09/30/06
I'm a'Goin Home......
Sigh... I must bid a bittersweet farewell to Berlin and all of those I have grown to know here. I will be boarding a plane to NYC in the morning.
For my first trip out of the States, this has been a blast. Berlin and parts east, Hamburg for a lovely couple of days, and a spur of the moment bohemian trip to Amsterdam....I couldn't ask for better.
But now it's time to move on. Coming up is the completion of another film project in NYC (more on that later), and getting back in the groove with the dance company (and my waistline is saying I need the exercise...if I never see hard rolls and cheese again, it will be too soon. Ack!). I will also be doing a couple of erotic readings in October, so check back from time to time for those updates! ;-)
So, Berlin and all my new friends in it: I will miss you. But....
I'll see you all when the movie comes out!
Tschüss!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
09/17/06
Flying
Soaring like a bird, pretending you're a superhero, whirling around like a Jedi knight. I got to do this yesterday.
Keith and I were treated to some stunt wire training by the film's stuntmen, Alister and Wolfgang. And it was awesome! I got a bit of video on my camera (thanks to Maxim Matthew, who was there to photograph the session), so here it is. Not bad for a first try, yeah?
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
Stunt wire training in Berlin. Ooh yeah!
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
My Crouching Tiger moment. ;-)
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
Too much fun for words...
And a huge "Thank you" to Alister and Wolfgang for being so generous with their time and knowledge (and patience!). Don't forget to check out their websites, soon to be in my links section, as well.
www.perfect-action.com and www.amazzotti.com
Now, if you will excuse me, I must go recuperate. (ouch....whimper!!!)
Flying
Soaring like a bird, pretending you're a superhero, whirling around like a Jedi knight. I got to do this yesterday.
Keith and I were treated to some stunt wire training by the film's stuntmen, Alister and Wolfgang. And it was awesome! I got a bit of video on my camera (thanks to Maxim Matthew, who was there to photograph the session), so here it is. Not bad for a first try, yeah?
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
Stunt wire training in Berlin. Ooh yeah!
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
My Crouching Tiger moment. ;-)
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
Too much fun for words...
And a huge "Thank you" to Alister and Wolfgang for being so generous with their time and knowledge (and patience!). Don't forget to check out their websites, soon to be in my links section, as well.
www.perfect-action.com and www.amazzotti.com
Now, if you will excuse me, I must go recuperate. (ouch....whimper!!!)
Thursday, September 14, 2006
09/12/06
And.....It's A Wrap
I have been procrastinating on writing this blog. Why? Because it's the end of shooting, the last time I'll see most of the crew (other than Wednesday's wrap party, but I won't be writing about that. Some things stay among us and only us. Thhppbbtt!), and almost time to go back to my normal life, such as it is.
The last day was also the LONGEST shooting day we have had. But it was amazing and fun, and I had such a good time. Everything that went bad yesterday went great today. I was bloody and screaming (and running, like forever it seemed), and I got to wield weapons. I have been waiting the last 6 weeks to be all bloody and, finally, it's my turn! Yay!
I have never been more happily exhausted as today by the time we wrapped the film at 11:45PM. We finished everything from today as well as what we were missing from yesterday. Everyone was tired, but seemed in a good mood by the end, we all had a toast with our beers or Jagers or whatever, and then at long last (and for the last time), we packed up the set and headed home.
And then there is Keith, my partner in all this as actors. We were the first to set on day one, and the last to leave on day 25. It's nice to have someone to come full circle with in all of this. We started and ended this film together. We have lived in the same house with Sebastian for the last six weeks, gotten on each other's nerves (but only a little... heh), worked together, partied together, and just enjoyed this whole blessed Berlin experience.
So Keith, a big hug.
And a punch to the arm. You'll understand.... ;-)
What? We ARE smiling.
Our final character pic... so sad.
And Sebastian, our director and host for this whole crazy thing. It was quite fitting to share a bottle of champagne upon arriving back in "Oopsy-Daisy Town" (sorry folks, inside joke). I have learned a lot from working on this film. I can always work with a man who thinks more blood is always the better option! And I love that even the actors don't quite know how the film will end...
A toast to us all. Cheers!
And a final note. Just because the film is wrapped does not mean this blog will end! This blog is about the things I am doing in acting and dance, so hey, keep checking it out from time to time. To start with is the film I will be returning to when I go back to NY, as well as my dance company. More info on those later. For now, I'm going to enjoy my remaining time here in Berlin.
