling me and passing the phone around when they had dinners prior so I was virtually there but there's nothing quite like being there in person!
I had brought my Dora doll along and we had fun posing her with a margarita. That Dora.... And after being treated to lunch, the ladies said they read my blog (Hi Ds!) and noted my missing of Eileen's Cookies hoping to help out with this by giving me 2 dozen cookies (1 Snickerdoodle, 1 Variety) and 1 giant frosted chocolate chip cookie. I LOVE the Ds! :) They truly rock! And boy did those cookies taste gooood! (Pics to come...)
I followed New Mommy D over to the hospital to see her baby boy after lunch and even got to hold him. Tiny, tiny but yet very animated! Mommy D glowed as
she told stories and observances. Since the kiddo is a preemie she told me about the Kangaroo Care Program which often aids in preemies getting out of the hospital quicker. Basically, Mom & Dad take turns each day to hold the baby skin to skin so the baby can bond and feel the heart near as if it is still in the womb. Unlike when the baby is in the womb though, the Dad can be a participant.
I recently read Goldie Hawn's autobiography and she tells a story about how she feels her touch helped Oliver when he was first born. Back then theories were opposite and concern of having the vulnerable baby gets germs and whatnot made people think no contact was better. At least studies have proved otherwise now.
Time got away too quickly and I was already late for my next meet & greet!
Next stop - Starbucks! Thankfully my friend and former co-star (she's my fake mom as I played her daughter) was still waiting for me. Originally she was going to help me run lines but due to shortened time we just gabbed. ;) (We tried to meet for coffee weekly when I lived in Omaha.)
And then I was off again to attend an early b-day gathering at a friend's mom's house. Her mom was kind enough to extend an invite to me where they served up a BBQ meal and German Chocolate Cake - My friend's favorite cake for her b-day. So being a better friend than she even knew I overcame my huge dislike for coconut and managed to eat a slice without picking at it too much!;) Her mom said a pound and a half of butter was used in that cake! Wow!
My friend's nearly 3 year old was a bit ornery squirting his squirt gun in his mouth and then bending over my skirt while I was sitting and spit on it. (I actually thought he was going to kiss my knee or something before the spit came out - hey, you never know with kids!) He had a few other moments too where each time they'd make him apologize and he would but I wasn't totally convinced on how genuine it was on the 3rd go round. It made me think that perhaps I was sending out provoking vibes without even knowing it - but then again, I got the feeling that there really wasn't a rhyme or reason to his actions. Maybe he was tired? So many variable there. Ahh...kids!;)
During all my running around I called my director a couple times to try and arrange an exchange of the tape but managed to get voicemail both times. Guess I'll wait til Monday...
During rehearsal my fake husband was using his Brooklyn accent and another actor was using his German accent and I was busy figuring out how to portray "blind" (did I mention I play a Blind Polish Woman from Brooklyn?) , but becoming very aware that I had no accent. Umm...
Now, originally I was told not to worry about an accent. (He'd written it with my voice in mind.) Then I was told they would have lessons for us when I got there - but so far no mention of lessons. So I raised my hand and asked about the accent and was told they had a tape. A tape which they didn't have at the moment but would get to me. Uhhhh.... I was told to call before I left Omaha for the day and connections would be made so I'd have the rest of the weekend to work on it - filming starts Wednesday.
I scurried off to Hector's for what originally would have been a baby shower but since my friend had her baby early it was now a Dora's Back from NY Luncheon (see explanation for Dora in one of my first blogs back in May). It was great to see all the D's gathered again. They'd been good about calling me and passing the phone around when they had dinners prior so I was virtually there but there's nothing quite like being there in person!
I had brought my Dora doll along and we had fun posing her with a margarita. That Dora.... And after being treated to lunch, the ladies said they read my blog (Hi Ds!) and noted my missing of Eileen's Cookies hoping to help out with this by giving me 2 dozen cookies (1 Snickerdoodle, 1 Variety) and 1 giant frosted chocolate chip cookie. I LOVE the Ds! :) They truly rock! And boy did those cookies taste gooood! (Pics to come...)
