Down in the Parish

The Light

2009-12-01T17:28:00.002Z

Originally published on JosephNils Blog

The Light

2009-12-05T17:09:00.002Z

I've written several posts about the light. The south tends to lend itself to greenish tints, and this is the look we've decided to go with.

Also interesting is that the light has a different quality in the fall/winter than in other times. The south is usually portrayed during the summer in film. We want to portray the winter because it's beautiful and not usually photographed in film.

The brothers break into their house

2009-12-10T17:05:00.001Z

Christmas Tigger floats up and brushes Do. Do pushes him away. Christmas Tigger brushes him again. Do watches as Christmas Tigger floats toward the back yard fence. Christmas Tigger motions for Do to follow. Do gets up and makes his way to the back yard fence. Christmas Tigger floats over the fence. Do looks through the slats. Christmas Tigger floats toward the back door. He bumps up against the back door, and it swings open. Suddenly, Buddy, a large Golden Retriever, attacks Christmas Tigger and rips him to shreds.
Photo originally published on JosephNils blog.

Update

2009-09-04T14:33:00.002+01:00

Been writing steadily for some time now. At least four hours a day. The script is getting better and better, Patrick says...particularly the dialogue. Must get a draft out to readers. Must get feedback. Our plan is to shoot in the fall of next year. That's one year to finish the script, raise the money, go into pre-production and shoot. I think we can do it. Focus!

On another roll. Please send pizza.

2009-08-19T16:00:00.003+01:00

Having another writing spurt, which is good. I hesitate to say, however, if this is the one that will result in a finished draft good enough to send out to people only because I've said that before, and it hasn't happened. But, there is a difference this time. All of the work that we've done in the past...all of the work that I thought was just work and not useful...it's all coming back in strength. Maybe I wrote a scene that went one way, and it didn't work, so I threw it out. Now it is coming back in a different way. All of the work has been done. I just need to slot it in and tweak. The process never ceases to amaze me.

I've been writing professionally now for nearly 20 years. This is the first really huge project I've worked on (apart from that novel when I was 13...oh the horror). I think I've been somewhat intimidated by the scope for the longest time. But, on the positive side, I've just kept plugging along, and that is all coming to fruition now. Also, there are several "rules" I like to follow:

I'll take care of the quantity, and the Muse will take care of the quality.
If you get stuck, just back up until it works then move forward from there.
Respect the voice. Trust the voice.
When you get on a roll, just keep riding it no matter what time you have to get up in the morning.

Visual Reference: Dancing

2009-08-06T08:31:00.000+01:00

A Relationship with Light

2009-06-12T17:34:00.003+01:00

A favorite of ours in terms of light is Terrence Malick's "The New World." Most of it was shot with available light (that is, the sun) and, where necessary, practicals or lamps you can buy at a regular store. There was the scene where John Smith was captured where the DoP poked holes in the top of the structure to get light in. The result is, well, sublime.

There is a lot you can do with light to suggest other worldliness and magic. There is a lot you can do with light to convey emotions: sadness, longing...foreboding.

I like this picture of my godson Daniel. He's back lit by the sun, and because he has light hair, it's as if he is the source of the light. Also, this is one of the few pictures where Patrick caught him off guard, so his expression is real.

Our relationship with light is evolving, and I'm looking forward to developing that relationship more with this film.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson and originally published on Joseph Nils Blog.

Cracking Magical Realism

2009-06-09T18:43:00.006+01:00

The hyper-reality of Chalmatia

Photographed by Patrick Jackson and originally published on Joseph Nils Blog.

