Friday, May 8, 2009

The cast & crew shine through, even though the sun didn't.


Well ok, the sun did come out for a few moments but once again Team GDE had to battle the elements today. The determination of this cast & crew is unquestionable and even though the clouds rolled in, they pressed on getting the shots they needed.
Hats off to everyone for going through what they did, it was rough one but it's done. 

Thursday, May 7, 2009

NBC 4 Coverage of Ghosts Don't Exist




NBC 4's Lindsay Czarniak was on hand for Chris Cooley's acting debut Tuesday night—he's playing a sheriff's deputy in what has become a most anticipated cameo appearance here in the DC area! Even the Mayor of Hamilton, VA was there to watch the Redskins star step in front of the (movie) camera for the first time, and Chris didn't disappoint. Dressed in a municipal uniform complete with an authentic, antique badge, Cooley proved to be a natural. He and fellow actor Chris Kennedy (playing "Sheriff Fuller") did a terrific job, and had a blast in the process.

As you already know, Lindsay has a cameo role in the film herself.

The production enjoyed its first break today, but is gearing up for early calls tomorrow and Friday—as the full lead cast will be filming their first scenes together. Josh Davidson will be on set tomorrow, playing the skeptic, "David Sherman." Things are heating up... ;)

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Leftovers Don't Exist, Part II

We'd like to issue a big thanks to Leslie Lowry and the wonderful staff of Lowry's Crab Shack, who braved the rains (severe and prolonged) to serve our cast and crew the most amazing lunch today—delicious crab cakes, shrimp, hushpuppies, hamburgers, barbecue sandwiches, coleslaw, macaroni salad, waffle fries, homemade crab chips—you name it. And they did it on their day off.

It was a big day for Hamilton, VA, as Chris Cooley and Todd Yoder were on hand for their roles in the film—and the Redskins stars also enjoyed their meals. Afterward, Chris was marveling at the ginormous king crab legs in Lowry's showcase, and took note of their Wednesday specials—as we all did.

We do, however, hope that one particular staff member has recovered... after his run-in with our special effects wizard, Jim Choate. ;)

Monday, May 4, 2009

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:













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!


Day 2: Coooooooley! And Linnnnnndsay!

Day 2 of filming was a treat all around, despite the rainy weather. Not only did we shoot indoors, we did it in style. Today marked our first day of filming at Casa de Cooley—Chris and Christy were incredibly kind enough to give us full access to their amazing home, which in the film serves as the home of celebrated ghost hunter Brett Wilson.

After a morning of Redskins training camp, Chris and fellow tight end Todd Yoder hung out to watch the action. They got to see first-hand the setting up of shots, the scenes, and the playback. They arrived moments after NBC 4's Lindsay Czarniak filmed her cameo scene—as a reporter interviewing Brett about his decision to retire. She and Phillip Roebuck did a terrific job, and the scene really set the tone for a fun and productive day.

We're back at the Cooley residence again tomorrow, and Chris himself will be in front of the camera on Tuesday. Two days down, and it's shaping up to be a very good week!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Day 1: Rocking the Red














Okay, so the RED One camera is an utterly amazing piece of filmmaking equipment. And on this first day of shooting Ghosts Don't Exist, it did not disappoint. Not in the least.

It sat alone in a darkened anteroom of the Travis Garner House location this morning, attracting curious cast and crew alike. Eric joked that the camera itself was the celebrity diva of the set: We were to knock before entering the room where the RED was staying... We were to never look directly at the RED...

In all seriousness, having such a valuable tool (in every sense of the word) at hand makes an incredible difference. Its quality is immediately apparent, and just getting a glimpse of the actors at work in such a truly cinematic setting is inspiring to all. There were very few retakes necessary of the roughly 15 scenes we shot today. Throughout the entire day, we found ourselves not only on schedule, but ahead of schedule. And most importantly, getting some terrific footage from some amazing performances. Cast and crew were just as energized at wrap as they were at first call this morning—a testament to the day's success. 1st Assistant Director Gavin Peretti and Script Supervisor Jean-Paul Chreky both commented that it was the easiest first day of filming they'd experienced. That's something we couldn't have pulled off without a first-rate effort from an awesome team. (And an awesome camera.) Thanks to you all!

Tomorrow: filming at Chris Cooley's house. Let the awesomeness continue. ;)

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Team GDE

Team GDE assembled on location today for rehearsals and a kick-off production meeting, as we gear up for the first official day of filming tomorrow. Cast and crew had their game faces on, and are eager to get it started!

In addressing the team and admiring their work ethic, Eric again made the comparison to the world of professional sports—an analogy that's never far from mind, having Chris Cooley as an executive producer on the project! Our team of actors, producers, camera ops, editors, sound techs, gaffers, electricians, makeup artists, stunt coordinators, art directors, wardrobe supervisors, crafties, and production assistants
—(Whew! I think that's all of us!)—we function very much like a pro sports team. The hierarchy of team owner, coaching staff, and players all working together is actually very comparable to a movie set. And rather fitting, considering an NFL star is actually part of this team.

Also fitting was the first thing I noticed when I arrived at the location this afternoon—this awesome truck from Easterns Automotive, emblazoned with Cooley riding shotgun. The real Chris will be on set this weekend, and films his scenes early next week. No
truck graphic stunt doubles allowed. ;)