Day 20

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Well we’re a little bit behind schedule but not TOO bad.  I’m just amazed every day by the actors on this movie.  We work so hard on the script, the words, the story, the plans, the prep, the costumes, blah blah blah, then on the day the actors come in and kind of throw it all away and make it look real and funny and effortless.  I’m also always surprised how much you realize about a scene when you’re actually seeing it unfold in front of you in a real space with the actors.  After months and years of going over the text suddenly it becomes painfully clear which lines are irrelevant or flat or what the better idea might be.

Then again we are lucky to have some of the best actors alive today – I pinch myself. Today we did a big lunch table scene with (in order of how they sat around the table) Alan Alda, Kathryn Hahn, Jordan Peele, Lauren Ambrose, Justin Theroux, Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Malin Akerman and Kerri Kenney.  Watching them interact and live in their characters’ skins…it’s so cool!

But the biggest celebrity on set today was Mo Willems who if you have a child, you know is the author books like Knuffle Bunny. Every parent on set was blown away and starstruck.  Mo and I go back to my freshman year at NYU where he formed the Sterile Yak sketch comedy troupe.  The State was sort of an off-shoot of the Sterile Yak, so it’s legitimate to say that my life would be quite different if not for Mo.  But now 20+ years later he’s a great guy and he came and signed his latest #1 selling book for cast and crew.

Mo and me

The other great thing was to have some of my oldest best friends come by (Craig Wedren, Charles Gansa, Amy Miles) and do some music making for us.  Wonderful!

So a good day. But still can’t believe how tired and overwhelmed I still am. Missing my family. Looking forward to big hiatus/sabbatical next summer!

P.S. This week is the 8th episode of CHILDRENS HOSPITAL‘s new season on Adult Swim.  Sunday at midnight it’s “Hot Enough For You”, which I directed and co-wrote (with Rob Corddry).  I’m particularly proud of it and hope you’ll check it out!  Stay for the special end credits music by Craig Wedren and Mr. Blue.

6 thoughts on “Day 20”

  1. Keep posting to your blog. I really enjoy reading it. Folks in Clarkesville are always thrilled to report if they have seen one of the actors from the movie. We are all happy to have you here!
    Vicki

    • I agree. I hope ya’ll are enjoying our town! The leaves are just starting to change color…and in about 2 weeks you are going to be astounded at all the beautfiul colors. I hope you are shooting scenes chronologically though…because the trees won’t be green in a very short time.

  4. Would you consider shooting a scene or two at Cresent Moon Bakery and/or next door at Persimmon On The Square in Clayton, Ga. ? Better yet, how about at Persimmon Creek Vineyards which is just outside of Clayton and Lake Burton.

  5. The end credits were brilliant. I think I’ve watched them six times already. Hopefully the song will be available for download! Great work!