Whilst sitting by the river last night and watching tourists sink their feet into the dirty Mississippi, Patrick and I cracked the Magical Realism conundrum. Firstly, there is a lot of controversy over what Magical Realism actually is. Here are a few definitions from Wikipedia:

Magic realism, or magical realism, is an artistic genre in which magical elements or illogical scenarios appear in an otherwise realistic or even "normal" setting.
Matthew Strecher has defined magic realism as "what happens when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something 'too strange to believe'."^[1] Gene Wolfe said, "Magic realism is fantasy written by people who speak Spanish,"^[7], and Terry Pratchett said magic realism "is like a polite way of saying you write fantasy".^[8]

For our purposes, we have a hyper real scenario set in the wasteland that is Chalmatia. The magic occurs in the imagination of the child characters. We the audience see what they see in their imaginations until we can no longer distinguish between what is "real" and what is "fantasy."

In the beginning of the story, Destiny is standing on the line between childhood and adulthood. Her imagination is clouded by hormones and worry and a clear understanding that she and her brothers are in a world of trouble. She can only see the harsh reality. But when tragedy strikes, she is able to see more and more into that magic world. And it is that world that saves her and her brothers in the end.

Visual Reference: The Pool

2009-05-10T19:24:00.002+01:00

The infamous and awful pool where tragedy strikes.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual Reference: Fire in the Kitchen

2009-05-15T19:18:00.004+01:00

There is a fire pretty early on in the script. The kids set the kitchen on fire when they try to make themselves breakfast. Nickabob puts the fire out with his hose. What I like about this picture as a reference is that Nick is totally into it. Patrick told him to imagine a huge fire in front of him and that he was charged with putting it out. Look into his eyes and look at his stance. He really believes himself to be putting out a fire. This is something important to think about as well when directing kids. If you can get them in the moment, it will look totally believable on screen.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual Reference: The Neighbors

2009-05-20T19:14:00.002+01:00

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual Reference: Christmas

2009-05-25T19:09:00.005+01:00

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Chalmatia

2009-06-01T18:46:00.005+01:00

I can't stress enough how integral the Joseph Nils Blog is to our script. The kids have really been helping out by modeling for the photos. In this way, we can pin down the look and feel of the film and also have what I believe to be some really beautiful picutres of my family during this very specific time.

We're kicking around a new name: "Chalmetia." As the script is written now in the first draft, the entire thing except for the very last sequence is set in Chalmette. But, not Chalmette. It's like a hyper-real Chalmette mixed with a magical dream world Chalmette. This place is Chalmetia.

We steal bits of dialogue from the kids as well. When they say something funny or out there, I jot it down. In this way they are really co-authors of our work, and I like that.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual references: Dirty Frames and Contemplative Children

2009-06-02T21:02:00.004+01:00

Messy, gritty and dirty frames. Also like the contemplative poses for the children. For this picture, Patrick told Nick to "look at the bee." At first, he was all over the place, but Patrick kept telling him to "look at the bee." Finally, he settled down and looked at the bee.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual references: Factories

2009-06-03T17:09:00.006+01:00

The factories of Chalmette feature prominently in the landscape of the script. This is one of the oil refineries. Then there is the Domino Sugar Factory (what Kurt, who worked there, used to call "The Sugar Shack"). When photographed in just the right way and in just the right light, these factories can look like a different world...something even out of fantasy.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual references: Metaphore

2009-06-04T17:22:00.002+01:00

This image is representative of the post apocalyptic world of "Chalmatia." Does this world really exist? To some extent, yes. Here it is photographed, and you can see numerous representative images on the Joseph Nils Blog. It is only one dimension taken from the reality, though. Depending on how you photograph things and what you choose to show, you can create whole worlds that the naked eye cannot see.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual Reference: Village Square

2009-06-05T17:50:00.001+01:00

Two scenes take place in Village Square. Patrick took this picture 2 months ago or so. I don't know how much longer these buildings will remain. There have been some rumblings about turning them into mixed income housing, but the Chalmatians are up in arms about that. They are afraid that mixed income housing will attract undesirables. Um. Who do they think they are? In any case, we might have to shoot the exteriors before we even begin principal photography.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Visual references: The Canal

2009-06-08T23:25:00.004+01:00

This is the street that runs past The Canal. The Canal plays a huge part in our story. It is where we see the boys commit a vicious act of violence. It's the location of Destiny's nightmares. It is even where Troy and Benjy fail in their hilarious attempt to steal copper.

