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November 16, 2012:

SIX MUSICAL NUMBERS, PART TWO

Bruce Kimmel Photograph bk's notes

Well, dear readers, the first day of shooting episodes three and four of Outside the Box season two went really well. We all convened at The Federal at ten, loaded in, got the restaurant set up like we wanted it and we were ready to shoot by ten-thirty. In the set up scene for episode three were Kevin Symons and Damon Kirsche. First of all, it was great to shoot in a location like The Federal. It just looked great. Second of all, I wasn’t really concerned we’d ever have a time problem, but when you know you have a hard out at noon and you’re starting at ten-thirty, one does get antsy because we really have to wrap twenty minutes before noon to get the equipment out. But I just always forget how fast these set-up scenes go, and I even did one additional angle for this one that I normally don’t do (we usually do one wide master shot and then two close-ups – for this I did a wide master, and then a slightly closer master – I will probably only establish with the wider one, and then, after the first close-up, anytime we use the master it will be the closer one), but even with that, it took exactly forty-five minutes to do everything, and that was two takes of every shot, and even a couple of pick-ups. So, we were done by eleven-fifteen, we wrapped out the equipment, and then we went downstairs and had a leisurely lunch. I had a wonderful grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, and a few sweet potato tots.

We then headed back to my house for the second scene. I stopped at the mail place on the way home and picked up one package. Then we loaded in the equipment and the cameraman and I decided on the angle to shoot (towards my piano – really nice looking through the camera). Then John Sloman arrived. I’ve never met him before, but have really enjoyed him on Mad Men as “the Heinz guy” – a recurring role he’ll be reprising for the new season. He’s a lovely man and a terrific actor. We read through the scene together and he was great. Then Jeff Rizzo, a musical director John has worked with before, and someone I’ve known for thirty years, showed up and we were ready to shoot. And again, we were done in exactly forty-five minutes. I even did three takes of one angle (very unusual for me, but it’s the first time I’ve let an actor “roam” in one of these scenes rather than be stationary, so we had to follow him as he walked back and forth – not a huge distance, but focus is always critical). So, we finished around 3:45, then we dumped all the audio and video onto our hard drive, and from there onto my computer so I can watch the footage and choose takes and moments from takes, which really helps the editor.

Then everyone left, and I actually got to answer e-mails and catch up on stuff. Also, the Christmas CDs arrived and the helper got them all shipped out. Then for the second time this week, I got a package at home – more screeners. I’m so thrilled the DGA has allowed it this year – I’ve been lobbying for this for almost six years now. This package arrived via Fed Ex and had to be signed for – the other one had come UPS and had to be signed for, so I’m going to start leaving signed notes on the door for all three carriers so that they’ll leave the packages. I hope that will work, because if they deliver when I’m not here, then I’ll have to go pick this stuff up and that will be a pain. Anyway, the three screeners were The Dark Knight Rises, Argo, and Cloud Atlas, three movies I wanted to see, so that’s great.

Then the East Coast Singer and Lanny Meyers arrived. I’d already decided it wouldn’t really be necessary to sing through the show again – the order works and the patter is now written and set, so the next part of this is getting it on its feet, which we’ll do with her in Washington and me in LA, via Skype or Face Time. That will be fascinating. She was thrilled with her CD, and I have to say that it’s certainly the most elegant and best looking package Kritzerland has ever done. It’s our first digi-pack, it’s full color, including the booklet, and the photos are stunning. And the CD within is pretty terrific, too. We went to Jerry’s so I could have some matzo ball soup, and we set our rehearsal schedule for the next two weeks.

Then I came home and started to prep the announcement for our next release. Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I once again have to be up very early and I need as much beauty sleep as I can get.

Today, I shall be up by seven-thirty and to our shoot location by nine. We have an hour set-up, which is more than we need, but they have to get our crane set up and the lighting ready. We’ll probably rehearse the first shot at 9:45 so that we’re really ready to shoot at ten. The first number is a duet with Kevin Symons and Damon Kirsche – it’s pretty short and should be pretty simple to shoot. Then we shoot the first group number, which features Nick Santa Maria and our ensemble, then Kevin and Damon get to leave and we do the final group number of episode three. Then we have a thirty-minute lunch break (Dino’s Pizza, baby), and then we shoot the next three numbers for episode four. The first of those involves the ensemble plus John Sloman and Dan Guntzelman, and then we do the third number, which involved John and a few of the ensemble. And then we shoot the final number, which is actually the second number in the episode, which features John and Angel Reda. Then we wrap out the equipment, dump the audio and video on the hard drive, and then a few of us will probably go to the nearby Mexican jernt, Mucho Mas. Then I’ll come home and watch one of the screeners.

Tomorrow, she of the Evil Eye will be here, so no sleeping in. But the day and evening are mine all mine, and then Sunday is also mine – although I have to write the blurb and prepare the audio samples and all that, plus write commentary and some liner notes, too. Then next week is busy at the beginning, but slows down enough for me to have a nice Thanksgiving weekend. Of course, I have to cast the next episode (the sixth episode is already cast save for two roles).

Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, shoot six musical numbers, eat, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your CD player, and your DVD/video player? I’ll start – CD, too many to even think about. DVD, screeners and then some Blu and Rays. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, after which I shall shoot six musical numbers.

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