EXCLUSIVE: First look at "The Tao of Lamarr"

So we are nearing the end of production on "The Tao of Lamarr" and I wanted to give people a first look at some footage from the movie. I didn't want to give away any story elements, but this will give you an idea of the look of the film and a look at our lead actor, Gerald.

Just click on the link below and download it from the site. I hope you enjoy.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/8h1jvc

Day Three of Filming: News and Notes

Another day of filming is behind us. Things went very well. We only had two scenes for this day, as we had to be done early for schedule reasons. And we were able to continue our streak of completing our shoots either early or on time.

We began in the bitter cold of the morning at the apartment of German and Cullen. Cullen was there to get us what needed and keep the coffee coming. This shoot marked the beginning of photography for both Brittany and Holly. They came in and were able to bring a real fresh breath to the production. The shoot itself wasn't as smooth as it could have been. But that was not due to the actors, whom all did a great job with a scene that had a quick pace and multiple changes in tone. Ultimately though, the production was very successful. And as the opening scene of the movie, it should set a great pace for the whole story.

After that we headed to the campus of the University of Washington for a shoot in a bathroom. There Gerald was rejoined by Calvin. This was a makeup shoot for one we had missed out on the weekend before. Things went great. Gerald and Calvin worked fast and were able to really get into a scene that could be a little difficult. Ultimately the scene existed soley for the purpose of exposition, which is always difficult to not have feel boring. They had a great chemistry between the two of them and were able to make it fun while doing so.

This scene does mark the completion of filming for Calvin. He did a great job, and brought an energy to the movie which was much needed to balance out some of the other characters. We look forward to working with him again in the future.

Our next shoot is this coming weekend as we are set to wrap production. We have a lot of things going on this weekend so stay tuned and if you're interested in getting involved just let us know.

Day Two of Filming: News and Notes

So day 2 is in the can, though we had to cut it short for a bit. We had two scenes to shoot in one location, then one more at another. The scene at the second location we had to postpone til a later shoot date due to other engagements, though we should be able to fit it into another day already scheduled.

The two scenes that were scheduled for the first location were set in a community college classroom. We were not able to get an actual classroom for the scene but were able to make a meeting room in the downtown Seattle library look just like a classroom. A lot of the success there was due to Erin filling the room with the right props, and Heather utilizing the lighting of the room to give it a great feel.

We worked with a great group of extras; Madison, Jordan, Mia, Virginia, Marie, Samuel, Michael, and Marshall. We didn't have quite as many as we'd intentioned, but we did a great job making what extras we did have look like there was a full classroom. Most of the extras came from Seattle U, and they were very upbeat and cooperative. They really help make the whole shoot go smoothly.

We had four principles this day, and they did a great job of really getting into their characters. For Kate and Jessica, this was their only shoot day and they were really locked in and brought what they needed to their roles. For Calvin, this was his first shoot day and was meant to be his last, but he'll be back with us another day to make up for the scene that we lost out on shooting later in the day. The dynamic between the four of them was great and well-balanced. Each brought something different to the group and made the whole shoot go faster than we'd scheduled for.

Back with us again was Gerald, our lead and he did a great job. With the story on the whole in mind, he's done great hitting the tones that we've needed him to hit. As the character "Lamarr" is based on a real person that we know very well, its been very interesting to see him both really embody the real person and still be able to bring his own take on the character. I look forward to future shoots as we delve even further into the story and the character.

And a special thank you goes out to Erin who continued to take on her duties as producer but also had to step in as an actor when the actress who was set to play the teacher was a no-show. She really helped out again and did whatever needed to be done. That's it for now. We're back at it again next weekend, on Saturday and possibly Sunday. We look forward to the introduction of both Brittany and Holly with our scenes next week. Should be fun.

Here's a few more random pictures from the shoot to close out the post:

Day One of Filming; Notes and Photos

The first day of filming is behind us and it was a success. Not only did we complete every shot we had scheduled, we did so with an hour and a half to spare. Everyone did a great job.

