Location - Park

Finding a park that's remotely interesting and fits the "look" we had in mind was actually quite the task. However, finding the park wasn't the most difficult part. Finding it was easy. It was figuring out how we were going to stage the scene that caused the most confusion. Since I really wanted a location that was adjacent to trees while Amorette rested on a bench, we had to intricately adjust the frame and blue print a plan for the camera movement. Here's the location we scouted. I'm confident, during principal photography, we'll answer the aforementioned concerns satisfactorily.

The Park: I really love how much character this park has. Everything from the unique trees, to the plush grass, to the wooden bridge. I loved it at first sight and can't wait to shoot there!

UPDATE: The Park location has been scrapped for a lovelier setting. The exterior of the house which is just as exquisite, and much less costly.

Meet the Crew - Volume 2

Meet the First Assistant Director

Derek Oishi is thrilled to be part of the “A Note To Etienne” Crew. Graduate of the University of Arizona (B.F.A. Fine Arts). Derek grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where he discovered his passion for filmmaking and honed his skills in croquet and show-stopping karaoke.

Recent Credits include: Field Coordinator for the History Channel TV Show, That’s Impossible, 2nd 2nd AD for Sport Science for Fox Sports Net, Key 2nd AD for the feature film Yellowbrickroad, premiering at the 2010 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City. Derek was also 1st AD on several short films and commercials including, “Alma” (Best Shorts winner at the Reel Sisters Film Festival), “Junkyard”, “Déjà vu”, “Ruin”, “Solo”.

Film/TV Credits include House, The Office, Pushing Daisies, Hidden Palms, Pros vs. Joes, Beauty and the Geek, Fear Factor, The Big Give, and America’s Got Talent.

To my beautiful circle of friends, thanks for always believing and supporting me no matter what. This one’s for you guys! “One day more, another day, another destiny”

Meet the Script Supervisor

Maura K. Concannon manages the merchandise department of Boondock Saints Productions and also freelances as a Script Supervisor. Prior to joining Boondock Saints Productions in 2009, Concannon worked as a Production Assistant on various television shows and short films. Television credits include VH1’s TOOL ACADEMY, the John Wells episodic drama SOUTHLAND, HGTV’s $250,000 CHALLENGE and MTV’s A DOUBLE SHOT AT LOVE. She has had the privilege to learn from and work alongside talented individuals at Warner Brothers, NBC, VH1 and MTV. Concannon is fluent in American Sign Language and one day hopes to combine her love of film and Deaf Culture.

Meet the Make-Up/Hair Artist

Moira Taylor, a graduate of the University of Miami, is relatively new to the city of Los Angeles. After relocating here from a short stint in Kansas, she decided to follow her passion of all things beautiful and headed to Studio Makeup Academy to specialize in Beauty Makeup and Special Effects. She has spent the last couple of months working on anything she can get her hands on ranging from weddings to feature films and is quite excited to be working with the cast and crew of A Note to Etienne.

Visual Strategy

In this piece we witness Amorette go through a wide range of emotions and we are also peer into her mind as well. Our overall approach to support this visually is to switch between both Hi Def and S16. We will be using S16 to shoot everything but the scenes where Amorette is recording her message to Etienne, this will be shot on Hi Def.

Visually for these sequences we will be creating a very narrow field of view. The framing will enhance and immediately reveal to the audience how the character sees herself in the world she lives in addition to how she sees her relationship to Etienne.

Lighting wise we would like a sense of a catatonic atmosphere, hollow like a cavern in the beginning but towards the end of her interview a sense of rebirth for Amorette. Sometimes when you are in a room the sunlight, when its not directed at window, can have this barren atmosphere but as it peeks in the edge of a window the feeling shifts to a more hopeful atmosphere. This progression definitely parallels through the emotional journey.

For Amorette's memories we will be taking full advantage of S16. Film has this organic feel which parallel's Amorette's experiences which are full of life. Visually we want it to contrast Amorette's interview with vivid color saturation, wide angles with our characters being more prominent in the frame as opposed to withdrawn. The camera will flow and move within the space gracefully which compliments Amorette's analytical sense as she takes us through her thoughts. The light will be diffused with detail in the highlights and shadows. Skin tones will glow. Overall the feeling would be warm which would contrast her feelings of questioning the involvement of Etienne.

