Help!!!!!! B

I am dire need of more chains and locks of any kind for tomorrow. Can anyone help?

MjB

VERY FRUSTRATING AND UPSETTING NEWS, EXORTATIONS, and THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

Hello....allow me to give you the overt negativity before finding my way to worlds of optimism. Due to a camera error, we have essentially no workable audio from all of our shots yesterday, except all that were filmed at Becca's house.

HOWEVER, this doesn't mean that all is lost. It does mean that I have to reshoot some of the the scenes from yesterday. I will address this again below, so now is not the time to start skimming. The crime of all crimes here is that Jillian and Aaron worked very hard on their scene and provided us with the best acting in the film without a single doubt. Now, I'll have to beg them to repeat that for me.

The upside to the situation is that the entirety of these scenes is not lost. We can still use most of the footage, and when I say "We must reshoot", the phrase really should be "We need to shoot some remedial footage." If you're unwilling, let me know. We could try to do "voice overs", but I don't think it's a good idea.

EXORTATIONS

OK....when people work hard, it's not very kind or respectful to criticize their work. The problem occurs, as always the case when working with teenagers, to self-discipline, work ethic, and attention to detail. Teenagers, and some adults alike, are prone to what can only be called, "complacency." This occurred yesterday.
Here are the questions that need to be answered to determine where we went wrong.

1. Why did we stop using the headphones? As soon as I placed them on my head, I knew something was wrong. I definitely said that we need to use them when filming.

2. Why weren't we using multiple cameras on the last three shots? I am totally befuddled by this. Where was my filming crew? Most importantly, how in the world did I never notice that until it was too late??????


NEEDS

Our needs are many. Yesterday, we took some major steps toward completing the bedroom. However, we didn't finish it. In fact, we have some building to do, some painting to do, and then, we have some decorating to do. Who will do it? When will you do it? That leads me to more.....


EXORTATIONS

Where is my Drama I? This is essentially your project. At the very least, it should be. There are MANY individuals in that group who deserve more than just credit. They deserves public commendation. Where are the rest of you?

BUILDING: Sarah and Mikaela have for the most part been the only representatives

ART: Yesterday, we painted, decorated, etc with NO REPRESENTATIVES from Drama I, except Brianne, who was actually there for acting purposes.

COSTUMES: Moriah and Eliana did everything yesterday.

PROPS: I had NO PROP representatives from EITHER class.

LIGHTS and SOUND: Sarah Us. was there, as always, but it's really A. King, and Jillian doing someone else's job. Honestly, I would be lost and dismayed with them. For the love of Pete, Aaron's little brother had to run the snow machine yesterday because I didn't have enough help on one of those scenes.

I could go on and on and on and on....but you get the point. I know that it's a holiday. Of all people, I know. I have spent my holiday in the auditorium. The irony of that is that I wanted to do this project to get out of that room! When you take this class, you accept that we will need to spend time after school and on weekends when it's production times.

THE GOOD

I have seen so many good things from so many individuals in this process that I am encouraged enough to move forward. Honestly, I have so much respect and appreciation for the dedication of some of you that I don't have words to express it here. In reality, I want to post your names here, but I'm not sure that would serve the greater good. Most of you in the upper levels of Drama have been amazingly helpful in this process. Some of you from Drama I. have been nothing short of amazing. Your dedication will serve you well in the future.

THE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK

OK....the weather tomorrow has me in a panic. I'm not going to shoot the street scene tomorrow. Instead, I would like to "remediate" the scnenes that we failed to shoot correctly yesterday. After viewing the footage, I will determine what needs to fixed. This would be my film schedule for tomorrow:

3:30-4:30--Trolley Station
4:35-5:15--Bowman House
5:30-7:00--Courtyard

If you are in those scenes, and you can't make it, I need to know today.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF TOMORROW?

Well, the BOE has decided that I should work tomorrow, so my schedule is full tomorrow, including the glory of finishing my grades. However, that doesn't mean that work can't be completed tomorrow. In fact, if you want to work from 9:00-?, that can be accomplished. I am listing the areas below, if you would choose to come in and work tomorrow, I'll find someone to supervise. Post your responses at the end of this post.

BUILDING
ART
PROP CONSTRUCTION
COSTUMES
DECORATING.....and most importantly....

