Forty Three Hours and Counting

Day 1 of 2's call time for But A Dream is in forty-three long hours.
Just back from a multivalent visit to our location. Actors, cinematographer, AD and art director in the same place for the first time. A very early time of day to meet at that.
Everybody is great - asking questions, sharing insights, filling me in on the work they've done so far. I have to say that as much as I love being the center of attention, it is taxing. Especially after but a few hours of slumber. I was Rip Van Winkle compared to the DP. Greg was on a shoot in Las Vegas and touched down at PDX at 2am. He was fine when we were out there but on the ride home he told me he felt like he drank a bottle of bleach.
My favorite part remains working with the actors. I love framing shots. Like I love cheeseburgers or sushi - tasty and a real treat. But I love working with the actors like I love my children. When I see my kids, I don't think about cuddling them or kissing them. It's just the way I respond to them. That's how it is with the actors for me.
I love watching them work as I love watching my children play. I love answering their questions as I do those of my little ones. I want to be as close to them as possible.
Today, Joey was having trouble staying on the mines. He would turn to Heath as they dialogued. I ran over and told Joey to focus on my fist. To let go of Heath. That if he took his eyes off my fist I was going to punch him in the face. He did it. He found it. I told him he was controlling my fist with his eyes. Just like he was trying to control his interaction with Heath by hanging onto him visually.
Joey was excited and not scared once the beat played through.
Not understanding our As If, Greg wondered aloud to me on the way home if Joey was going to show up on Saturday. Greg only heard the threat to punch Joey. He was not privy to our intimate work.
I'll accept a hug from just about anybody. It's nice. Oftentimes it's a juicy cheeseburger. But the last time my father put his arm around me in a sincere way, I felt it in every cell of my body.
I try to remember that when I hug my children.

Ciao,
Signore Direttore