The Movie Cast

After some intense auditions, and callbacks, the movie has been cast.

The following is the cast of characters, and their "live" counterparts:

Mickey: Brian Degan Scott
Cole: Ryan Calavano
Dana: Donna Dahrouge or Erin Moran
Ray: Carl Lumbly
Blake: Ken Newman
Pastor Paul: Soren Oliver
Aurora: Julia Smith
Jamie: Jette Newell
Vince: Greg Cala
Paintballer: Eli Kramer
Paintballer: Mark Flores
Vicky: Maria Skorobogatov
Nicky: Melissa Lucas
Female Reporter: Stephanie Basco
Darla: Susi Damilano
Jasmine: Sina Eiden

You can see more about these fine (and talented!)
folks at the Nominated Cast Page. Be sure to
move your mouse around on the page, and see
which names have links, and visit the "More" page
as well.

In future blog entries, the plan is for us to share
more about the cast so you can get to know them
better.

Stay tuned.

Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party

Back on June 11th, I shared about Brian Degan Scott's
appearance in New York City in August, and said I
would post when there were more details.

Well, details are here!
Get info on dates and buy tickets for
Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party.

Below is the trailer for the play.



If you get to watch, consider coming back here,
and sharing your experience, and what you thought
in the comments. Thanks!

Meeting the "Big Time" Director

I got a chance to sit in on a screening of the new film "Funny People", which stars Adam Sandler. It was written, directed and produced by Judd Apatow. Judd is in the midst of the hottest producing streak in Hollywood right now, with such hits as Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Superbad and I Love You Man. The screening was in front of the first "regular" audience, so Judd was in attendance to take questions and get feedback from the group. Here's what I took away from that event:

1. The work just begins once a movie is shot. There's a ton of PR and travel that must be done when a movie is released.

2. There are still some very nice people in Hollywood. Judd is a legitimate star, and he could not have been a more generous person with his time.

3. Nothing beats a really good story - which "Funny People" is. The best acting and directing in the world cannot cover up a bad story.

4. Comedy and emotion are a great combination. That is why I'm so excited about my story! When you can make 'em laugh and cry in the same movie, you've got something.

So, I'm more fired up than ever about making a movie. We just finished casting and we have an outstanding group of actors. I think they're gonna help me become a big time director. I'll tell you all about them next post!
Dan

"Local" Press heating up for the Production

As we draw closer to the actual shooting (especially in the Arnold, CA location), the excitement and support grows. I've been getting many calls from local shops, Realtors and residents asking how they can lend a hand to the movie - and I thank you all for the offers! The easiest way for individuals to contribute is to enter the Executive Producer Essay Contest - it's fun, cheap and might get you a big fat movie credit!

Speaking of individuals, I'd like to publicly thank Elizabeth Alraune for all the help she had given this project. If you get a chance, you should check out her writing project called Letters of Love. She's a talented writer and great friend to know!

Lastly, we just got a write-up in a newspaper up in Arnold. The Calaveras Enterprise is doing two stories on the project, and how we are including local residents & businesses. You can read the complete story of Nominated in Arnold, which is hot-off-the-presses today.

thanks!

Dan