EDITING....this is the only way to determine what I need to shoot tomorrow.

THE REST OF THE WEEK'S SCHEDULE

Tuesday--We will film all of the Jacob Marley scene on the stage. 4:00-7:00
Wednesday--We will film all of the second ghost and first ghost scenes on the stage. 4:00-8:00.
Thursday--We will film the Scrooge scenes from the bedroom. 4:00-7:00
Friday--We will film the remaining special effect scenes. (TBA)
Saturday--We will dismantle the set on the stage in the morning, and we will shoot all Cratchit scenes in the P.M. Times TBA. That doesn't mean I'm scheduling at the last minute. It means that I can't give specific times until later in the week.

IF YOU DO NOT POST WHETHER YOU ARE COMING OR NOT TOMORROW, I WILL BE FORCED TO RESCHEDULE AGAIN, AND THAT WILL JUST CONTINUE TO ENDEAR ME WITH YOUR PARENTS...:)

POST.

MjB

Tomorrow's Schedule

OK....here's the plan. PLEASE POST CONFLICTS OR CALL MORGAN WITH THEM.

1. We will meet at the school at 9:00 to begin the painting/decorating portion of the program. There will more than likely be some more building needs, so anyone willing to paint, build, or complete interior decorating, please feel free to attend.

2. At 11:30, we will head to Becca's house to film the BELLE/HUSBAND and children scene. I would like a small crew to go with me, so we'll discuss that in the morning.

3. At 1:00, we will be filming the Young Scrooge/Belle scene at Sarah's church in Keedysville. The same crew will remain for that.

4. We will return to school by 3:00, and we'll quickly eat, and then, we will meander to the Trolley House for the Fan/Young Scrooge scene by 3:40. We will film that scene and finish by 4:30.

5. We will then make our trip to either Lauran's house or the Bowman house (across the street from the Trolley House). I need to see the interior of that house before I decide where we'll film. We will let Lauran know. Either way, that scene needs to start by 5:00 and finish by 6:00.

6. We will return to the school by 6:30 where will decide what needs to be finished, how much energy we have left, and what other aspects of this project can be finished.

NOTE: For those coming to paint and/or decorate tomorrow, you can stay as long as you want. There will be a BOE employee there at all times. In other words, if you want to stay until it's finished, that would be great.

PLEASE POST QUESTIONS!!!!

MjB

Tonight

While there is no requirement for attending this evening, I am willing to go to school in order to finish the building. As soon as someone says that they're willing, I'll post a time. Again, nothing is required. I have a few hours to kill, and it needs to be finished.

MjB

tomorrow's schedule is forthcoming.

Happy Thanksgiving

It is with the utmost sincerity that I give thanks for all of you today, both past and present. Even though some of you have left the fold, and some never have returned, it doesn't mean that I didn't spend some time in prayer today giving thanks for each and every one of you. You have blessed my life beyond your understanding, and today is just the proper day to outwardly declare that. God Bless You Every One!

MjB

Building Tomorrow Evening.....

Yes, we'll build until you can build no longer. We MUST finish that room by tomorrow evening. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED TONIGHT.

MjB

Tomorrow's Schedule Confirmed

We will be in Keedysville tomorrow to finish shooting the Scrooge's office scenes. We will leave school at 4:30,and we will return to school between 7:30-8:00. Post questions now.

MjB

The Schedule Through Wednesday

While I know that we're shooting film all day Saturday, I can't give you specifics yet due to costume and location unknowns. The schedule below represents the "best case" scenarios.

MONDAY: Singing practice and recording. I MUST HAVE THESE SONGS RECORDED NOW! If you are going to sing, I need you there tomorrow evening. Alora, make sure Tallon is there please.

TUESDAY: OK....I need to meet with some costume folks until around 4:30, and then, I need to film some Scrooge, First Ghost Scenes, including Scrooge as a child and Fan. We will try to shoot either at the Trolley Station or the Log Cabin, but I have to wait for official permission. I think this will be easily granted, but I have no guarantees of this. I'll know by tomorrow morning.

WEDNESDAY: This will be another building day, immediately after school until we have a set built. Since Thanksgiving is the next day, I believe we can accomplish this.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Nothing Scheduled as of this moment. Nothing will be on Thursday, obviously.

