Todd,

It is mid-week here in Seattle and I have thoughts. I skipped some of the play-by-play of our first day of shooting which I will catch up on soon. Now, I am reflecting on the whole movie-making thing. It seems so odd that making a movie is such a hard thing to do. It is certain that there are many very talented people out there who have vision, ability, talent, drive, etc., but don't have the wear-with-all (a Mom phrase) to actually complete a whole project. A filmmaker must also be a business man, money finagler, salesman, coach, driver, lighting specialist, fast talker, check signer, dog walker, back breaker, speech giver, phone answering, question asking, writing it all down twice, patience having fool. And someone who can enjoy or seem to enjoy it all. (And still make a decent film) So you say I'm the King of Follow-Through? Earn those wings, Birdy.

Kate and I both got turned down for loans. We each applied for $3000 for the film. No thank you. I think it is good that we didn't get the loans. This way, we have to find someone to give us the money. Debra Friedman (One of Jesse's parents from Seattle Country Day School or SCDS) is working on the money-raising side of things. She is someone who knows how to get something done. She'll be a big help, especially in the long run. I respect her opinion. BUT! I still don't know how I am going to buy film tomorrow for the weekend's shoot. We have about six bucks in the bank and not much else. Granted, our overall money scene is decent for a change, but the money that is on the way isn't here yet. Got to buy film tomorrow because the place is closed on the weekend. I'll find a way... promise.

So many people talk about making films on credit cards, loans, etc. I'll have to write the book about how to do it when you already have bad credit.

The vision is strong. We had our first dailies viewing on Tuesday. It was wonderful and disappointing. Most of the shots were dark. Some are still usable, but we'll have to do some over again. It is so hard to know how to light and expose the stuff. The fastest film I can get in reversal is 200 speed which is 160 under artificial light, so we need a lot of light. I guess we'll just have to load the lights on as thick as we can and bump the exposures down a bit to lighten the shots up. I hope it can improve. I don't want a really dark film.

I recorded the music with Don Meyer. (Don is a friend who recorded an album for our band Mobile Home in 1994.) He thinks we should do it over, but I don't yet know why. I think the levels were too hot. Oh well, I think I can lay it down better anyway. I composed a Classical-ish piece as the Main Theme. It is purposefully simple so as to seem like a song the girl might sing in her head. It has grown on me and I can't wait for you to hear it. I'm also using some stuff from the annals to supplement. All piano stuff, obviously.

I feel that this will get done. Somehow, there is a way to see it all the way through. It is a big leap of faith, but I am doing just what the movie teaches... BEGIN, it really is the only way to start. I would be a hypocrite any other way.

I have arranged to shoot the piano room scenes at the home of Liz and Chris Browning. They have a 1910 Steinway Grand Piano in a large wooden emptyish room (perfect). I also have made the arrangements to shoot at the library, a piano store, and a return to the Stewarts' for a few shots to supplement the shot of the piano with no keys. I have to call someone and ask a few questions. 1) Can shots ever be lightened after they have been processed? (I assume so) 2) Am I using the light meter properly? 3) Should I really be setting the meter to 160 indoors? 4) Am I crazy? (yes!)

Thankfully, Genny is a winner. She is a natural and the camera eats her up. She is hard working and a pleasure to be around. Kate and Murr are both busting their butts and have been great as well. Ultimately, we are on the road and I know that we will endure to see it through. I also have to get a new clapper and a wheelchair for dolly shots. (You really ought to have seen this! Talk about resourcefulness...) The clapper we have is a dumb toy clapper I borrowed from Sam at school. But it was free so it was worth a try.

Well, hopefully the Money Fairie will come tonight. Does that mean I have to rip a tooth out just to have something under my pillow? Maybe I'll try putting the handful of hair I already ripped out under there instead. You, Wiley, Jesse Moore, and Kathryn Donald (more friends and past crew members) are with us as we shoot, for we know that you all will be partners when the circle comes 'round. But hey! Somebody had to get the thing rolling; might as well be me.

jph