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I just got home from our first night of locations, here in NYC. First, thanks to everyone. It went extremely well, even if it took over twice as long as I'd originally planned. Some headaches/highlights:
I reserved the sound equipment without checking/confirming with the sound guy, Slane. Result: no XLR cables (we had to have them messengered down. 45 min. lost); half-charged battery on the Mini-Disc (run out for add'l batteries. 20 min lost); an annoying buzz from the Mini-Disc, which we finally traced to the AC power cable (thus, run only on batteries. 20 min lost, 2 takes reshot). The moral: confirm equipment with the experts; check equipment before leaving the rental house.
ConEd began tearing up the sidewalk and streets DIRECTLY in front of the location. Jackhammers and concrete saws right out the window. The entire time. We declared it authentic, changed some dialogue to incorporate 24/7 emergency workers in the neighborhood. All in all, a fortuitous crisis-turned-story-element.
Evanne, one of our saintlike hosts, was under the weather, but both she and Ed were so gracious. Check the movie to see shots of their sweeet loft. And then remember that they've had to live with 24/7 emergency/construction crews in their neighborhood for the last five months.
Rebecca was incredibly natural (she's a singer, not an actor. at least until now.) and made the evening.
Preparation was enough to make quick decisions about how to get it all done, what to cut, when we got enough coverage, and how to improvise/add some real creative moments. That's praise for Jonah (DP) and Alice (amazing producer expertise).
Dinner at Odeon, which somehow felt right. And it was empty. Nice.
'Night. Gotta get up early to return the equipment, the van, and to screen/make adjustments for France.