I followed New Mommy D over to the hospital to see her baby boy after lunch and even got to hold him. Tiny, tiny but yet very animated! Mommy D glowed as
she told stories and observances. Since the kiddo is a preemie she told me about the Kangaroo Care Program which often aids in preemies getting out of the hospital quicker. Basically, Mom & Dad take turns each day to hold the baby skin to skin so the baby can bond and feel the heart near as if it is still in the womb. Unlike when the baby is in the womb though, the Dad can be a participant.I recently read Goldie Hawn's autobiography and she tells a story about how she feels her touch helped Oliver when he was first born. Back then theories were opposite and concern of having the vulnerable baby gets germs and whatnot made people think no contact was better. At least studies have proved otherwise now.
Time got away too quickly and I was already late for my next meet & greet!
Next stop - Starbucks! Thankfully my friend and former co-star (she's my fake mom as I played her daughter) was still waiting for me. Originally she was going to help me run lines but due to shortened time we just gabbed. ;) (We tried to meet for coffee weekly when I lived in Omaha.)
And then I was off again to attend an early b-day gathering at a friend's mom's house. Her mom was kind enough to extend an invite to me where they served up a BBQ meal and German Chocolate Cake - My friend's favorite cake for her b-day. So being a better friend than she even knew I overcame my huge dislike for coconut and managed to eat a slice without picking at it too much!;) Her mom said a pound and a half of butter was used in that cake! Wow!
My friend's nearly 3 year old was a bit ornery squirting his squirt gun in his mouth and then bending over my skirt while I was sitting and spit on it. (I actually thought he was going to kiss my knee or something before the spit came out - hey, you never know with kids!) He had a few other moments too where each time they'd make him apologize and he would but I wasn't totally convinced on how genuine it was on the 3rd go round. It made me think that perhaps I was sending out provoking vibes without even knowing it - but then again, I got the feeling that there really wasn't a rhyme or reason to his actions. Maybe he was tired? So many variable there. Ahh...kids!;)
During all my running around I called my director a couple times to try and arrange an exchange of the tape but managed to get voicemail both times. Guess I'll wait til Monday...
Friday, August 24, 2007
Off to Omaha
Today I officially become a commuter as I split plans between Omaha and Lincoln. A friend I met while being a dresser during Lion King, runs her own business where she gives facials, waxes and the like. I made an appt. for a facial and then we made plans to have lunch afterwards.
During the Lion King run, one of our convos turned to cupcakes (we spent a lot of time with each other over that month...) and I told her about Cupcake Island. We even shared a cupcake from there with the traveling stagehand - complete with cupcake holder. Upon discovering Crumbs I made sure to bring back mini cupcakes to share with her and she told me that every time she goes to Cupcake Island she thinks of me...I guess there are worse things to be associated with! ;)
We had lunch at Kona Grill and then we split ways, leaving me to memorize lines and sip green tea at Paradise Bakery before my first rehearsal tonight. While I was memorizing, a middle-aged guy came up to me and asked me if it was a good book I was reading. Then he realized I wasn't reading a book and said - "Oh, you're studying - well, good luck!" Odd. It was time for me to find a new location.
Decided to stop at Target to get some tunes while I drove as the radio really wasn't doing it for me. Discovered the Spring Awakening Soundtrack on sale and got the Once Soundtrack, too. And in turn, those 2 soundtracks became my soundtrack for the trip.
Time for rehearsal! But first...here's the backstory...
During "You Can't Take It With You" I was approached by the Asst. Director to be a part of a short film he had written and planned on directing. Besides himself, it would also involve the stage manager and the guy that played my husband. Later I found out that the original script had 2 male leads but upon seeing how well me and my fake husband worked together he decided to rewrite it with a husband and wife as the leads with me in mind for the wife. I really liked the script but filming was initially scheduled in early June - after my move. I broke the news that I was moving but I could delay it by a few weeks. Due to another project they were working on though, they decided filming wouldn't start until August. Hmmm.... I told them to keep me posted and I'd see what I could do about possibly coming back. I had yet to find a job so figured it was better to go into a job with those dates rather than start a job and say, "Oh, by the way..." Thankfully I was let off for the time needed - mostly unpaid, but at least I had it off! :) Bonus came in the fact that an actor that I had wanted to work with in the Omaha community was cast as well.
Back to rehearsal.
Most of the filming would be done @ Omaha South. Some in the catacombs and some in a set the guys had built on stage. Their attention to detail on the set was great! I was truly amazed with all the work that was put into it already and felt bad that I wasn't around to help.