SATURDAY: OK....tentatively, I would like to paint and decorate the set on the stage by 12:00, and then, I would like to film all Cratchit scenes in the afternoon and evening. This will depend on a bunch of factors. Stay tuned for this.

KEEP CHECKING THIS SITE FOR UPDATES!!!!!

MjB

Let It Snow

Thanks very much on behalf of all members of this crazy project to Travis Fouche for fixing the snow machine and saving us countless time, effort, and money! Also, thanks to everyone who worked so hard today.

MjB

TOMORROW'S SCHEDULE!

Hello,

We are going to work tomorrow; however, it appears that I have managed to avoid having to build Scrooge's bedroom. I just need one more piece of clarification from someone tomorrow. Thus, we will be building walls tomorrow, amongst other things, but I am going to avoid the building of an entire set on the state. Our times will still be 10:00-5:00, but our workload will be slightly different. Please attend. I am positive that there is more than enough to do tomorrow!

MjB

P.S. Post questions or concerns please.

The First Day's Feedback.....

OK....I expected chaos.....I really did. I didn't expect that much chaos though. Let's review the top ten lowlights from the evening.

1. Lights are hot and will melt anything that is not made of metal.
2. Lights are hot, and we should have gloves when handling them.
3. Cameras need batteries.
4. When cameras don't have batteries, sound people have nothing to do.
5. Actors who were not scheduled to act often require plenty of coaching. It's not their fault.
6. Traffic is a major impediment when shooting an outdoor scene.
7. Tripods, by legal and moral obligation, should have three legs.
8. There is a ton of wasted time when people don't have assigned duties, or when they don't know what those duties are.
9. Schedules are created for a reason. We need to leave on time, and we need to return on time.
10. The clapper, does not yell "action" despite any primal urges he may have.


OK....here's what has to happen immediately, and it must occur in the following order:

1. ALL PRODUCERS MUST COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. The producers should be contacting members of their respective classes, and they should have lists of "needs" for their respective classes. Honestly, I have people wandering around with NO IDEA as to what is needed. COMMUNICATE!!!!

2. ALL COMMITTEE HEADS NEED LISTS OF "MUST HAVES." As we learned today, if you're not sure who has something, chances are its your fault it's not there. Create a checklist, and check it EVERY DAY.

3. KNOW YOUR JOB, and DO YOUR JOB. While I appreciate the volunteeristic spirit of everyone, and no, it's not a word, there is actually too much chaos when, and might I add, danger, when someone is placed in a job they're not prepared to do. I'm not complaining. I'm suggesting strongly that the jobs become assigned, and then, we do the jobs that are assigned to us.

4. Makeup needs to be applied earlier in the day whenever possible. We waited way too long today to get moving with Scrooge and Marley.

5. Costume committees need to get on the same page. Eliana, you need to talk to your people, particularly those in first period.

6. I said it once, but I'm going to say it again.... WE MUST MEET THE SCHEDULE. We cannot afford to be late again for any reason. If I say, "We're leaving at 4:15", then, we're leaving at 4:15. Tomorrow, we must leave school by 4:15. We must be back here by 7:15 at the latest. Tell your ride to get you at 7:20. Any questions?

Now, tomorrow's shot should be easier in some ways, especially having made so many mistakes tonight. The bottom line is that we finished one scene, and I think we'll get away with it. However, we need to do a much better job with this in order to create some consistency.

MjB

P.S. Major decision made....we will be building Scrooge's bedroom on the stage, and we will film all scenes there. I will talk to you tomorrow.

This Week's Schedule...

Hello,

Here is this week's schedule as best I can plan. I'm still waiting on locations, photos, confirmations, and information regarding costumes and special effects. Would you PLEASE e-mail me. I am desperately waiting information. However, I am going to proceed believing it will all work out.

MONDAY: Producers and anyone in charge of a committee. We must finalize everything. (3:45-5:30) Makeup folks should plan on practicing Scrooge's makeup on Monday and Tuesday.

