We finished the first week strong by showcasing some terrific Sarasota sponsors of the movie and by filming Jay & Danielle on the most beautiful beach in the world and in the nearby Siesta Village. Indie films rely on the embrace of their community to help create the movie a Writer/Director has in mind, so I want to give a big shout out to thank Sarasota Guitar Company, Pritchards Pianos, Suzie Q's, the Beach Bazarre, Big Olaf, Gilligan's, the Hampton Inn/Airport, Hyatt Place and the legendary Cock 'n' Bull Club for their wonderful support of our Musical/Drama this week. The two music stores have been so great providing us with key instruments for the film - and the music club was a perfect setting for 'Noah's Nightmare' scene. Even the Extras for that scene were awesome! It's not easy sitting around for a couple of hours while the set is meticulously lit for just the right effect, but everyone involved seemed fascinated with the process - and when it came time to deliver their collective performance in the scene, (it was more than just providing background for the shot we wanted...as a certain look and enthusiasm when cued was required), they nailed it in just 3 takes. Thanks everyone.
After lunch at Bob Evans, the rest of the day was filled with "run & gun" shots of 'Noah' and 'Dez' taking in the beauty and wonder of Crescent Beach, which was only right and just as I finished the first draft of "Beautiful Noise" on that very beach a year ago and walked many miles of it since then listening to and selecting songs for the Soundtrack. You could say it's the spiritual home for the film. Jay had never seen Siesta Key before, and Danielle, though growing up in nearby Bradenton, never spent much time there. Watching those two stroll the gorgeous beach in character, feed the mass of seagulls that enveloped them and soak in the vibe provided by sun, sand, surf and beachcombers made for exquisite shots captured by our Red Camera Team of John Goodbrad and Shawn McCarty.
Our next location was another stomping ground of mine, Siesta Village. Again, all we needed were shots of Jay and Danielle walking and talking as they enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Village scene for a montage sequence. Not wanting to attract much attention from the 'civilians' enjoying their Siesta afternoon, I had my actors stroll the sidewalks and pop into and out of a few of the shops and bars while the camera caught their action from a safe distance away with a long lens, hence the term "run & gun". It all looked very natural and I know it was fun for the actors, especially the scene we shot of them walking out of the Big Olaf ice cream shop, cones in hand!
After we wrapped for the day Cast and Crew gathered at Gilligans for a few libations and to decompress from an extremely challenging and busy week of shooting. One of our Location supervisors, Mike Gatz, manages the popular spot and hosted our little gathering. We should have had the 'behind the scenes' camera rolling 'cause the stories were flying back and forth about the best and funniest stuff we shot for the week. Looking around and listening to these creative, capable people talking about the great time they're having working on the film and the excitement they all share after watching the Story start to unfold was gratifying. You never know when you start something as intense as the filmmaking process if things will go smoothly or if there will be tension between everyone as a result of the long hours and various personalities involved. As the creator and producer of "Beautiful Noise" I knew early on how extremely important it was to choose just the right people to be on the set with me and the actors every day in order to strike the right balance and tone and create an infinitely positive environment for everyone. It only takes one naysayer or "second-guesser" in our midst to throw a wrench into the machinery, so while there are many terrific people involved in the overall project, I was determined to have a small, dedicated Team on set this first week who had unquestioned Faith in me and the Story. As I looked around the circle and listened to my Team toast each other about the success of the week, I knew I had chosen wisely. In the process, my mind wandered to what indie film veteran Ed Burns constantly preaches - (a) You CAN make low budget, high quality movies in your own hometown without a huge cast and crew and all the extra expense that entails; and (b) Ignore those who constantly tell you it can't be done the way you want to do it. It's your Story, it's your baby...just find some talented people who believe in you and go make your Movie.
I listened to Ed. I learned from my Crew. I'm making my Movie.
And so it goes...
Steve