For all the time I'd spent on lines I was grateful to be able to hold it in my hands still as I learned blocking in the catacombs. And in all my enthusiasm to FINALLY be there actually starting the process of making the short film after talking about it for what seemed liked forever, I was a tad giggly, too. ;) It was just good to be back and working with these guys again. And it was just plain good to be acting!
During the Lion King run, one of our convos turned to cupcakes (we spent a lot of time with each other over that month...) and I told her about Cupcake Island. We even shared a cupcake from there with the traveling stagehand - complete with cupcake holder. Upon discovering Crumbs I made sure to bring back mini cupcakes to share with her and she told me that every time she goes to Cupcake Island she thinks of me...I guess there are worse things to be associated with! ;)
We had lunch at Kona Grill and then we split ways, leaving me to memorize lines and sip green tea at Paradise Bakery before my first rehearsal tonight. While I was memorizing, a middle-aged guy came up to me and asked me if it was a good book I was reading. Then he realized I wasn't reading a book and said - "Oh, you're studying - well, good luck!" Odd. It was time for me to find a new location.
Decided to stop at Target to get some tunes while I drove as the radio really wasn't doing it for me. Discovered the Spring Awakening Soundtrack on sale and got the Once Soundtrack, too. And in turn, those 2 soundtracks became my soundtrack for the trip.
Time for rehearsal! But first...here's the backstory...
During "You Can't Take It With You" I was approached by the Asst. Director to be a part of a short film he had written and planned on directing. Besides himself, it would also involve the stage manager and the guy that played my husband. Later I found out that the original script had 2 male leads but upon seeing how well me and my fake husband worked together he decided to rewrite it with a husband and wife as the leads with me in mind for the wife. I really liked the script but filming was initially scheduled in early June - after my move. I broke the news that I was moving but I could delay it by a few weeks. Due to another project they were working on though, they decided filming wouldn't start until August. Hmmm.... I told them to keep me posted and I'd see what I could do about possibly coming back. I had yet to find a job so figured it was better to go into a job with those dates rather than start a job and say, "Oh, by the way..." Thankfully I was let off for the time needed - mostly unpaid, but at least I had it off! :) Bonus came in the fact that an actor that I had wanted to work with in the Omaha community was cast as well.
Back to rehearsal.
Most of the filming would be done @ Omaha South. Some in the catacombs and some in a set the guys had built on stage. Their attention to detail on the set was great! I was truly amazed with all the work that was put into it already and felt bad that I wasn't around to help.
For all the time I'd spent on lines I was grateful to be able to hold it in my hands still as I learned blocking in the catacombs. And in all my enthusiasm to FINALLY be there actually starting the process of making the short film after talking about it for what seemed liked forever, I was a tad giggly, too. ;) It was just good to be back and working with these guys again. And it was just plain good to be acting!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Screening and The Statue
Thursday morning I got to sit in on part of an NYU film class at Tisch Hall to see the short I was a part of. Kind of fun to sit in on this particular lecture - he talked about what coast had what type of film industry. He started the class by showing an old industrial called - The Power of 10- Note: He told the class this was made in 1950, this site says 1977! Oops. His purpose of showing this was to point out that NY does more industrials than L.A. He also talked about soaps being in NY. Someone asked about the porn industry - the prof said he assumed that to be just about anywhere, thanks to my friend in Cali though I know there's a fairly prominent area for the industry there - of course I chose not to share, that's kind of akward info to know I suppose...
This class (I think) was mostly full of sophomores. One thing that surprised me a bit was that when they called "last shot" on filming - I said, "Isn't that the martini?" And they looked at me blankly saying - "Well, our prof never told us that." Well, the prof doesn't know EVERYTHING! ;)
However, I did find out that the prof (David Irving) was the director of C.H.U.D. II - Bud the Chudd.The class was actually going to be having a "slumber party/screening" to view it later that night...
At any rate, we finally got to the films - Ruth hadn't actually screened it yet so she warned that my voice might be low and it was. I sounded rather masculine. But that aside, it was fun to watch! Had a close call where a couple frames started to bubble and burn (unfortunately she'll have to slice and replace those) but the movie kept running - and my first screen kiss looked pretty good if I do say so myself! ;) Ruth got really positive feedback on the piece so that was good too! :)
Then it was off to meet the 'rents in Battery Park. When I first got there I saw the World Trade Center Globe and eternal flame - a temporary memorial started on 9/11 2002. Although people were taking pics (some actually posing near the globe) somehow it just didn't seem like something to take a pic of. Just something to take a moment's pause for, reflect, take a deep breath and move on...
