WEEKLY DIARY
By: Jeremy M. Dayton
(While I’ve been working on this project since March, I didn’t begin the diary until June.)
Week One (June 3-10) - I did two revisions on the script. Just a little bit of fine tuning. Still trying to raise money.
Week Two (June 11-17) - Search has began for actors. No casting calls yet- strictly between circle of friends right now. Still trying to raise money.
Week Three (June 18-24) - Still testing for lead role of Johnny. Setting up table reads to work out dialogue. Still searching for financial support.
Week Four (June 25-31) - Setting up audition dates. Testing and revising script as table reads proceed. Major priority is funding right now.
Week Five (July 1-8) - Learning new editing software for production. Not much else done for film. Need money, money...
Week Six (July 9-15) - Finally had first table read. Went well. Dialogue sounds good. One more table read scheduled for next week. Still learning software and still trying to raise money (what's new?)... Things looking up though...
Week Seven (July 16-22) - No updates this week.
Week Eight (July 23-29) - Getting closer. I placed a casting advertisement in Backstage West, an actor's magazine this week. It will run in this Thursday's, August 2nd issue, and the following week. Accepting submissions for all roles, but primary focus is still for someone to carry the lead role of Johnny. That is the toughest obstacle left.
Week Nine (July 30-August 5) - Mailbox flooding with responses to ad. Lots of options. Sorting through submissions and setting up audition dates. Calls will be made within a week or two. Organizing and scouting locations.
Week Ten - Thirteen (August 6-September 2) - I have another project that I am currently working on. I can't say much about it. It is a comedy pilot for television and the potential upside is huge, so I've had to put off production of The Phone Call until late September. I am setting up auditions though in the meantime.
**Okay then, after an eight month layoff, The Phone Call is back in production.
July 2002- The cast is set. We are ready to roll. Ray Beaudoin will star as Johnny, as well as a great cast, mostly consisting of actors and actresses working with me at BJ's Brewhouse in Burbank. We have scheduled shoots in Las Vegas and at the Ramada, as well at our very own BJ's. Filming has begun and is going smoothly so far. The mountain scenes should be a good test, but very fun.
August 2002- Filming is complete. All we have left is to find little Johnny. The one cast member not yet set in place. Two flashback sequences to go, and finished! Post-production has begun and moving rapidly to get a first look. Many changes are being made, with additional music and voice-overs being added. Being that Ray was sick for pretty much the entire month and half long shoot, I'd say everything came out pretty darn good.
September 2002- We have the kid. As soon as I get back form Baltimore, the final piece of the puzzle will come to fruition. Thank you to everyone for your help, and you will all hear about the premiere party!
November 2003- Just completed a 24 hour film festival. Quite a triumph of trials and tribulations. Finished though. Had 24 hours to write, shoot, and edit a 6-12 minute short film. Our topic, and subsequent Title, OUR LITTLE SECRET.
March 2004 - Beginning to focus on wedding videography, as I am also however preparing to shoot a short film this summer as well.