Photographed by Patrick Jackson. Originally published on Joseph Nils.

Location Scouting

2009-01-30T20:17:00.005Z

We've been doing a lot of work on the music video, and this is serving us very well for the script. In a strange way, the two are tied together. One of the three main characters is based on my niece, Dominique, and Dominique is starring in the video. Spending time with her, shooting her and seeing how she fits into the landscape is informing the writing process. Everything is connected.

More photos on Patrick's Photo Blog.

Visual references: Snowmen

2009-05-07T16:40:00.005+01:00

Again, this is a reference for the "look and feel" of the film. More winter stuff. More light. I like how the colors are normally used for "hot" temperatures. Also, we have incorporated this into the scene in the beginning of the script where mom leaves.

Photos originally published on JosephNils.

Visual references: the fog in winter

2009-05-07T05:17:00.006+01:00

Patrick took this photo back in January when we were scouting for "Little Baby Eyes." Light has a very strange relationship to weather here in New Orleans. Winter is particularly beautiful. The light has a certain quality. The fog is surreal and dreamlike and lends itself well to Magic Realism. Patrick has always liked to shoot in winter. Maybe it's because he's from Northern Europe. Our script is set in the winter time. As I sweat and write, I dream about winter.

photo originally published on JosephNils

Support tax credits!

2009-05-06T16:13:00.000+01:00

Sirs,

I am writing in support of HB862 by Rep. Gallot and SB245 by Sen. Adley to increase tax credits to 30% for Production, 10% for Louisiana Workers, NO SUNSETS, NO SCALEDOWNS.

I am a native of south eastern Louisiana, however, I have been living abroad for the past 15 years in Asia and Europe working as a writer and a filmmaker. I moved back to New Orleans last year to begin work on my second feature, which is set primarily in Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.

I must tell you that the Louisiana tax credits had a lot to do with my decision to return home. I made my first feature and numerous other projects in London and in Tokyo. The road was very difficult, and it took a long time. After moving back here and meeting with local officials, I realized that it would be easier to get a film made here than in London.

The tax credits keep Louisiana competitive with other states in the movie industry. That is why I am urging you to support the tax credit bills. Let's keep Louisiana at the forefront of movie-making!

Yours Truly,

Daneeta Loretta Jackson
Writer + Director + Producer
******************************

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Support tax credits for movies in Louisiana

2009-05-06T16:11:00.002+01:00

I'm posting information from Susie Labry at Louisiana Produces about legislation coming up in the state legislature. I urge all of you filmmakers and friends of filmmakers out there to support tax credit legislation.

From Susie Labry

UPDATE as of May 5 Some bills were filed and I added to this site.

There is widespread consensus and support of HB862 by Rep. Gallot and SB245 by Sen. Adley to increase tax credits to 30% for Production, 10% for Louisiana Workers, NO SUNSETS, NO SCALEDOWNS.

We are asking all to contact their State Representative and State Senator and Governor to support HB862 and SB245 and to tell them in a short paragraph how the movie industry effected you, your family and friends and community. I have set up below to make it easy to track legislation, etc. Any questions, please email me at lasunshinebr@yahoo.com or call me at 225-235-7879 or find me on Facebook.

To All in Louisiana Film Industry, Theater Live Performance Industry, Video/Digital Industry, Music Industry

The Legislature 2009 Tracking Legislation Regarding Louisiana Film, Video, Music, Entertainment Industry
TAX INCENTIVES

***

Legislative Website
http://www.legis.state.la.us/
www.legis.state.la.us/

House of Representatives
http://house.louisiana.gov/
house.louisiana.gov/

House of Representatives Live Video on Day of Live Video.
http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Video/Hse_Video_Today.htm
house.louisiana.gov/H_Video/Hse_Video_Today.htm

House Ways & Means Committee
http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/H_CMTE_WM.asp
house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/H_CMTE_WM.asp

