Paul Shepard: REVIEW ROUND-UP!

Today is the day!  Anyone living in the greater Toronto area needs to get their butts to the Carlton this weekend to see my film The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard, screening at 4:25pm and 9:20pm daily.  For those who don't know, the opening weekend of any film, particularly small films, is crucial.  For a film like ours it's the difference between only running one week in one city, and get expanded.  If we do well this weekend the chances of the film moving on to another city is very good, as well as getting an extra week in Toronto.
So, to the reviews.  A lot of filmmakers will claim they don't read reviews, and I'm sure some don't.  I haven't been doing this long enough not to care what other people think.  For a small film like ours a review can be the deciding factor on whether or not someone wants to give it a shot.  So without further adieu, here they are... Click on the name of the paper (the heading) to get the actual review, otherwise I'll just talk about it briefly:

The National Post:  I'd be lying if I didn't say that getting this three star review meant a lot to me.  But what meant even more was that this reviewer really seemed to "get" the film.  And to boot they said some really lovely things.

The Toronto Sun: While I'm sure she doesn't remember it, Liz Braun reviewed a short film festival a few years back where she commented on my film and said that I had done in five minutes what others like it couldn't do at feature length.  It was a nice thing to say.  And she has more nice things here, in particular that this is a film that should make Canadians proud.

The Toronto Star: Not our biggest supporter, but still nothing to shake your fist at.  No film is for everyone and considering how routinely romantic comedies get slammed by critics, I think we did just fine here.  

The Grid:  The black sheep of our reviews.  I very well can't post all the positive and leave out the negative.  I'm trying to avoid reviewing the reviews, however I can't help but think that from reading this one that this reviewer just hates the mockumentary format to begin with - so it's no surprise that we didn't get much love.  You can't win them all!

These are all the reviews I've seen so far, if anyone spots any more please let me know - post in the comments.  Otherwise, get your butt to the theatre and tell everyone you know!

Three 2 Five Questions: Mary Krohnert

It's been a while since I've done one of these - I have another that will be up in the days to come - but for now, it's all about the lovely Mary Krohnert!  One of the stars of my film The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard which is having it's theatrical release starting this Friday at the Carlton in Toronto.  4:25pm and 9:20pm daily!  Mary will be at the Friday night screening for part of the Q&A.
So the audio, as usual, is what it is, I did this outside of the Film Canteen at the Bell Lightbox.  I hope you enjoy it!  Mary will also be appearing in an upcoming episode of Flashpoint, and Little Mosque on the Prarie.

The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard THEATRICAL RELEASE!

At long last my first feature is being released in to the theatres!  For those that live in the GTA (or that feel like traveling at all!)  It will be screening at the Carlton (Yonge/Carlton) from Friday, Oct 21st to Thursday, Oct 27th.  The showtimes are 4:25pm and 9:20pm (apologies that there are no early evening screenings - I have absolutely no control over that). 
We've been nominated for several awards along the way as well as having played as several of Canada's top film festivals, and others around the world.  The programmer at the Calgary International Film Festival had this to say about the film:

Part HIGH FIDELITY, part THE OFFICE with a dash of SPINAL TAP thrown in for good measure, THE UNTITLED WORK OF PAUL SHEPARD is a mockumentary with genuine heart to go with the genuine laughs.

So get your butt out and support a great Canadian film!  And on Friday and Saturday nights get a chance to meet some of the cast at the Q&As!  We are expecting reviews in all the major papers, so we'll post them here as well (unless they absolutely trash the film, and then I'll say that 'I don't read reviews...')
Looking forward to seeing you all out there.  Spread the word!!!

TUWOPS - Set Photos!

So I've been busy cutting away at the film, Anthony's been busy trying to get a sense of music and the licensing of it for the film as we're gearing up for a test screening next Friday that should prove useful in making the final tweaks in the film. Ideally we just want to know that the film is working for people outside of just the core group of people that have made it. Trying to invite a good mixture of people from different backgrounds, age groups, etc… just to get a general sense of how people react to it. I'll try to post the findings from the questionnaires (unless everyone hates it - then I'll just tell you that the screening was cancelled...)

So. Set photos. If you're a friend of mine on facebook you can see more, but here's a nice selection (in no particular order):


This was actually taken right before the last shot of the film. Anthony Grani (in the middle) is notorious for not getting in any of our production stills. Zach Melnick (on the right) is having a rare smile.


Kris Holden-Reid makes Paul Shepard's office his own.


Mary & Kris get mentally prepared for "the big scene".


The lovely Mary Krohnert gets no privacy whatsoever.


That's right - we were brave and let the actors hold the camera.


My one regret of the entire film shoot is that I was not there when this went down. I was there, however, when Aron Tager started busting a move to the Beastie Boys on a nearby ghetto-blaster.


Aron Tager = awesome.


On set at Montcrest School


God bless Paul Lee for actually owning this outfit and offering to wear it.