I knew I was getting closer to the ferries when I saw several people dressed up like the statue along the pathway. Finally caught up with the 'rents and stood in the masses to board a ferry to take us to the Statue and Ellis Island. I may be totally wrong - but there's something about the whole process of visiting the statue that to me, would make even the most native New Yorker feel like a tourist. There's just no getting around it.
The ferry takes you straight to the statue and then to Ellis. We opted to ride on to Ellis first. Unfortunately, there are parts of the island under reconstruction so not all of it can be seen but what they do have open is full of info and insight as to what many immigrants went thru (including some of my great-great grandparents).
Besides info about Ellis itself they also had several displays about ancestry. One being a tree of where different words came from - Like "Pumpkin" and "Gopher" originated in France, "Hunky-dory" and "Poppycock" are Dutch words. Before getting in line for the Ferry to the statue we stopped for some grub. Mom opted for the "immigrant stew" while I took a more modern approach with a Nathan's hotdog.
My mom has wanted to see the Statue of Liberty since she was little - she's always wanted to peer out from the crown, but unfortunately due to security/safety you can only go up to the top of the pedestal now. So no peering, but she did get to see it! :)
It is an amazing piece of work and once again what a wealth of info to absorb. So much work and effort put in and the patience it took! Around 10 years for it to be completed once it got here! A few factoid for you - The face of the statue was inspired by the sculptor's (Frederic Auguste Bartholdi) mother, the body based off his wife...weird. The torch also includes elements thought to represent the U.S. - corn, tobacco leaves and arrowheads. It never was meant to be lit - but some thought it would work just fine as a light tower - it didn't. Bartholdi suggested putting gold leaf on it instead but this suggestion was ignored until the mid 1980s!
Just to give you an idea of how big the statue is I stood by the base - can you see me?! It takes 157 steps to get to the top of the platform.
From there you can peer out and peer up (looking up Liberty's skirt to see the inner construction that Eiffel built to keep her standing). They also had replicas of various "parts" of the statue so you could get an idea of the size in that manner too - my size 10s have NOTHING on her.
We finally said goodbye to Liberty (the statue) and headed back to Battery Park and then back to Times Square where we ate @ Planet Hollywood. Then the 'rents went on to the Wax Museum and I went home. Tomorrow would be spent at Rockefeller.
This class (I think) was mostly full of sophomores. One thing that surprised me a bit was that when they called "last shot" on filming - I said, "Isn't that the martini?" And they looked at me blankly saying - "Well, our prof never told us that." Well, the prof doesn't know EVERYTHING! ;)
However, I did find out that the prof (David Irving) was the director of C.H.U.D. II - Bud the Chudd.The class was actually going to be having a "slumber party/screening" to view it later that night...
At any rate, we finally got to the films - Ruth hadn't actually screened it yet so she warned that my voice might be low and it was. I sounded rather masculine. But that aside, it was fun to watch! Had a close call where a couple frames started to bubble and burn (unfortunately she'll have to slice and replace those) but the movie kept running - and my first screen kiss looked pretty good if I do say so myself! ;) Ruth got really positive feedback on the piece so that was good too! :)
Then it was off to meet the 'rents in Battery Park. When I first got there I saw the World Trade Center Globe and eternal flame - a temporary memorial started on 9/11 2002. Although people were taking pics (some actually posing near the globe) somehow it just didn't seem like something to take a pic of. Just something to take a moment's pause for, reflect, take a deep breath and move on...
I knew I was getting closer to the ferries when I saw several people dressed up like the statue along the pathway. Finally caught up with the 'rents and stood in the masses to board a ferry to take us to the Statue and Ellis Island. I may be totally wrong - but there's something about the whole process of visiting the statue that to me, would make even the most native New Yorker feel like a tourist. There's just no getting around it.
The ferry takes you straight to the statue and then to Ellis. We opted to ride on to Ellis first. Unfortunately, there are parts of the island under reconstruction so not all of it can be seen but what they do have open is full of info and insight as to what many immigrants went thru (including some of my great-great grandparents).
