Matthew's passion for this story was contagious. That boy had me ready to wring his neck a few times (I really do say that out of love!) but that's the nature of the beast. Looking at the dailies, I'm confident we have a great project.
There were a few times when things got really hectic, but we bounced back pretty good. The beauty of filmmaking is THE TEAM. When you have a strong solid team, you can take the hits and keep on moving. When your team gets in the trenches with you and helps to fulfill the vision of the project, it taps into something amazing.
It is interesting being the only woman producer on film projects. It's always a learning experience when watching men at work. This one was good though, because I have been on projects before as the only female producer and WHEW! Matthew and Scott make a great team and their different styles compliment each other. They were both open and receptive of advice which makes it easier. There were times when one or the other would be uncompromising but there were times when I was too!! LOL! But it's a conducive work environment when all parties can communicate and express concerns, give advice, laugh, joke and tease and STILL get down to business and in the words of Matthew Cherry "MAKE IT HAPPEN".
Matthew would use those words often and sometimes it would be a challenge to me, because I would be like "HOW??!" LOL! And he would shrug and grin and say it again. So of course, me being who I am and loving a good challenge, would do my darndest to MAKE IT HAPPEN. And when we were able to pull it off, it felt good. There were times when I didnt think we could, but then would come Scott with a different take or hook up or spin or motivational speech that gave me a little nudge. And in the end, it would work out.
Our last week was way easier too. Locations were great, no overtime, good vibes. I think everyone knew at that point that we had a great project and it helped when Matthew had the editor draw up a teaser from the 1st week of filming that got distributed to everyone. It just shows you what you are fighting for and the caliber of the project you are working on. Because sometimes when you are in the trenches you don't get to step back and look at the big picture until it's over.
Our last day of filming was really cool. The house location that we were at was a great spot already and the homeowner was super nice and laid back. He gave us permission to stay after on Thursday, the night we wrapped, to hang out and do a "mini" wrap party since Lance and Vanessa were both flying out the next day.
We did our "Official Wrap Party" Saturday night at Boardwalk 11, KARAOKE! And OH BOY we brought the house down. We had a great turn out and a lot of people got up and sang (after a few drinks of course). Now you know ole Nikki Love does not need a drink or an excuse to get up and sing karaoke! LOL!
So all in all we wrapped out strong and a good time! I'm proud of Matthew for sharing his story on his first feature and being open to learn and take advice. I learned a lot from him as well. Passion will get a lot of people on board, even if you are a first timer. I knew it before, but this time I actually got to see it in action, and that was great.
Make sure you check out THE LAST FALL in action on Facebook! We've got some great pics up!