First reactions.

The initial test audience reactions, suffice it to say, were generally favorable in terms of what I was trying to accomplish. The film is funny in a genuine way. And I couldn't be happier.

The first screening was at Film Club, whose members represent a pretty broad range of tastes in film. There were reactions from people I hadn't expected. One of which was in regards to the music - one viewer felt that it didn't work, perhaps because he recognized it (the music has been commonly used in cartoons on Nickelodeon). That was a note that stuck with me. Another noticed a spot where you could see a boom mic in the shot, too. I had spent months looking at the footage of the film and I was really surprised that I hadn't even noticed! Some scenes meandered for too long, some also said, which I more or less agreed with, and changed what I thought needed changing..

The next screening was a bit more intense for me in preparation. This time it was for my fellow Capstone students, where we're allowed to be a bit more hypercritical. I had made changes and refined things a bit since the Film Club screening. And the response was generally the same, if not even more enthusiastically positive! Some said not to mess with it further but watching it in class made me think of a couple things I could try, especially in the montage sequence. And I asked them all what they thought of the music - and it was unanimously in favor of keeping it in.

In both screenings, I kept special attention to audience reactions, as opposed to any technical glitches that occurred while screening. One thing I noticed was that the laughter was not as consistent in class as the Film Club screening. That makes me wonder - perhaps the few changes I made didn't help much? Was it the climate - because we're there to critique, perhaps they were distracted by searching for flaws? Or perhaps they were awestruck, because they hadn't expected that kind of output from me (I'm getting a sense lately among my peers that I have a reputation that precedes me)? Hard to say exactly, but I think the answer will come from more test screenings from people who are more detached from the process.

One consistent criticism from both screenings concerned the ending. Responses to the end were very mixed and some even negative. Finding a solution will be a challenge. But I think it's safe to assume a picture lock is in the near future!

The crew so far.

The newest, more final version of the script can be downloaded here. Fixed typos and a new ending!

What? New ending? What's wrong with the old one? I'll talk about that when I have a slower week.

There were a few snags in recruiting crew. Kind of feeling like I'm running behind, but I hope to have my key players set by the first Capstone class: Producer, Production Designer, DP, and 1st Assistant Director.

So far let's list everyone who's signed on 100%:
Production Designer: Sara Englehardt
Set Builder/Key Grip: Jayson Caissie
Storyboard Artist: Beth Stuebben

Not a bad start, I don't think. Sara was the Production Designer on A Beautiful Belly, a local UCF-affiliated feature that I had the distinct pleasure of working on over the summer. We met to talk about the script earlier this week and she had some amazing ideas. Jason and Beth are both good friends of mine with their own special skills, and I've done a lot with them this week as well.

I had a producer, but now I don't. I've sent out emails to prospective people interested, based on a list received from Lisa Cook, and some friends for possible referrals. So far I've gotten about 3 bites and I'm waiting to hear back from them. I'm talking to someone about Cinematography, though I have not had a chance to meet with them. Same goes for the 1st A.D. position.

I've completed the storyboards with Beth, so hopefully I will have those available to post soon!

More responses, and what the film is really about.

So I have more responses from people who read the script. Here are some of them, paraphrased:

"The film builds up to the montage scene, which if pulled off successfully, will be quite memorable."
"What? It was all a dream? I don't think I get it."
"I normally don't like the 'It was just a dream' ending, but I think it works pretty well in this story."

There are some minor things that I think I will change for the next draft. For example, the Junior character seems a bit out of place with a lot of his mannerisms and lines. But I think what raises a lot of people's eyebrows is the ending. This leads me to discuss what I believe this film is really about:

-brain transplants
-the mind, and the games it plays on us
-youth and fun

I don't intend to make a point or criticize anything. I just want to explore, and have fun along the way.

The ending reinforces that idea, forcing the audience to question what they saw, by having a cute girl say "it was just a dream" and wish the audience a good night. Though breaking the 4th wall raises another question: will this really work without pissing my audience off?

It's a fine line I'm walking here.

Next post will include character breakdowns.