House Ways & Means Committee Contact Info.
http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/H_Cmte_WMaddresses.asp
house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/H_Cmte_WMaddresses.asp

House of Representatives Ways & Means Agenda
http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Sched/Hse_Sched_Today.htm
house.louisiana.gov/H_Sched/Hse_Sched_Today.htm

***

Louisiana Senate
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/default.asp
senate.legis.state.la.us/default.asp

Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Revenue&Fiscal/Default.asp
senate.legis.state.la.us/Revenue&Fiscal/Default.asp

Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee Members and Contact Info
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Revenue&Fiscal/Assignments.asp
senate.legis.state.la.us/Revenue&Fiscal/Assignments.asp

Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Live Video
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Revenue&Fiscal/Archives/video.htm
senate.legis.state.la.us/Revenue&Fiscal/Archives/video.htm

Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Agenda
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/committees/MeetingSchedule.htm
senate.legis.state.la.us/committees/MeetingSchedule.htm

and

Senate Committee Schedules
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/committees/Schedule.htm
senate.legis.state.la.us/committees/Schedule.htm

***

For Live Videos
For Live Video RealPlayer Real1 Required.
Download RealPlayer RealOne for Free
http://www.download.com/RealPlayer/3000-13632_4-10073040.html?cdlPid=10782379

***

The Governor
Bobby Jindal
http://www.gov.state.la.us/
www.gov.state.la.us/
Email the Governor
http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor
www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor

***

THE BILLS

Acrobat Reader Required to Read the Bills
Downlaod Acrobat Reader for Free
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
get.adobe.com/reader/

House Bills

HB31 by Rep. Lopinto
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=636825

HB142 by Rep. Henry
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=639549

HB213 by Rep. Talbot
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=640983

HB272 by Rep. Richmond
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=641880

HB450 by Rep. Katz
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=643569

HB458 by Rep. Talbot
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=643608

HB475 by Rep. Greene
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=644043

HB614 by Rep. Monica
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=645130

HB693 by Rep. Greene
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=645558

HB735 by Rep. Monica
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=645912

HB789 by Rep. Greene
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=646238

HB798 by Rep. Carter
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=646258

HB811 by Rep. Talbot
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/byinst.asp?sessionid=09RS&billid=HB811

HB862 by Rep. Gallot
House Ways & Means Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=648491

***

Senate Bills

SB 123 by Sen. Michot
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=643966

SB159 by Sen. Marionneaux
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=644794

SB160 by Sen. Marionneaux
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=647423

SB245 by Sen. Adley
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=645841

SB277 by Sen. Duplessis
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=646315

SB287 by Sen. Martiny
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=646471

...

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Three Sentences about the Script

2009-03-26T17:16:00.003Z

"Destiny before the Storm" is a Bildungsroman in the Southern Gothic tradition with elements of Magical Realism. Fifteen-year-old Destiny and her three younger brothers are abandoned by their mother one weekend. A journey of death, violence and resurrection ensues.

What's in a name?

2009-02-27T12:18:00.003Z

Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

I know the title doesn't seem like the most important of things when writing a script. If it's a rose, then it's going to smell sweet no matter what the name. Unfortunately, this does not apply to movie scripts. The name is the first thing that an agent, a reader, a buyer and the audience will see. It can determine whether or not someone will actually buy or see the film.

For months now, Patrick and I have been kicking around names. As the writing process continues and the script evolves, the name ideas change. At first we thought we were writing a Katrina script and all of our names eluded to that. Even this blog was named after a possible title. But our characters told us something different.

This is a contemporary script set in post-Katrina New Orleans, so the name has to reflect that. This is a script whose main character is a 15 year old girl named Destiny (why, yes, this was quite a common name down south in the 90s). Destiny, like most 15 year old girls, wants everything to be about her. "I am the talent," she says. "I am who you are writing about."

So to appease our character, here is what we came up with:

"Destiny after the Storm"

You read it here first.