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September 28. 2009
I wasn’t sure what to expect when Eric, the producer/director of Phantazma pictures invited me for lunch to discuss progress on Rescuing Providence, The Movie. (title still to be determined, suggestions welcome…spoiler alert, the story has a Christmas theme)
We met at DiCarlo Trattoria, a beautiful restaraunt located in Smithfield, RI. I strongly recommend the place. The purpose for the meeting was to discuss the script, what that meant I had no idea, I was concerned that my vision might not coincide with Eric’s, and wasn’t looking forward to getting into a creative struggle right from the start.
Instead of the creative struggle, the opposite occurred. For hours we went back and forth, scene by scene, Eric describing the story from a cinematic perspective, me from an emotional level. I was able to start learning how better to tell a story visually rather than with words. I’ll never be an expert at it, but it will be a great learning experience for me to work with Eric, and I hope the opposite holds true.
One thing that struck me was Eric’s innate understanding of the job we do. Also, his desire to get into my head and bring out the very best I have and put it into the script is refreshing. I can get a bit lazy, he won’t allow that. Our desire is to make not just a nice little movie about EMT’s and firefighters, but to create something great.
November 4, 2009
The Calling
It’s the day before Christmas Eve, Mike Johnson, a firefighter/EMT leaves his home and family and heads toward the city, any city. The job is his calling, but his family his life. In thirty-eight hours the shift will end, Christmas Eve will come and he will return. Along the way dozens of people will cross his path, some he will help, some will help him, ultimately, they will all find their way home, be it a bottle of cheap vodka, a warm hospital room, a graveside or a new love.
The road home is never clear, obstacles make the journey difficult, but it is a trip all of us take, every day of our lives. Mike Johnson knows the way, but will he arrive with his spirit intact, or will the needs of the people who need him take it away.
We’ll find out in thirty-eight hours.
Work is continuing, things are falling into place. I do believe I’ll be helping to make a movie in the not too distant future. Stay tuned
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