YUMI PRODUCTION DIARY: July 7, 2006

Pre-Production really, but I thought I should write down what it takes to make a film in this crazy way. Just in case I can't drum up a million dollars for the next one.

So, it's been a year since I came up with the idea, started the script, thought up an open letter, and designed the first website.

The script is now at draft 33, and that's not counting however many drafts before Yumi1, and the drafts that used be called "tapestry" (working title only...I was just weaving together these characters over one night, tapestry seemed to fit).

The first day of shooting looks like it's going to be July 27th (28th is booked for sure).

Wow. We've got some locations (still looking for some!), Naim's got the camera (or will have), Tyler's taking care of what lighting and/or grip stuff we might need.

NO STORYBOARDS. For me, Storyboarding is like outlining, it drains any and all life from the process. A good DOP, a good imagination, and the location will have ideas of its own. I'm going in with a basic shot list and a desire to use each location to its potential.

The actors are great, and I'm of the mind that you do a lot of rehearsal or you do none (or almost none). We haven't rehearsed anything yet, and we shoot in 3 weeks...

I'd like to stay closer to the no rehearsal side, but we'll see...I need every actor to know every line absolutely perfectly, because I like to shoot everything in masters. I really don't enjoy coverage for coverage's sake. Meaningful close-ups are another story.

If an actor misses an "and" or a "whatever," we'll have to take the entire master again. That's why good actors are so essential and great actors are a gift.

I should be breaking down the locations right now, so that's what I'm going to do.

Things feel...okay...the locations that we have nailed down are amazing, the people that own them are SO GREAT, but the sooner I can get actors talking together in a room, the better. Actors are everything, and thanks to their kindness and the kindness of the union's ultra low buget agreement, Yumi has the best.