Kris & Zoie's beautiful dance. Alex Poch-Goldin will probably never admit it, but I think he secretly loved working the sound equipment.


Kris is trying to feel me up here, I believe. (I was trying to let him)


Kris loves mornings. Zoie looking snazzy.


Kris & Alex. The odd couple of our film.


Yes. Pat Mastroianni is in his underwear. And Tricia Braun finds it very funny.


Apparently Yvonne approved of the sound on that take...


Kris and Christine on set at Veritas (King Street East)


Christine Horne willingly making a fool out of herself for the sake of our film. Bit of trivia here: she's wearing the same wig she wore in "The Stone Angel"


We had a permit.... I think...


I love this as the classic Director & Cinematography shot. I look like I'm actually making decisions! (I'm probably pointing at the craft services table)


Mary and Kris on set in Withrow Park. The kids behind them were our extras for the day. They played soccer for about five hours straight (and then left to play an actual soccer game... they lost. Sorry kids - you must suffer for art!)


Hehe. This is the second day of shooting and we were short a head-set, so Jen and I were sharing, huddled up in the bush.

TUWOPS: Day Fifteen THAT'S A WRAP!

So here we are. Fifteen days later. Officially wrapped on my first feature film. Huh. This has been a long road, and I know we’re not off it yet. There’s still many things to do with this film, but the major hurdle has been crossed. We shot the film. And we shot it on our terms, with our people. We did good.

Over the years that we’ve been trying to get this film made I’ve been offered money to sell it, but I stood firm that I would be the only person directing this film, and I’m glad I did that. I’m not saying that someone else couldn’t have made this film. I’m sure they could have – but I’m glad that it was me. It feels right.

So where do I start with the love fest? I suppose with the people whom this film wouldn’t have existed otherwise – our crew. We really lucked out in this department. A lot of people I’ve already worked with in the past, but there was a lot of new people and in positions I haven’t worked with professionally. It’s amazing how effective it is to have individual departments working and thinking on things that free you up to be creative. In no particular order…

Having never worked with a costume designer I was lucky that we were able to get Ginger Martini to lend her eye to this film. There’s a distinction to each of the characters and some fun stuff going on that I hope people really enjoy.

Having had nothing but bad experiences in the past with make-up artists, I was overjoyed to have met Maggie Quioc last winter. She approached every day with zest and joy (and an ever growing baby in her belly).

Running our sets and sharing rides with me was Mark Huisman, my 1st AD. I didn’t know Mark well moving into this project, and he really came on at the last minute to save our ass. Traditionally an actor, Mark was a delight to have on set. Having barely ever worked with an AD before, Mark was perfect. Never forceful, but always thoughtful. We made all of our days and that’s no small feat. I’ll miss my rides to and from set with Mark. Our 2nd AD was Tim Symons whom I met when I taught first year film production for a semester at Niagara College. Tim is ridiculously smart and caring. An asset to the production in many ways, and a talented writer in his own right. We’ll probably all be working for him one day.

Another first for me was working with a proper script supervisor, in this case - Jen O’Sullivan. I’ve worked with script supervisors as an editor before, but as someone who edits their own stuff that they direct, it was really helpful to have Jen there to help convey my thoughts as a director to my thoughts as an editor. Jen and I bonded over our love of music, and my need to read more books. She’s lovely and I hope to keep working with her in the future. Also a shout-out is deserved to my man Forbes, Jen’s shadow who filled in for a few days. An energetic lovely guy.

Our Art Department is second to none. Seriously. From the ground up with Ryan Grani working his ass off wherever he could, to the delicious Drew Lint who carried out every zany idea anyone had with his own flair, to the lovely Meaghan Lynch whom I adore more than I can express. This is the second time I’ve worked with Meaghan as my production designer and it won’t be the last, not even close. My favorite thing about Meaghan is how excited she gets about things, and how her excitement and creativity often trumps my own in certain situations. Meaghan makes stuff better and that’s what you want. I’ll miss her presence now that we’re wrapped.

This film would be nothing without our camera and lighting department, from Mark ‘Special K’ Lammert, to the brilliant Ann Tipper (whom put up with far more friendly abuse from me that she should have). But the main team behind this film were Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert, two of my closest friends dating all the way back to high school. Technicians, artists, and filmmakers in their own right, Zach and Yvonne care more than anyone else about the work they do and it’s that kind of anal retentive behavior that will make this as good as it is. I could not have made this film without these two. That’s just a fact.

And last but certainly not least is Anthony Grani. I know he’ll never admit this, but this film wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for his passion and dedication to the project. In fact it was because of this script that Anthony and I met, and if I’m honest, no matter what happens with this film in the end, the best thing so far has been the friendship I’ve gained with him because of it. Everything else will be icing on the vegan cake that is Anthony Grani.

