A Big THANK YOU!

One of the big differences we've noticed after having wrapped filming is the absence of delicious, catered goodness in our lives. And that's a tough adjustment, people.

During the 15 days we shot Ghosts Don't Exist, we were fortunate to be treated to a fantastic array of sponsored meals, which literally fueled us throughout the grueling schedule. Equally invaluable were discounts on essential services: real estate, wireless internet, porta-johns, HVAC, and more.

Without further ado, we'd like to publicly thank them here and encourage everyone to frequent not only these wonderful restaurants, but all of the businesses that took such great care of us throughout this production. Thank you ALL!!!

Anita’s

Barn Door BBQ Catering Company

Blue Ridge Grill

Brooklyn Bros Pizzeria

Brown-Carrera Realty, LLC

Café Opera

Canteen Corrections

Casanel Vineyards

Chipotle

Don's Johns

Dry Mill Vineyards

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille

Houlihan's

Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern

Lowry’s Crab Shack

Manhattan Pizzeria

Mediterranean Breeze

Old Dominion Brewing Company

R.A. Dobson, Inc.

Sheetz

South Riding Inn

Texas BBQ Factory
21100 Dulles Town Circle #236
Sterling, VA 20166
Site under construction

Verizon

Willowcroft Farm Vineyard

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard


And to the following folks in our own group who provided wonderful meals—we thank you as well!

Earl, Anna & Kaitlin Espejo
Sarina & Eric Espejo
Samantha Iles
Nancy Yee

All Roads Lead to Jimmys Old Town Tavern

Always the quintessential showman, Jimmy Cirrito of Jimmy's Old Town Tavern arrived on set shortly before midnight with the most amazing spread of goodies: Jamaican jerk chicken & rice (mmmm!!), Jimmy's signature pierogies, kielbasa, veggies, salad, brownies, bread pudding, fresh baked mini French loaves, soft drinks -- TONS of food, glorious food.

All of our food sponsors are special. But Jimmy is extra special because he's linked into the production team in at least three ways. Not surprising, considering how involved Jimmy's Tavern is in the community.

I thought of Jimmy as a potential sponsor having worked with him twice before when he sponsored the 2003 & 2005 Herndon Historical Society living histories re-creating fabled Civil War partisan ranger John Singleton Mosby's raid on Herndon Station. As the reenactment organizer, I worked closely with Jimmy and we dressed him as one of Mosby's men, known only to history as "Jimmy the Irishman". This seemed aposite, as the raid happened on St. Patrick's Day in 1864. He got into the role and was a total good sport, even when my elderly but high spirited horse Katie decided to give him a somewhat unscheduled ride down the W&OD trail. (whee!)

I suggested Jimmy to Producer Aaron Goodmiller and Director/writer Eric Espejo and it turned out that 19th & Wilson's very first experimental short was filmed on location AT JIMMY'S and they're all great buddies.

Holy cow. Small world! But it gets better.....

The third piece of the puzzle is that Christy Cooley's dad, Scott ("Skip") Olgevee's band regularly plays at Jimmy's. When I offered to get Jimmy a photo op with Chris & Christy for the restaurant wall, he told me that they were already up there!

Damn, this guy knows EVERYBODY!

Christy was visiting set when Jimmy and his assistant Pam delivered the food, so it was big hugs all around and a mini-reunion on many levels. And enough food to feed an army. (Yum! Killer bread pudding!)

Filming night scenes means working some fairly oddball hours. For the last two days we've been pulling all-nighters, starting work at 7 pm and finished at 6 am. For those not in the film industry, the first meal break (customarily 6 hours after starting work) is always "lunch" regardless of whether it is served at noon or at 3 am. Not many restaurants are willing to have you pick up "lunch" at midnight much less deliver it to set. Jimmy's Old Town Tavern is pretty damned special - and the eponymous Jimmy Cirrito is one kick-ass caterer.

If you're ever near Herndon, VA and hungry or thirsty, Jimmy's is THE place to go. Tell him that Team GDE said hi!

-- Kathryn Coombs, Unit Production Manager / Production Designer

Leftovers Don't Exist, Part III

As we've been reporting, the food on the set of Ghosts Don't Exist has just been one treat after another... and we're overwhelmed with appreciation! Cast and crew get to enjoy two sponsored meals a day, and as we enter our 8th day of filming on Sunday, we're in for another encore performance from one of the maestros—Jack Azar, who owns three of the wonderful restaurants that have so generously sponsored our production: Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria, South Riding Inn, and Manhattan Pizza. In fact, Jack has sponsored not one, not two, but eight full meals for our team of 40+ people—and that's amazing.

This past Friday night, everyone was raving about the pork tenderloins and mashed potatoes from South Riding Inn. (It was a fantastic follow-up to the huge pizzas from Manhattan Pizzeria for lunch.) The night before, it was the Brooklyn Bros. pasta that won the oohs and ahhs.

After 7 full days of filming with this terrific group, it's wonderful to see the friendships and camaraderie beginning to blossom. And a big part of that is owed to the quality time we get to enjoy together over good food. We're extremely appreciative of folks like Jack and his family who are helping to not only support our film, but have in effect helped shape the dynamic of our team.

I hear that tomorrow is Brooklyn Bros. day again, and I'm stoked. It's almost a shame that my New York City spoon rings are no longer spoons— they might have helped me score an extra serving or two of pure awesome.














And on the subject of the movie itself, Sunday promises to be another pivotal day in the production. Crucial scenes with the full ensemble cast!

Leftovers Don't Exist

Having just wrapped up Day 3 of filming, we've already experienced a number of high points on set. And as we're learning, one of the high points we can consistently enjoy is good food. Very good food. It's something we've begun to really look forward to each day, as every meal has been terrific. We'd like to take a moment to thank some of our sponsors who've treated us to some amazing food these past few days. It's safe to say that we'll be repeat customers, and are more than happy to recommend them to one and all:

• Manhattan Pizzeria
• Mediterranean Breeze
• Barn Door BBQ
• The Greene Turtle

Thankfully, George is a very well-mannered Great Dane. Because despite the fact that he's tall enough to reach the countertops in the Cooley household—and he was painfully aware of all the delicious goodness around him—he didn't take anyone's plate. Not that he couldn't, mind you.

More sponsor thanks are on the way—we just couldn't wait to show our appreciation to these folks who've made our first few days on set so much tastier!