Shooting Schedule, Cinematography & Location Scouting

Thanks to a superb job by production crew member Sean Keller working his magic with the requisite software, we've organized and set our shooting schedule to commence on August 23rd. We have a 2 week rehearsal period prior to that start date with the primary cast - then we head right into principal photography, which is set for 19 days. We'll shoot 6-day weeks and take Sundays off, so we should be wrapped by September 13.

Co-producer Alex Rotella and I are scouting the last major location today, searching for a local Sarasota club that could double for an L.A. music spot, at least for the interior shots. Among other things, Alex is also working to acquire the various lenses and lighting equipment our DP Dan Stoloff needs for the shoot. Dan's shooting with the Red Cam and I'm looking forward to our conversations regarding the look and style of our film and the various shot lists we'll create for each day of the shoot. It's no easy task to acquire everything we need to shoot a quality indie film on our tight budget, but so far every company we're dealing with is offering terrific deals to help us create Beautiful Noise. We're grateful for the enthusiastic support from all involved. 

Steve

IT'S ALL ABOUT WE

Now that the Soundtrack is nearing completion and the major crew & locations decisions have been made, I'm taking what will be my final pass at the script today. Listening to my Cast read the screenplay out loud start to finish last weekend enabled me to determine the pacing of the film and, in this case, where I could add more backstory to the supporting roles. You're only as strong as your weakest link, so imagine my confidence level going into the shoot later this summer knowing that those smaller, but key, supporting parts are anchored by the likes of veteran Hollywood & Broadway actor Tim Jerome, up and coming Florida-based acting standout Steve Garland and outstanding performers like Chester See, Doug Frasure and Chris McCarty. Talk about having 'Good Vibrations'...

I have never worked so hard and for so long on just one thing. I haven't read a newspaper or watched television since the final episode of '24'. I'm asleep by midnight and I wake up without an alarm at 4 am most days feeling rested and raring to go. And I'm grateful for this unique opportunity to work with such talented, dedicated people both in front of and behind the camera who share my belief that our movie can be something special. Everything I've ever accomplished or failed at in the past has led me to this place and time, and I'm using those hard-earned lessons and focusing all my creative energy on just this one thing, without distraction or compromise. Maybe that's why I feel so sure about the potential of this little indie musical. It's been my experience that whenever I block out the naysayers from trying to steal my dream and instead help others get what they want - in this case helping my cast and crew deliver the best performances of their careers to date - then and only then will I reap the rewards of the collaborative effort.

Like the songwriter who inspired me to write Beautiful Noise sang: "It's not about Me. It's all about We."

Steve

Well, here we go...all together now!

After many months of writing, planning, worrying, casting, putting together a top-notch production team, co-producing all the incredible original songs, pitching the movie to investors and area business sponsors, etc - it looks like it's all happening! Midnight Pass Productions is shooting our first feature film right here in Sarasota titled Beautiful Noise. I could fill a 300 page book with all the details as to how we got to this point...but I'd rather just take a moment to thank everyone, and you know who you are, for helping me position our epic little musical-drama to commence principal photography this August. I promise to do my best to update this Director's blog often and give you some insights and a behind-the-scenes peek at what our Team goes through to make Beautiful Noise. I hope you find it interesting. It's a true-life story of how a low budget, high quality film finds its way into production and, hopefully, to a theatre complex near you! Thanks for tuning in.

Steve