CREW

I don't require many boots on the ground to make a film like TAKEN IN.

I need a masterful cinematographer (like Daniel McCord), and calm and competent sound recordist (like Brian Fellers), a whip-smart line producer (like Jennifer Baxley), a resourceful production assistant (like Adam Robitaille), and...in post, a genius editor (Jeter Rhodes).

Were I acting in the film, I'd probably want an assistant director/script supervisor on set, too.

That's four to five people on the shoot, and Jeter editing afterwards. (Plus actors, of course.)

Films made with more people than that start to feel...I don't know, like "a movie." And film sets with just one or two crew members kinda feel like...a hobby.

REVISED ON LOCATION

Scene 12, as originally conceived, was to be an exterior. Instead, it was shot inside of an arcade due to wet weather. As well, sound man Brian Fellers's Camaro was way cooler than the pick-up truck I'd originally conceived for Dillon.

Brooklyn leans on a weatherworn bust of a sombrero-wearing man the size of a compact car. She smokes a cigarette, thinks. She is sad.

Soon, a rusty Chevy pick-up truck pulls up alongside. It is Dillon. But he’s not wearing a ball cap anymore. He’s had a shower.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“You still wanna go out?”

“I guess.”

“We don’t have to.”

“No, I…I want to.”

“I mean…it’s looking like the pending nuptials have been put on permanent hold. I’d understand if you felt the need to bow out gracefully.”

Brooklyn smiles kindly.

“You have such a romantic streak, Dillon. I can’t believe you’ve never been married.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

Touched, she looks back toward the motel…shimmering in the cold night’s air. She skips around to the passenger side of Dillon’s truck, gets in. They drive away.

ON LOCATION \ IT'S A WRAP!

ON LOCATION \ DAY 4 [b]

This morning we shot at South of the Border's newest attractions: Reptile Lagoon.

Once again, Madelaine Hoptry shined as "Brooklyn." It was only her fourth full day of film acting, but she "brings the goods," as they say. Besides being a talented actress and hard worker, Maddi is very smart...easy going...and can perform minor dentistry.

Ronnie Gunter shined this morning, too. He's already headed back to the West Coast, but we hope to see him again soon. (The rumor I heard was that he's planning to shoot a feature in the Upstate of South Carolina...)

And fresh from last night's performance at the Cafe and Then Some, Traysie Amick joined our company this morning as "Dawn." We are so glad to have her here.

ON LOCATION \ DAY 3 [a]

Sunny Day Two of shooting. Seriously Hollywood weather this week at South of the Border.

"Back to one." Cast and crew walk back across the walk-bridge for another take.

Shooting at dusk. Risky, because there is so little available light.

Madelaine Hoptry as "Brooklyn." Tim Brosnan as "Simon."

On top of the Sombrero!

Tim, Pedro, and Maddi.

ON LOCATION \ DAY 1 [b]