So this is me. Signing off of Headhunter for the last time...
...exhausted and happy.
And.....It's A Wrap
I have been procrastinating on writing this blog. Why? Because it's the end of shooting, the last time I'll see most of the crew (other than Wednesday's wrap party, but I won't be writing about that. Some things stay among us and only us. Thhppbbtt!), and almost time to go back to my normal life, such as it is.
The last day was also the LONGEST shooting day we have had. But it was amazing and fun, and I had such a good time. Everything that went bad yesterday went great today. I was bloody and screaming (and running, like forever it seemed), and I got to wield weapons. I have been waiting the last 6 weeks to be all bloody and, finally, it's my turn! Yay!
I have never been more happily exhausted as today by the time we wrapped the film at 11:45PM. We finished everything from today as well as what we were missing from yesterday. Everyone was tired, but seemed in a good mood by the end, we all had a toast with our beers or Jagers or whatever, and then at long last (and for the last time), we packed up the set and headed home.
And then there is Keith, my partner in all this as actors. We were the first to set on day one, and the last to leave on day 25. It's nice to have someone to come full circle with in all of this. We started and ended this film together. We have lived in the same house with Sebastian for the last six weeks, gotten on each other's nerves (but only a little... heh), worked together, partied together, and just enjoyed this whole blessed Berlin experience.
So Keith, a big hug.
And a punch to the arm. You'll understand.... ;-)
What? We ARE smiling.
Our final character pic... so sad.
And Sebastian, our director and host for this whole crazy thing. It was quite fitting to share a bottle of champagne upon arriving back in "Oopsy-Daisy Town" (sorry folks, inside joke). I have learned a lot from working on this film. I can always work with a man who thinks more blood is always the better option! And I love that even the actors don't quite know how the film will end...
A toast to us all. Cheers!
And a final note. Just because the film is wrapped does not mean this blog will end! This blog is about the things I am doing in acting and dance, so hey, keep checking it out from time to time. To start with is the film I will be returning to when I go back to NY, as well as my dance company. More info on those later. For now, I'm going to enjoy my remaining time here in Berlin.
So this is me. Signing off of Headhunter for the last time...
...exhausted and happy.
09/11/06
Murphy's Law
The second to last day of shooting, and everything seemed to go wrong that could. Misplaced crew members and camera equipment, broken props, changed camera settings, wardrobe and makeup issues, yadda, yadda. The list goes on.
Sebastian's car falling apart first thing in the morning - not a good omen.
The shooting that should have started at 8AM finally began around noon. By the time we wrapped at around 11:30PM, we had only finished a little over half of the day's planned scenes. Which we will be picking up again tomorrow after the already scheduled scenes have been done. Oh boy. Tomorrow is crunch time. But I must say, the location for the final scenes is awesome!
Smallest damn room I have ever filmed in.
How we all felt by the end of the day. ;-)
All things considered, I'm actually surprised that we got off as easy as we have throughout the last weeks, luck-wise. Our sets weren't destroyed or stolen, we didn't have too many diva issues with the cast, and everyone basically got along really well (and that's a miracle when you have to live together for a month). This is probably the most fun I have had on a project.
I can't believe tomorrow is the last day. It doesn't feel like it should be over yet.
Murphy's Law
The second to last day of shooting, and everything seemed to go wrong that could. Misplaced crew members and camera equipment, broken props, changed camera settings, wardrobe and makeup issues, yadda, yadda. The list goes on.
Sebastian's car falling apart first thing in the morning - not a good omen.
The shooting that should have started at 8AM finally began around noon. By the time we wrapped at around 11:30PM, we had only finished a little over half of the day's planned scenes. Which we will be picking up again tomorrow after the already scheduled scenes have been done. Oh boy. Tomorrow is crunch time. But I must say, the location for the final scenes is awesome!
Smallest damn room I have ever filmed in.
How we all felt by the end of the day. ;-)
All things considered, I'm actually surprised that we got off as easy as we have throughout the last weeks, luck-wise. Our sets weren't destroyed or stolen, we didn't have too many diva issues with the cast, and everyone basically got along really well (and that's a miracle when you have to live together for a month). This is probably the most fun I have had on a project.
I can't believe tomorrow is the last day. It doesn't feel like it should be over yet.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
09/09/06
And All Good Things Must Come To An End
Two days left of filming for the crew, Keith and I, but for the rest of the cast, this was it. Done. Over with. The final day.
