It's A Wrap!!!

Today marked our last day of shooting for our new film, "Kitchen table." I can hardly believe it is over! All those months of planning, the past month of intense rehearsals, and the anticipation of our production week. I can hardly believe how well the shots have all come out, and I can hardly believe the tremendous help and cooperation I've received on this project. Yet another film, officially in post. To think, a few short years ago in 2008, I was making my first film around this time. The project seemed an impossible task. The choreography was uncertain in my head, and as it came out, my ideas changed and changed. What was I to present, with this most special circumstance? I had saved up over a year to do that first project, and I really didn't want to mess it up. A few months after shooting that film, out it came, with a premiere right here in Winston Salem! I went to my first film festival - how different it was from the dance festivals I am so used to. And what a fun, interesting experience! I am grateful that I have been able to continue on my path toward understanding and practicing the art of putting dance on film.

Last year at this time in 2009, we were finishing up our shoot of "Two Downtown," our second dance film. I had many mixed feelings about the piece. In one respect, I was proud that I had tackled the challenge of shooting outside, in many locations to create a sight specific work. I was proud that we were able to work inside of an improvisational framework for parts of the film. However, when I saw the work on screen, I felt only luke-warm about the results. I felt the shots looked raw. I wanted a different feel from the first film, but I felt perhaps that I'd gone too far in one direction. Oddly enough, that film went to twice as many festivals, and won us our first award as best short in a film festival! Who would have guessed? I was so surprised! It goes to show you that you never know what another person's perception of your work will be! After this film, I couldn't wait to get back to the drawing board for the next film. I wrote a grant to the arts council, so I could do this film right. And guess what...I got it! In speaking to panel members after the grants were awarded, they were all very curious and enthusiastic about this next film!

So here we are. I think I did it right! Real sets. Real costumes. More hands on deck. A solid concept. Beautiful, patient shots. I hope the edit feels as good as the production. Rough cut to emerge very soon! I can't wait to see all the parts cut together. This project gave Mackenzie and I a chance to really let our personalities shine through! We hope you all will have fun too, when you watch the film someday soon!

~Cara