Filming in Ohio

Dayton, OH
My friend Derek Beck (one of my group members from film school in LA) was telling me about his film project one night, and I decided needed to go help him out. It was a ton of work, but tons of fun. This was the third time for me to shoot on film, but the first sync sound project to work on. So I was excited. Hopefully it all comes out great!

I know I took a pic almost exactly like this just a few weeks ago, but I can’t help it. It’s a really cool view of a very unique city skyline. btw if you don’t know, it’s Chicago.

Almost immediately after I arrived in Dayton (via Cincinnati) we started loading up the car with film gear. People usually say film gear when they mean "video gear" because it sounds cooler. But in this case, we really are shooting film. Because we rock. Also – those are 2000 watt "baby junior" lights. I’d hate to see a daddy senior. Probably 20k I think.

Shooting the scene walking to the car. This was the first scene, and also one of the most difficult. At least I think I did a decent job of lighting it. Or at least lighting the area when they stop to have a conversation by the car.

Is it just me or does Lisa look exactly like "Choir-Chick" from American Pie??? If you heard her talk you would think so even more.

The nice little setup getting into the monster SUV. Derek bought this light kit on ebay. Good thing, otherwise we would have really been hurting for lights. These worked great. Lighting a car at night is no easy business. Reflections…..

The restaurant scene, about 4am on night number 2. We filmed until almost 5am both nights. The first night I was flat out tore up, but the second night I was ready to rock and roll. In fact, Derek and I even stayed up and had cereal and chatted for a bit after we got home.

Rachel doing the slate. The slate is very important when doing a sync sound film. She played many roles in the production of this film, and was beyond helpful. Her husband, Todd served as sound guy and also took lots of stills with his camera, some of which I may post on here when I get copies.

The flight back was nice. It was cloudy, but a full moon was out… so the clouds from above were moonlit and blue – with the stars crystal clear. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. When we came down through the clouds all of a sudden WHOA – here is a city! This is downdown chicago, almost the same shot of the one at the top of this page. All in all this was a splendid trip, I am very glad I went. Good times…..