Kind of sucks. So, even though I will see these people again on Wednesday at the wrap party, here are my goodbyes:
Clayton, you flirt, you. My partner in the fastest filmed kissing scene in history. ;-)
Neils, "my brother", you are probably the most genuinely nice person I have ever met, and you, together with Jesse, give me hope that there are still good men out there.
And Jesse, you of a thousand words with one look. After weeks of geting to know you, you still fascinate me.
Mareike, thank you for being so incredibly cool and down-to-earth, for being someone I can really enjoy hanging out with, and for giving me a repreive from the testosterone scene! (And for the bottle of Jager. Heehee!)
I hate endings sometimes. But it's not quite over. Keith and I are the last remaining cast members, with two very harrowing days left to go.
So here it goes....
And All Good Things Must Come To An End
Two days left of filming for the crew, Keith and I, but for the rest of the cast, this was it. Done. Over with. The final day.
Kind of sucks. So, even though I will see these people again on Wednesday at the wrap party, here are my goodbyes:
Clayton, you flirt, you. My partner in the fastest filmed kissing scene in history. ;-)
Neils, "my brother", you are probably the most genuinely nice person I have ever met, and you, together with Jesse, give me hope that there are still good men out there.
And Jesse, you of a thousand words with one look. After weeks of geting to know you, you still fascinate me.
Mareike, thank you for being so incredibly cool and down-to-earth, for being someone I can really enjoy hanging out with, and for giving me a repreive from the testosterone scene! (And for the bottle of Jager. Heehee!)
I hate endings sometimes. But it's not quite over. Keith and I are the last remaining cast members, with two very harrowing days left to go.
So here it goes....
Saturday, September 09, 2006
09/08/06
Prepare for Final Countdown...
Today was rough. Beautiful, but rough. My personal most difficult scene so far, followed by my favorite scene so far, a fond farewell to two crew members, and our last night together in Belzig.
Today I had to cry. This is my personal bane. I HATE crying. It's like a trigger: As soon as a camera is pointed in my face, my tear ducts shrivel up and hide, eyes dry as a bone. And at the same time, I love the challenge (and deeply thank Jesse for being so giving during the scene). Especially since, in the scene following, I got to be an absolute bitch to Jesse's character. Loved it!
Goddess bless Jesse for giving me so much to work with in this scene.
A plane, a plane! Oh, my kingdom for a rocket launcher!
Two of our crew members are leaving us today. Sabina, from Wardrobe, will be starting another job tomorrow and Louise, our prop assistant/intern, is leaving tomorrow morning to go back to school.
I'll miss you two! Please keep in touch.
(Note to Louise's dad: "Cute as a bug" is a compliment. I promise!)
And to end the day, we all met up at Reni's, the local bar, for our last night in Belzig (and the last night of the cast as a whole, tomorrow being the final shooting day for most). Unfortunately, all the pics ended up blurry, but just know that Jager, absinthe, and Beatles tunes figured prominently in the evening (hmmm, maybe I'll just keep some of the photos for blackmail purposes later on. Hah!).
Tomorrow should be interesting....
Prepare for Final Countdown...
Today was rough. Beautiful, but rough. My personal most difficult scene so far, followed by my favorite scene so far, a fond farewell to two crew members, and our last night together in Belzig.
Today I had to cry. This is my personal bane. I HATE crying. It's like a trigger: As soon as a camera is pointed in my face, my tear ducts shrivel up and hide, eyes dry as a bone. And at the same time, I love the challenge (and deeply thank Jesse for being so giving during the scene). Especially since, in the scene following, I got to be an absolute bitch to Jesse's character. Loved it!
Goddess bless Jesse for giving me so much to work with in this scene.
A plane, a plane! Oh, my kingdom for a rocket launcher!
Two of our crew members are leaving us today. Sabina, from Wardrobe, will be starting another job tomorrow and Louise, our prop assistant/intern, is leaving tomorrow morning to go back to school.
I'll miss you two! Please keep in touch.
(Note to Louise's dad: "Cute as a bug" is a compliment. I promise!)
And to end the day, we all met up at Reni's, the local bar, for our last night in Belzig (and the last night of the cast as a whole, tomorrow being the final shooting day for most). Unfortunately, all the pics ended up blurry, but just know that Jager, absinthe, and Beatles tunes figured prominently in the evening (hmmm, maybe I'll just keep some of the photos for blackmail purposes later on. Hah!).
Tomorrow should be interesting....
09/07/06
Talk, Talk, blah, blah, blah....