Besides info about Ellis itself they also had several displays about ancestry. One being a tree of where different words came from - Like "Pumpkin" and "Gopher" originated in France, "Hunky-dory" and "Poppycock" are Dutch words. Before getting in line for the Ferry to the statue we stopped for some grub. Mom opted for the "immigrant stew" while I took a more modern approach with a Nathan's hotdog.
My mom has wanted to see the Statue of Liberty since she was little - she's always wanted to peer out from the crown, but unfortunately due to security/safety you can only go up to the top of the pedestal now. So no peering, but she did get to see it! :)
It is an amazing piece of work and once again what a wealth of info to absorb. So much work and effort put in and the patience it took! Around 10 years for it to be completed once it got here! A few factoid for you - The face of the statue was inspired by the sculptor's (Frederic Auguste Bartholdi) mother, the body based off his wife...weird. The torch also includes elements thought to represent the U.S. - corn, tobacco leaves and arrowheads. It never was meant to be lit - but some thought it would work just fine as a light tower - it didn't. Bartholdi suggested putting gold leaf on it instead but this suggestion was ignored until the mid 1980s!
Just to give you an idea of how big the statue is I stood by the base - can you see me?! It takes 157 steps to get to the top of the platform.
From there you can peer out and peer up (looking up Liberty's skirt to see the inner construction that Eiffel built to keep her standing). They also had replicas of various "parts" of the statue so you could get an idea of the size in that manner too - my size 10s have NOTHING on her.
We finally said goodbye to Liberty (the statue) and headed back to Battery Park and then back to Times Square where we ate @ Planet Hollywood. Then the 'rents went on to the Wax Museum and I went home. Tomorrow would be spent at Rockefeller.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
That's a Wrap!
Finished filming "Switch of Heart" today. Of course I was a lot more phlegmy (sp?) than the previous shooting day - which was unfortunate for the guy who had to kiss me. But apparently, it still looked good on film. (The first screen kiss for both us!)
The other challenge was trying to sound more "Carrie B" and less "Nasal Nora" while doing my voiceover. I guess it came off okay.
My first NYC film experience ended up being a good one and I can't wait to see the finished product. (Will be getting info about a screening on campus soon...)
The 48 hr film project I was supposed to be a part of, fell thru. Apparently the genre the group got didn't have a spot for the likes of me, which was probably just as well considering I wasn't feeling all that great.
One of the "heart" guys I chatted with today was totally surprised when he found out I hadn't been in town long and was already a part of filming. I later ran into him on the subway and his parting words were - "Maybe I'll see you on the stage someday!" Maybe...
The other challenge was trying to sound more "Carrie B" and less "Nasal Nora" while doing my voiceover. I guess it came off okay.
My first NYC film experience ended up being a good one and I can't wait to see the finished product. (Will be getting info about a screening on campus soon...)
The 48 hr film project I was supposed to be a part of, fell thru. Apparently the genre the group got didn't have a spot for the likes of me, which was probably just as well considering I wasn't feeling all that great.
One of the "heart" guys I chatted with today was totally surprised when he found out I hadn't been in town long and was already a part of filming. I later ran into him on the subway and his parting words were - "Maybe I'll see you on the stage someday!" Maybe...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
"switch of heart" - day 1 filming
Today I got my "Carrie Bradshaw" on and headed out to film a short for an NYC student.
The concept - A woman sits in a coffee shop and observes the different hearts guys have - one filled with his love of music with no love for anyone else, one who is an actor and loves guys, one who's heart jumps every time his phone rings because he's a businessman, etc. Then there is a guy who's heart is just switched off - causing the woman to ask why? And what will make it turn on again?
Part of the concept is to show the various guys with hearts painted on their chests. Of course passersby had various reactions to this. I was sitting in the coffee shop guarding various bags and whatnot while that portion was filmed outside but I saw one woman walk past and mouth - I don't want to know - shaking her head, another lady saw one of the crew members drop something and was kind enough to stop and help pick it up, even pointing out one piece she couldn't get to. Later I heard that a passerby hollered - Is this art? repeatedly to the guy with his shirt off.
Unfortunately we didn't get all the filming done today because of rain (it rained so hard that it started to leak in the window and onto the bags I was guarding) and not having all the heart guys show up. So it will continue another day - which means, more pics will be posted later! :)
My view of them filming in the rain (the crew is in yellow, light blue and black - the person they are filming is in white) -
Ruth painting a heart on Sebastian -
Still photos of me being used in the film -
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