The end result will yield a visual experience that will support our central character's plight.

- Jorge Urbina, Cinematographer

Storyboards

Before I begin describing the storyboards, let me preface this post by admitting my lack of artistry. I'm completely aware of how terrible these drawings are and would be first in line at the scribbles and stick-figure conference. So there.

Storyboard 1: The first sequence is probably the longest sequence, because I really want to introduce both Amorette and Etienne in an honest, yet humorous way. Remember, I want to utilize the 16mm film and include the reds, blues, and green hues as much as possible.

Storyboard 2: Sound cues are important in this short film. Since the scenes move along relatively fast, all the components need to interweave seamlessly.

Storyboard 3: Since the short film is primarily voice-over, I wanted to include interesting camera movements to tell the story (along with production design and costume). Therefore, Jorge and I have a very specific blue-print of how we want the cinematography to translate to screen.

Storyboard 4: Lighting will also play a huge part in the film. Many French films tend to have more theatrical lighting that furthers the inner-thoughts of the characters, so I wanted to subtly include that in A Note to Etienne.

Storyboard 5: Probably the most difficult scene is the park scene. We're incorporating a crane in a specific choreographed shot which will depict the isolation she's feeling.

Storyboard 6: The final scenes will sum up the story of love and loss -- or more specifically, Amorette's feelings for Etienne that never really disappeared. Their relationship was real, but the love they used to share is no longer there. Make sense?

Etienne's Costumes

The concept behind Etienne’s costumes was basic, simple, and straight-forward. I was aiming for guy’s guy – relaxed, yet comfortable. Etienne’s an oblivious character. He’s the type of man who carries on with his day-to-day activities and appreciates routine – a creature of habit. I wanted his costumes to reflect that. Button shirts, flannel patterns, and jeans. Finis!

Merci Bien!

A big THANK YOU to our most recent donors and Executive Producers!

• Steven Benavidez
• Dolorez Benavidez
• Joe Hernandez
• Rick Campbell
• Bev Campbell

We still have ways to go until A Note to Etienne is financed, so please support the film and its filmmakers and make a donation. Remember, every contribution is tax-deductible. So technically, you're lending the film a certain donation, and Uncle Sam is paying you back in April.

Donations of $500 or greater accredits you as an Executive Producer. That's IMDB, baby! ;) (P.S. If you help raise $500 or more from multiple sources (near and far), you get the Executive Producer's credit since you're, well, producing!)

Location - Amorette's House

In my opinion, finding the perfect location is on par of finding the perfect cast – it takes time, patience, and be prepared to see a lot of duds. However, the search for Amorette’s apartment was much simpler than anticipated. In fact, a friend who recently moved to Los Angeles suggested their place and it just so happened it was perfect. Below are the location scout photos of Amorette’s pad. (Special thanks to Tom Erickson and Kendall Anlian)

The Outside: This house was apparently made in the late 1800's and survived many refurnishes. Like Amorette, this house embodies so much character and personality.

The Entry Way: The green struck me upon entering - it was like being in a different country. Amorette's the type of girl who'd paint every room a different color. Another huge plus, almost every room of the house had a gorgeous chandelier.

The Living Room: When scavenging for the perfect location, it was extremely fortunate to find a space w/ natural light and big windows. DP Jorge Urbina approved - the wooden floors and wide-open space also didn't hurt.

The Dining Room: Another chandelier, another great room. For Amorette's dining scene, it was important to find a space that wasn't completely devoid of personality since the scene's supposed to be light and inviting -- much like the color on the walls.

The Bathroom: This is how we'll be introducing Etienne (yes, through a bathroom). I love this point-of-view aspect and linoleum tile.

The Bedroom: My favorite room of the entire house. This room screams Amorette and embodies her character so much. Everything from the chandelier, the wooden floors, the wall colors and orange blinds -- simply amazing.