The short version of today? Talk, talk, wait for clouds, talk, talk, film(!), talk, talk, (Jagermeister break), talk, talk, un endlich...
A bit more detail? Ok. This was another one-scene day, where Sebastian and Ian just couldn't seem to agree on the shots (hence the talking portion of the day). At some point, we all got the giggles over the ridiculousness of it, and then someone broke out the Jager (very subtly, of course, with sneaky passes from person to person). It was only a sip, honest! I think, as we get down to the last few days, we've all come to an unspoken agreement to just relax and have fun with it while we still can. Darned good idea, too.
Mmm! Appetizing way to start the day.
I always seem to have a gun in my hand these days.
It's warm and sunny today. The weather here is such a tease.
In a few seconds, I'll be slapping her. Yes, really.
Keith - wild man of the woods.
These two should have their own section on the DVD, just for their outtakes and comedic bits.
Ummm, me, after the Jager... (only a sip, I swear! (: )
OK, all. Must sleep now....*yawn*
Talk, Talk, blah, blah, blah....
The short version of today? Talk, talk, wait for clouds, talk, talk, film(!), talk, talk, (Jagermeister break), talk, talk, un endlich...
A bit more detail? Ok. This was another one-scene day, where Sebastian and Ian just couldn't seem to agree on the shots (hence the talking portion of the day). At some point, we all got the giggles over the ridiculousness of it, and then someone broke out the Jager (very subtly, of course, with sneaky passes from person to person). It was only a sip, honest! I think, as we get down to the last few days, we've all come to an unspoken agreement to just relax and have fun with it while we still can. Darned good idea, too.
Mmm! Appetizing way to start the day.
I always seem to have a gun in my hand these days.
It's warm and sunny today. The weather here is such a tease.
In a few seconds, I'll be slapping her. Yes, really.
Keith - wild man of the woods.
These two should have their own section on the DVD, just for their outtakes and comedic bits.
Ummm, me, after the Jager... (only a sip, I swear! (: )
OK, all. Must sleep now....*yawn*
09/06/06
I was wrong. TODAY was the longest frickin' day on earth. It was also Manu's last day on set. :(
I'll just let the pictures tell it today...
Today's most often seen pose...damned planes.
Then there's Natalia, the ever-smiling! I don't know how she does it.
Last chance for a cast photo...(because I don't really want to carry a camera around at the wrap party next week)
Bye Manu!!!
Oh, the possibilities! Kidding, guys, kidding! ;-)
*sigh* Things are really starting to wind down now. Only five shooting days left...
I was wrong. TODAY was the longest frickin' day on earth. It was also Manu's last day on set. :(
I'll just let the pictures tell it today...
Today's most often seen pose...damned planes.
Then there's Natalia, the ever-smiling! I don't know how she does it.
Last chance for a cast photo...(because I don't really want to carry a camera around at the wrap party next week)
Bye Manu!!!
Oh, the possibilities! Kidding, guys, kidding! ;-)
*sigh* Things are really starting to wind down now. Only five shooting days left...
09/05/06
After today, it is exactly one week until final wrap (six shooting days plus Sunday off). Strangely, it seems that will take quite a while to actually happen…
…because this was the longest frickin’ day on earth! Sun, clouds, the goddamned airplanes! Boom mikes, aarrgh! It’s just one of “those” days, you know? However, I do think the scene will be a pretty good one. Yes, I said scene, not scenes. One scene. Not even one, only part of one (tomorrow, we finally get to finish it).
Oy!
And even with the 5:45AM call time and everything else, damned if I don’t still love this acting stuff. It’s the only thing I don’t mind rising earlier than the sun for.
I might as well take pics of the crew while we're waiting for yet another damn plane.
Tip: Don't mess with two pissed off females.
:) See you tomorrow!
After today, it is exactly one week until final wrap (six shooting days plus Sunday off). Strangely, it seems that will take quite a while to actually happen…
…because this was the longest frickin’ day on earth! Sun, clouds, the goddamned airplanes! Boom mikes, aarrgh! It’s just one of “those” days, you know? However, I do think the scene will be a pretty good one. Yes, I said scene, not scenes. One scene. Not even one, only part of one (tomorrow, we finally get to finish it).
Oy!
And even with the 5:45AM call time and everything else, damned if I don’t still love this acting stuff. It’s the only thing I don’t mind rising earlier than the sun for.
I might as well take pics of the crew while we're waiting for yet another damn plane.