TUESDAY: Primary Characters for acting rehearsal. These include: Scrooge, Nephew, Cratchit, Mrs. Cratchit, First Ghost, Second Ghost, and Marley. I need these folks on stage. Others can come to work this day. (3:30-6:00)

WEDNESDAY: We will meet at Sarah Strunk's church to film our first official scene, the funeral of Marley. I only want Scrooge, a handful of mourners, and I will need my full technical crew on hand. That includes, lights, makeup, sound, camera person, the clapper, and at least one producer. Please see me Monday if you're interested in being in this shot. (Arrive at Sarah's church at 4:30, shoot from 5:00-6:00, return to school by 6:30, and leave for home at 7:00.)

THURSDAY: I have hit a snag for Thursday, but I still want to film in Keedysville. This would involve the same technical folks as above, and then, I need Scrooge, Nephew, Bob Cratchit, Businessman 1 and 2. I would like to arrive at the location by 4:30. Start shooting at five. I would like to finish by 6:30, and I need to be back in Boonsboro no later than 7:00.

FRIDAY: This will be Alora's singing day, but it can be a day for other work. We can determine that as the week progresses, but we know we're singing on Friday. Please verify who will be singing.....

SATURDAY: We will be working and filming on Saturday, but it is impossible at this moment to determine when and where. We will also most likely be building, painting, sewing, etc. on Saturday. Unfortunately, I can't give times yet. However, plan to work on Saturday!!!

Questions????

MjB

It's Coming....

We think we can do this. The locations are slowly starting to come together. Producers...please keep calling, and if you need details, let me know!

MjB

SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Monday--All producers 3:45-5:30
Tuesday--Makeup and Costumes 3:45-5:30
Wednesday--Construction and Props 3:45-6:00
Thursday--Lighting, Sound, and Cameras 3:45-5:30
Friday--TBA

THE CAST LIST IS IN THE PREVIOUS POST.

MjB

P.S. Morgan van Fleet is the Executive Producer. Bring all problems to her or me, not to others' ears.

The Schedule and Casting

Hello,

As always, there is nothing easy about casting, and of course, this has been no different in any way. In short, I am trying to give everyone an experience here, so by all means, understand that. I will assume you want your part unless you specifically say, "No thank you" to me.

Christmas Carol Cast

Scrooge--Cole Snyder
Nephew--Kevin Reese
Cratchit--Nick Sanderson
Gentleman 1— Jessica Mazelon
Gentleman 2— Jake Smith
Caroling Boy—TBD
Jacob Marley--Dan Dagenhart
First Ghost—Brianne Wade
Scrooge as a Child—TBD (Hopefully….a younger King boy)
Fan—Aurelie King
Young Scrooge--Aaron Gilbert
Belle—Jillian Gaulding
Belle's Husband—Ben Mercier (I hope.)
Fezziwig—MjB (Yes, that’s me)
Mrs.Fezziwig--Moriah
Richard, the Other Apprentice—Brian or Jared (I hope)
Second Ghost—Jacob Reese
Mrs. Cratchit--Sarah Hull
Martha—Jennifer Moore
Belinda--Mikaela Wesmiller
Peter—TBD
James--TBD
Tiny Tim--TBD
Niece (Nephew’s Wife)-- Becca Smith
Topper—Cody James
Topper’s Wife—Hannah Dubourg
2nd Ghost Child 1--TBD
2nd Ghost Child 2--TBD
Third Ghost—Eliana Cortes
Business Man 1 Ari Church
Business Man 2 Cody James
Business Man 3—Jessica Jasek (The character wants ro eat!)
Josephine (Undertaker}—Samantha Baldwin
Laundress-- Katja Friedrich
Scrooge's Maid— Madeleine
Husband—Brian or Jared (I hope)
Wife—Lauren Barrett
Boy--TBD


STAY TUNED....SCHEDULE FORTHCOMING.

MjB

Today was Awesome!!!

I was very inspired today by your enthusiasm and dedication to the giant task ahead of us. Honestly, we accomplished so much, and I really feel as if we're on the right track in every possible way. Let's keep up the good work! Thanks to everyone who came and accepted tasks. You made me believe in this idea even more!

Anyway, keep in touch with me, and let me know about your progress. If you can finish your work by Wednesday, that would be awesome. If not, then, I'll see you Wednesday, and we'll figure it out. OK? Thanks again.

MjB