Rough Cut Complete?

Not sure if I can technically say that since I still have the opening act of the film to shoot but for the most part I have a pretty solid rough cut now complete.

The current total running time is 57 minutes and 23 seconds. Pretty damn good if you ask me. This should be putting me on track for my 1 hour 20 minute total running time I'm planning after total completion.

It's hard to judge your own work. I've heard positive things so far so I believe I'm on the right track. I need to get my head back on straight again so I can shoot the final scenes of this thing.

I've enjoyed the editing process immensely. I've always been a huge fan of it. In my eyes, it's where the true magic of cinema takes place. Production can be enjoyable but I'm usually too stressed to enjoy it while it's taking place. Filmmaking is quite an addiction. While you're in the warzone of production you can't wait to get home and retreat. But after a few days of R&R you miss the battlefield and want to get back in it.

I'm coming to a crossroads in my life. I should feel proud when this project is all said and done. Producing your first feature film at 25 years old is no easy feat. In the end it will all be worth it, no matter what happens, but I am sure hoping it will lead to a much brighter future. I'm not saying my present is dim, I'm just hoping my future is so bright that I'm going to have to wear shades.

I sure hope I don't come across as a pompous douche. If my humor seems pretentious you have to give me a little bit of delusional slack, this entry has been written at 12:28AM after a long day of editing.

-Ryan.

Wow

That pretty much sums up the experience of cutting my most recent scene. I have plowed through this editing process. But my longest scene in the film took me two full days to cut. I had to look through over two hours worth of footage!

Sure hope it was worth it.

-Ryan.

Testing... Testing...

I had a thought last night about "What if my film were to become successful?"

I've always wondered what it would be like to become successful and then all of the small-time acquaintances from your past would overnight want to become your bestfriend. It's strange how success can change people's perceptions of you.

I know there are a few people out in this world that actually read this blog and our adamantly following it. I understand that it's mostly cast and crew but no big deal. I'm still really curious who actually reads this. If you're reading this right now (yes, right now) please leave your name in the comment area. If you feel uncomfortable leaving your full name just leave your name as Ryan M. etc.

Anyways, this is just my own personal test to see who actually cares about what I'm doing. I've spread the word enough that people that know me know that I have this blog and what it's about. I'm curious about who actually takes the time to read what I write.

Thanks for your time and off to the cutting room I go! 15 hour day? Only time will tell. Oops... First I need to go return my rented lens and light meter. Phew!

-Ryan.

Work Ethic

You can't call me lazy when I put my dedication into something. I'm currently on a 15 hour editing session that began at 9am today. I still have not stopped. I have edited a solid 23 minute rough cut. The editing continues until my eyes bleed.

-Ryan.

Health

The emotional swings that come with directing a feature film would be unbearable to most. The only thing that has gotten me this far is my insanity and addictive personality.

The highs and lows are quite extreme. One moment I'm on top of the world, content as can be, then the next moment I'm curled up on the floor in the fetal position wishing I never had a dream at all.

When it comes down to it, this is what happens when you truly care about something with all your heart. Similar swings happen when you're in love with somebody. Probably one of the reasons why I'm afraid of ever falling in love again.

I suppose I'm a bit of a sadist and a masochist but I would much rather hurt myself willingly than let somebody else hurt me unknowingly.

Why have I written this post? Because I'm obviously insane. But I actually feel good. I've started polishing up a rough cut of quite a few scenes and I see the potential that's in the hard work that I've put forth. My vision will come to fruition.

-Ryan.

THE Roadtrip- LA to San Francisco through Lindsay's Lenses

From LA to San Fran , from the end to the beginning ...

Golden Gate Bridge, hippies, a waterfall, a cave, cars breaking down, freezing cold weather, beautiful coastline, some other bridges, cold delicious s'mores, it's been quite an adventure so far...






























































And this is where we all were scared for his life ^




























































































One of my fav. pictures ^


Hello Morro Bay!! We're here






yay for being little! :D ^
Take while I was being filmed



Andersen's famous Split-Pea soup


69 accidentally scratched on his face- nice Sean hah


Herro!
They are both looking at absolutely nothing
yay for oil changes
Tyler stop trying to be so cool haha leaning against the car right when you notice the camera

Oh to know what goes through his mind

haha same face
AHHH the joys of filmaking

The Tower Swen ^


This was taken during filming ^ haha



Chase's Car - the beginning of the trip

-Melanie Manooki (Lindsay)