By Peter Paul Basler, producer of Float
What is it about the process of "indie" filmmaking that makes us jump back into the fray over and over again? I am not talking about the kind of filmmaking where you have all the toys you need: trailers, ample crew, lenses, etc. at your fingertips. (C'mon, we are talking money, right?) I am talking about the day-old bagels, single camera, borrowed-location type of shoots. The seat-of-your pants kind of filmmaking that makes you feel ALIVE!
And maybe I just answered my own question.
In writer-director Johnny Asuncion's debut feature, Float, a middle-aged ice cream shop owner attempts to provide guidance to two young twentysomethings who work for him while trying to work out the struggles in his own life.
I met Johnny Asuncion soon after arriving in Los Angeles. I had done a lot of filmmaking in the New York area and was eager to make a name for myself on the West Coast. We had similar styles - the "get it done" mentality. He needed a producer. Someone who knew how to schedule. Someone who knew how to hire and work a crew. And someone who was taller than 6'5". I fit the bill. The height requirement, I was told later, was optional.
It just so happened that Johnny's acting teacher was none other than Gregory Itzin, from TV's "24," so that was our serendipitous connection to our leading man. I must admit, a little fear and trepidation jostled my bones when I heard we had finally secured Greg. I mean, this was an Emmy-nominated actor from a high-profile series. Would he be cool with stealing... er, scratch that, "borrowing" locations if we shot some guerilla stuff? Would he be cool with not having a big trailer on our little film? What about the non-five-star catering? My producer's mind was aboggle with such questions. But Greg was a real trooper and he slotted into the indie framework perfectly.
With Greg attached, we were able to get Cristine Rose, who, at the time, had a bit part on a little show called "Heroes." And Lauren Cohan, who was fresh off "Van Wilder 2" and now stars on the "CW's Supernatural."
The shoot was 18 days, and, depending on your school of thought, we had either no time at all or ample time. I chose to go with the latter. We shot all over L.A. And yes, we even used my house as one of the main locations. I am married and remain so after letting a film crew into my home. I admit to not feeling so alive those days.
Now, most of the movie is actually set in Glendale, Calif. And one of the twentysomething employees that Itzin's character takes under his wing is Armenian. Setting it there ended up being advantageous to us as Glendale's Armenian community supported the project by letting us shoot in their stores and coming out in droves to play extras.
In fact, our Armenian ties helped get Ken Davitian of Borat fame to come on for a small role.
We shot on HD, which made us pretty nimble and quick. We made our days most days. We got the coverage we wanted, but there were days when we were rushed because we bumped up against stores opening for business. Our truck broke down on the second day. And we shot the whole thing in the dead of winter, so we froze our asses off! [Editor's note to the unwary reader: This "dead of winter" is in southern California.]
But we had great actors. We had a great crew. I knew everyone by first name. I could see the effort up on screen and I could feel the sense of teamwork. Greg Itzin even pulled a favor to get us a small location when one of our other locations fell through last minute.
Did we feel alive? Yes. Did we get our movie made? Yes.
And the fruits of labor will be playing at a film festival near you! I started this little piece saying, "Producing the perfect independent film." Yeah, I don't really know how to do that. But I thought that it was a catchy title. If you do find someone who knows how to do that, can you send him/her my way??? Float has been accepted in several film festivals, including:
Dances With Films
Thursday July 31st at 5pm
Laemmle's Sunset 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, California
Feel Good Film Festival - closing night
And will be playing at the Classic Egyptian Theater
Sunday August 24th, 4 p.m.
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, California
For more information, please visit www.floatmovie.com
Peter Paul Basler is repped by Sandra L. Rostirolla of Little Pie Artists, in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of the filmmaker. |
