Shoot day #8

All the scenes today were exteriors - that is, they were shot outside. All three in different sections of Seattle's Lincoln Park, ending with a memorable sunset scene.

Our long days of work have been smooth and the dailies look great. Our editor, Stephen Myers, is already building the film. I love editing.

The shout out today is for our extraordinary costumer, Rebecca Luke. Believe me when I say our costumes are nothing short of sensational. She's also been able to get many product placement clothes, worn by our stars so you'll get an eyeful when you see THE WHOLE TRUTH.

Such busy days mean short blogs - but everything is going so very well. We are very very fortunate to be blessed with such magnificent talent in front of and behind the camera.

A newspaper reporter called - she wants to cover the story of our film. I've asked our producers to be our media representatives, since I need to keep focused on making the film until it's finished.

There are no weak scenes in this film - at least so far. They've all been a joy to shoot; my fervent hope is that the story will be woven so well and so tightly you'll enjoy watching it several times.

Cameras roll in 2 days!

Locations found by Craig Stewart and his staff, are (mostly) locked. Sets are being dressed by Rachel Thomson and her crew with props by Christopher McFadden and his crew as I write this.
Rehearsals have been held with four of our lead actors: Elisabeth Röhm, Sean Patrick Flanery, TinTin the 3-pound dog and Jim Holmes. Other lead stars Eric Roberts, Rick Overton and John Fugelsang will be coming soon.

Costumes by Rebecca Luke have been fitted, wigs are being made by hair specialist Danyale Cook, and make-up tests by make up artist Dawn Tunnel.

Director of Photography Paul Mailman has run film tests with gaffer (lighting specialist) Ted Barnes.

Many DP's these days light the set - actors just fit in. We're lighting the actors because Paul and I believe the characters tell the story within well designed and dressed sets.

Stunt Coordinator Michael Hillow kept us safe as we worked our way through an action scene that must be carefully choreographed when we shoot in in a couple weeks.

Winding down tonight, a chilly, overcast Friday night Seattle, I can't help but be proud of the entire crew and cast. We're all working our hearts out for THE WHOLE TRUTH.

Mercifully, so far crew folks just joining us - who have not read the script - are laughing at the right places when they see rehearsals.

Hopefully, you will, too, when you see it in theaters.

I'm celebrating tonight by going to a rude political improv show - taken by my assistant and stand-up comic Matt Schmidt.

Tomorrow I'm invited to a special dinner, after which I'm going to rest all day Sunday because Monday morning, well before dawn, we start our first day of shooting. We're as prepared as we can be, which means that we won't freak out *when* we encounter any problems.

Over the next six weeks, we'll be filming long days Monday through Friday, always preparing for future shooting dates until the last frame of film is shot. What a great adventure.