Casting out into the universe.

Filmmakers' Blog

Jentri Chancey

Sun, 02/28/2010 - 04:14

Today, we had a productive meeting with our verbally attached lead actress, Nadine Velazquez, who's been on board LIS for over a year now (thanks, Nadine!). Now that we've formally touched base and are clear on her commitment and availability, as well as the lead male's availability that we're approaching, our next step in the casting process, with our director, Vicky Boone, is to approach their agencies this week. From there, we'll secure letters of intent with our leads, and be able to move forward with them officially. There will no longer be any gray areas or questions about who's involved!

BTW, we will be announcing our top 3 picks for a male lead in our newsletter, March 6th - so sign up if you haven't!

This whole production process has been both eye-opening, scary, and wonderful. Much like life. At times, it feels intimidating.. almost like unconsciously playing push and pull with the universe. We cast out into the universe what we want to attract, and we can't always control what we get. But we still try. That's the surprising beauty of it.

I'm the writer-director. I know what kind of energy I want to be surrounded with, so I'm working on being that kind of energy in return. I'm open-minded about our casting choices, yet I'm picky. I haven't spent the last 3 years of my life to just haphazardly hand a lead role to someone with a recognizable name. I want to feel the excitement in their voices.. the same excitement that I feel for entertaining them as our lead!

At the same time, I know they'll need to feel the same way about me. They're trusting me to guide them through this elaborate process, to solve problems, and be the cohesive foundation that ultimately makes this thing work.

What can I say to that? It's a leap of faith. I realize trust isn't a given - it's earned. BUT, everyday I'm doing something to better myself, perfect my craft, my skills, and enhance my directorial performance and relationships with the dear actors on set. I'm always available to communicate with them, and open to exploring new creative processes. I'm reading educational books, getting private instruction from industry professionals, and listening to my friendly mentors, who've done this before. The platform is already there. It's my job to make sure I can stand up without falling. Or if I fall.. do it behind closed doors! ;) I expect a lot from myself... so I will expect a lot from others. What we lack in money, we must make up for in quality.. have a strong work ethic, various skill sets on board, and a sticky creative energy that bonds us all together- working towards the same finish line... to make a stand up movie that others will respect, have fun watching.. and that we will have fun making in the process.

For me, some days are about remembering to breathe deeply, and to enjoy this insane opportunity I've been graciously blessed with... 'cause in the end I carry a strong belief that this movie will get made with the right actors, right crew, at the right time, in the right way.

What other way is there, really?

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