Tip: Don't mess with two pissed off females.
:) See you tomorrow!
09/04/06
Melancholy
Wow, down to the final stretch. Our last week here at the horse farm, and only 7 days of filming to go. Strange. What happens when the little bubble we’ve created amongst ourselves pops and we burst back into our own lives? How many of these people will I stay in touch with? Probably not many, to be honest. This isn’t a matter of likes or dislikes, it’s just the nature of the business. As much as some of us would like to keep in touch with everyone, the reality of it is that we won’t see these people again unless we end up on another project together.
In my case, how likely is even that? I will go back to America on October 1, and when will I ever run into anybody from this production? Not likely, is it? And that is very sad.
A big part of me doesn’t want to leave, wants to sell my furniture, have my cats shipped to Berlin, and just stay. For a number of reasons…
…sigh…
If only…
Anyway, back to the film. Today, I think I did my worst scene. Not happy. At all. But I’m told it looks fine, so I think I’ll take their word for it and relax. (I’m finally getting better at that part.) ☺ Oh, and I got to do more running today. Oh, yay.
Just some random scene pics today...
'Til tomorrow.
Melancholy
Wow, down to the final stretch. Our last week here at the horse farm, and only 7 days of filming to go. Strange. What happens when the little bubble we’ve created amongst ourselves pops and we burst back into our own lives? How many of these people will I stay in touch with? Probably not many, to be honest. This isn’t a matter of likes or dislikes, it’s just the nature of the business. As much as some of us would like to keep in touch with everyone, the reality of it is that we won’t see these people again unless we end up on another project together.
In my case, how likely is even that? I will go back to America on October 1, and when will I ever run into anybody from this production? Not likely, is it? And that is very sad.
A big part of me doesn’t want to leave, wants to sell my furniture, have my cats shipped to Berlin, and just stay. For a number of reasons…
…sigh…
If only…
Anyway, back to the film. Today, I think I did my worst scene. Not happy. At all. But I’m told it looks fine, so I think I’ll take their word for it and relax. (I’m finally getting better at that part.) ☺ Oh, and I got to do more running today. Oh, yay.
Just some random scene pics today...
'Til tomorrow.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
09/03/06
When It's Done Right, Part II...and it's a long one.
A big thanks again to Maxim Matthew for letting me put his pics up here. Here's another bit of retrospection on the filming so far, from his lens.
Same ole' Nilo!
Cold. Why? Hours of laying on cold wet sand.
Awesome scene pic.
Maxim does so many good candid portraits, I'll try to include as many as I can.
Poor Uli, in a freezing cold lake all day...
Forever on the phone, this guy.
Be vewy, vewy quiet.... ;-)
Brrr!
Ian. The most chill guy I know.
I LOVE this picture! I look like I'm about to kick someone's ass. Heh!
Total promo pic, yeah?
A great pic of Ines.
Ooh, it ain't always pretty. I didn't know my face could DO that...
Nikko, our gun guy. An intrinsic observer.
Hahahahahahaha! Can't help but giggle.
ooph!
Bergfest!....
.....
.....
Finally! The fire show pics!
Boris - tired of the rain, as are we all.
A moment of levity.
Still love my job, rain, cold and all the rest notwithstanding. Hopefully, I will have more Maxim pictures in a week or so. I'm off to the woods again tonight.
See you soon!
When It's Done Right, Part II...and it's a long one.
A big thanks again to Maxim Matthew for letting me put his pics up here. Here's another bit of retrospection on the filming so far, from his lens.
Same ole' Nilo!
Cold. Why? Hours of laying on cold wet sand.
Awesome scene pic.
Maxim does so many good candid portraits, I'll try to include as many as I can.
Poor Uli, in a freezing cold lake all day...
Forever on the phone, this guy.
Be vewy, vewy quiet.... ;-)
Brrr!
Ian. The most chill guy I know.
I LOVE this picture! I look like I'm about to kick someone's ass. Heh!
Total promo pic, yeah?
A great pic of Ines.
Ooh, it ain't always pretty. I didn't know my face could DO that...
Nikko, our gun guy. An intrinsic observer.
Hahahahahahaha! Can't help but giggle.
ooph!
Bergfest!....
.....
.....
Finally! The fire show pics!
Boris - tired of the rain, as are we all.
A moment of levity.
Still love my job, rain, cold and all the rest notwithstanding. Hopefully, I will have more Maxim pictures in a week or so. I'm off to the woods again tonight.
See you soon!
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