We began in the morning at Ozzie's diner on Lower Queen Anne. There, we shot with Gerald, our lead, as well as Jason and Steven. It was our first day, but we were able to get into a good rhythm. Our cinematographer, Heather, worked fast to get the shots we needed while battling the difficult lighting. Her footage was looking beautiful. Done at the bar, Steven left us, though he will be back for some more another day.

Here are a few snapshots from the set:

After grabbing some lunch, we headed out to Kent. There we met up with our friend Michael for a shoot at a nice big country home. Gerald and Jason were met by Brett, and we had a great shoot there. The pacing of the story picked up as the actors really found their characters' voices. There was a lot af really great footage captured. Brett left us, saying good-bye, having completed his role in the movie. His hard work was greatly appreciated.

After that the boys got to work. We shot a bit of a series of shots of Gerald and Jason hard at work in the yard. This shoot had a nice, fun flow to it as the actors played around with the idea while we fleshed out the series as we went along. This location was different from the one scripted so we had to throw out some of the storyboards and adapt to the new setting. Everyone did great.

Just one snapshot of this shoot for you:

A special notes goes out to Erin, the producer, who was there doing whatever needed to be done in order to get the day's shots in the can. And she even started a Western Ranches Productions Twitter account. Follow the production, @Western_Ranches, and get up to the moment updates directly from the set as we film. This includes news, notes, and exclusive photos.

That's it for now. Our next day of filming is Saturday, Feb. 18th. Check back in for updates and news 'til then.

Extras Needed

We are a mere week away from the beginning of production. I will post more information here as we go along but for now we need some warm bodies. There are two scenes in the movie which feature a large group of extras and we are looking to add more people to the ranks of those extras.

Contact us through the E-Mail address on the right side of the screen if you live in the Seattle area and are interested in taking part in our new production. Thank you.

Auditions Have Officially Begun

So auditions kicked off this past weekend with a successful open casting call and will continue for the next few weeks. If there is anyone in the Seattle area who is interested in taking part in the process just contact the producers, Phillip Baca or Erin Blessing, or through the production companies e-mail to the right; WesternRanchesProductions@gmail.com. We are setting up auditions with people on an individual basis. The process should go reasonably fast so be sure to contact us as soon as possible. Should be fun.

Casting Call Character Files

Here are the links to the character bios and audition scenes for the speaking roles in the movie. Please choose which character(s) you're interested in and rehearse the scene for that character(s). There are a number of non-speaking roles and extras that we need as well so if you're not interested in a speaking role please come to the casting call to interview and get us your contact information.

We look forward to seeing you there.

LAMARR, late twenties, tall, black, and silky smooth; party animal
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/xkxwm1
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oyacni

NIKITA, early twenties, voluptuous, sexy, and perpetually hung-over
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/0qrcma
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oyacni

KASSIDY, early twenties, voluptuous, sexy, and perpetually hung-over
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/3p7z10
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oyacni

JASON, early thirties, perfectly groomed with the beginnings of a receding hairline
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/od9ye5
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5bpc7t

RICK, forties, easy going, confident, and a quick wit
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/807zw6
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/jrblkb

MARK, late thirties, a swagger to his step and a graying head of hair on his head
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/d4bxxo
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/z4yhy9

PAUL, late twenties, thick beard and hipster attire
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/4gfq1r
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/wmdnuu

HOLLY, mid twenties, short hair and lots of attitude
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/rod3xu
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/wmdnuu

THERESA, forties, no makeup and her hair in a frizzy ponytail
Bio: http://www.sendspace.com/file/vgahna
Scene: http://www.sendspace.com/file/wmdnuu

Casting Call Scheduled for Next Film

We have begun pre-production on our next short film, "The Tao of Lamarr". A casting call will be held on Saturday, November 26th in the Potlach Room at Ivar's Salmon House; 401 NE Northlake, Seattle, WA.

It will take place between 10am and 1pm. Actors, actresses, and extras needed with the ages of the characters ranging from early twenties to mid-forties.

You do not need to schedule an appointment. People will be seen on a first-come-first-serve basis. You do not need to come in with a scene prepared, everyone will be interviewed and asked to perform scripted scenes for the characters they'd like to audition for.

Please bring a headshot and contact information.