Archive for April 2009

Monday night was the third meeting of WAM JAMS!, a Writers, Artists and Musicians jamming group I formed to collaborate and create new forms of art.  Since its inception in January, the group has grown to nearly 150 members and has brought together some very talented people.  Our first meeting was primarly social and networking., and it was at this meeting I met Jack, an incredibly talented artist and musician, who has seen become a valued Assistant.  Following the success of a public jam at Project One, a lovely art gallery in the lower Protrero area of San Francisco, that we decided we wanted to create a revolutionary performance ,combining music, dance, visual art, and the spoken word.

At this point in time we provide a monthly venue for all kinds of artists to get up on stage, create u-tubes, network, socialize, rehearse and learn from others more experienced.  We are extremely supportive to all and are fortunate to have a wonderful core group of performers who are beginning to create alliances and develop work with other members to help each other promote their work.

The artists of the world must rise up and take their power - that is one of the primary issues of my book - and I strive to live that truth and help others find their own unique voice.

A.

Frazer Bradshaw,  Director of Photography for the book trailer was a delight from the beginning of pre-production and I look forward to working with him in final editing.  He is a consummate professional with a artist's eye and an even temperament.  An accomplished and versatile artist as well as cinematographer, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the business and has also developed a highly accomplished indie track record.

His own film, Everything Strange and New, www.everythingstrangeandnew.com was featured in the Sundance Film Festival and is now being shown in film festivals internationally.  Also, he filmed, Lost in the Fog, a beautiful  about a very special San Francisco race horse that is currently being shown in film festivals and theaters across the country www.lostinthefogthe movie.com.

Frazer's work is now in the hands of editor, Jesse Spencer , and we will be working on shaping the piece, with an eye for the unusual and unexpected.  I'm confident that in Frazer's hands we will soon have a beautiful introduction into the provocative world of Black Lake.

A.

The day we shot the outdoor celebration scenes, the magic glen, lake and island scenes at Golden Gate Park was absolutely glorious.  I've never experienced such a beautiful day at the park.  It was very warm and no breeze, unlike the other times I've visited the park when it's blistery and freezing.  The rowboat scenes with me playing Alexandra and Tosh Yanez as Andre were very romantic (once Tosh got the hang of rowing).

When we moved to Stanyon Park off Sloat, it was easy to move into a more mysterious and foreboding frame of mind as I (as Alexandra) met the challenge of facing off Ramey Sandeley (Wade Gotsal) and Andre Labat (Tosh Yanez).  When we wrapped that day I was covered with bruises from the intense scenes.  But, very satisfied.

Due to the hard work and total commitment of the actors, Frazer Bradshaw, Isaac Ebersole and the entire crew, I felt we  had accomplished what we set out to do - create a great trailer for the book.

A.

The first day of our shoot was staged at Chateau Tivoli in San Francisco's Alamo Square area.  Built in 1892 it is one of the most charming of the "painted ladies" of the historic district.  Many famous artists of the past have stayed in the nine bedroom mansion including, Mark Twain, Isadora Duncan and Luiza Tetrazinni - who have rooms named after them.

The house is stunning in its accumulation of artifacts both delicate and fierce.  I was delighted when scouting for appropriate locations to find that the house held the stuff and mounted animal heads, heavy chandeliers, dark hardwood floors, and many other of the elements I described in the book.  The house provided all that was needed to convey the mysterious, lush, and claustrophobic elements of the Sandeley's mansion and the house on the lake.  Thanks to house manager Nico, for allowing us to use much of the establishment to help us achieve the monumental task of over 20 scene changes in one day.

I stayed in the Luiza Tetrazinni suite, used for the trailer's introduction and brash bedroom controntation between Alexandra and Ramey and actors Tosh Yanez stayed in the Mark Twain (used for the very lush and sensual scene with Andre and Alexandra) and Wade Gotwals in the Isadora Duncan.  If there are spirits residing in this old dwelling they are very loving and supportive, as our shoot went smoothly and we accomplished all we set out to do.

The Chateau is a bed and breadfast that can be rented out for special  occasions.  I'd love to go back and spend a week-end of relaxation.

A.

The last few weeks has been intense as I scrambled to bring together all necessary elements to produce a great film trailer for the House on Black Lake.  Collaborating with brilliant cinematographer Frazer Bradshaw and his incredible producer/director Isaac Ebersole, I created a film script and chose the Chateau Tivoli mansion, Golden Gate Park and Sloat park to recreate the look of the French Canadian contemporary gothic feel of the book.

I was fortunate to bring together an incredible cast to play the characters from the novel.  Wade Gotwals, plays to perfection the rogueish Ramey Sandeley, Morla G. brings to life the broken beauty of Ruth Sandeley, Tosh Yanez sensually captivates as Andre Labat, and little Benny Duskin is a most adorable Sammy.  I play the part of Alexandra Brighten, the world weary woman who must reclaim her power if she is to survive.

The film is now in the hands of editor, Jesse Spencer.  The book trailer promises to be a glorious achievement, due to the efforts of these talents and many more kind and helpful individuals who participated to bring this story to life.  I will be blogging daily to give more details of the production and the individuals involved.

Thanks to each and every one of you who were involved in this project - I love you all!!!

A.