Last Stop for Miles

I’m at the Vancouver International Film Festival taking part in the Film + TV Forum. I’m meeting industry reps and other filmmakers and talking up our project. Had a brief meeting with Kate and Siobhan, producing partners extraordinaire, and we’re all really excited about the momentum the film has right now. We’ve made huge leaps forward in the last little while and it’s amazing to see the progress. More details to come!

People I’m meeting keep asking me if I have a film in the festival and I say, “Maybe next year.” 🙂

I’m in Vancouver for another round of meetings with my producing partners. We’re going to be discussing new time lines and financing strategies. I’ve also got a meeting with a guy I have in mind to play Thomson, the male lead. Still a secret so no names mentioned!

I just saw a film called “HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE” and it wasn’t perfect but it totally inspired me to keep going with this project. Another director/writer/star who made the kind of film that you and I want to see. Great dialogue, interesting characters, beautiful to look at. Yay, indie filmmaking!

I just spent a couple of days in Vancouver meeting with our 1st AD and our DP. Really exciting to be putting a crew together with the stellar producers I’m working with and talking more specifically about the details. Each step taken brings us closer to the reality of making this film. And yet the process is part of it, too, and I don’t want to negate that. I’m soaking it all up right now and it’s a fantastic feeling.

Waiting to hear back from the Canada Council. The results should come any day now. It’s very challenging being this patient! Meanwhile, Kate, Siobhan and I are putting together an application for Telefilm Low Budget Independent Feature Film funding and the work is monumental but worth it!

Had a bevy of successful meetings in Vancouver. Met with a super-talented DP who I really hope to work with on the project. Went into the Telefilm offices and gave an update on all of the forward momentum we’re experiencing right now. They were very encouraging. We’re heading toward a deadline of mid-July to hand in our TF application. The doors continue to swing open!

Things are moving right along. Finished a polish of the script May 5th. Met with the Brown Eyed Girls in Vancouver May 23rd. Handed in a grant application to the Yukon Filmmakers Fund on June 1st. Had a super interview with a potential DP this morning. We’re happening!

THOMSON
You’re scared.
JANUARY
Yeah, I’m scared.  I’m scared of what’s gonna happen if I stay in this room with you.  Because you’ll take me in your arms and you’ll kiss me and I will think that everything is okay.  But it’s not okay.  It’s definitely not okay.

Began work today on the final polish of the script. I’m thrilled to be back at it. Already the story is leaner, more focused and compelling. It’s going to be powerful and inspiring.

Meeting with the Producers (Kate Green and Siobhan McCarthy) tonight to talk budget, casting, re-writes and marketing strategies. I love both of these women and I know we’re going to make a great film. We’re getting closer to realizing the vision every day.

The project is moving ahead at glacial speed 😉

We’ve applied for funding from the Canada Council and are about to tackle a Telefilm Canada proposal as well.

We’re still aiming for a September/October 2011 shoot!