So now to our actors. I gush over all our actors, because they’re all gush-worthy, but there’s only two left to go on and on about. Although I do need to give a big thanks to Christine Horne for making a special guest appearance via speaker phone tonight, and she even abandoned a dinner party momentarily to do so.

Mary Krohnert has been with this project about as long as anyone. She is Sam. After the first reading of the film there was no doubt in my mind that it was her. And it makes me happy to have made this film with her. I said a while back in this blog that if anything comes of this, I hope it’s that people see how beautiful of an actor Mary is, and I mean that. She deserves it more than anyone.

Last, my lead, my Paul Shepard, Kris Holden-Reid. I never actually thought we had a real shot at getting Kris for this movie, so big props to him for seeing what he did in the material and for trusting in a first time feature director to carry it out. Working with Kris has been a delight and a wonderful experience, and I look forward to a repeat performance. He brought so much to this character and to this film. I never had anyone in mind for Paul when writing this, and I can honestly say that I can’t imagine anyone else in this part now. Thank you for rocking so hard, Kris.

So that’s the love-fest. Wrap party this weekend. I’ll take some pics and post them up. I’m going to disappear into the country at some point next week so there won’t be any updates for a while when that happens. I’ll keep an editing journal to help quench all your creative thirsts.

TUWOPS: Day Fourteen

And so it is. The second-to-last-day. Or should I say evening. Tonight we shot a pretty pivotal section of the film – for those of you familiar with screenwriting terminology it would be “the mid-point”. And tomorrow night we’re shooting the “inciting incident” as well as the “break into act two”. Pivotal, pivotal, pivotal.

So while tonight’s set-ups and camera moves were pretty simple I tried to organize the night in such as way that we’d be able to give the actors as much time as they needed to get the scene down. It’s a five-pager with no real breaks. All on the actors. In the end we didn’t do any more crazy takes than we normally did, and we got some emotionally awesome stuff.

So here we head into tomorrow, the final night of principal photography. It’s all gone so fast in a way. I’m going to miss our crew (they’ll get more specific shout-outs tomorrow), but I’m really going to miss the hell out of Kris. He’s been my rock-star this whole shoot. I’ll gush more about him tomorrow as well when I’m over-emotional from the film’s wrap.

Here’s some of the stuff we shot yesterday. Keep in mind it’s meant to be the character’s home-movies and so the lighting/video quality is intended to reflect that.

TUWOPS: Day Thirteen

Thirteen days down, two to go. We’re in our final location, which is a gorgeous Coach House that’s very… 70’s architecture. Check out the shower in the pic below with our AD Mark Huisman:


We got this location through a rental agency that usually rents to producers/directors/stars coming to town to shoot. This place screams group orgies. Seriously, if you took a red-light through this place it would look like a Jackson Pollock painting.

So we’re here for the last two days shooting the ‘heart’ of the film. Today was especially interesting because almost all of the stuff was shot by our actors Kris and Mary as it’s meant to be home movie footage. It was even more fun because it was a simulated Christmas morning. Tried as she could, our production designer Meaghan couldn’t find a Christmas web-radio stream that worked so that we could get a little more in the spirit. See below, Anthony Grani, our fearless producer, indeed in the Christmas spirit:


Tip of the Day: We had to fog out some windows to hide the extremily green trees. Spray deodorant works perfectly, although it pollutes and makes the place stink and the crew cough.

Also, fancy expensive locations have awesome toilet paper.

So. Stills.

A lovely Meet-Cute between Kris & Mary:


I'm going to leave it a mystery what Paul Lee is doing here:


Zoie & Kris dancing from our day eleven shoot:


And last but not least, the brilliant Aron Tager as Dr. Max Henreid:

TUWOPS: Day Twelve

Holy shit. It’s day twelve. Seriously. Damn. How did that happen…

So no pictures today. I’ll have some to upload after tomorrow’s shoot. In the mean time here’s a magazine mock-up that we’ll be shooting in a scene tomorrow:

So today was a big long day, but oddly it didn’t feel like a big long day. Probably because we spent a decent amount of time outside. Fresh air and whatnot. It’s good stuff.

We didn’t do the usual insane amount of pages we usually do, but we did a lot of scenes and a lot of set ups, and two location moves – and not to mention we shot the end of our film today. I’ll get to that in a minute.

Today we were graced with the talents of Paul de la Rose, Paul Lee, and Aron Tager. All playing parts that support documentary elements of the film. All a lot of fun. We got to shoot a bad commercial today too – which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll throw some stuff for that up tomorrow. It’s pretty awesome.

Today also featured the return of Mary Krohnert as the girlfriend-of-the-week. Mary shot with us for a day on the first week, and now we have her for the rest of our shoot. Mary is near and dear to my heart and I’m so excited to have her in this film. We shot her first and last scenes of the film today, which was interesting. All I can say about the first scene is that if you don’t fall in love with her character right away, you have no heart.

So the ending. It’s interesting. Back when I started scheduling the shoot order of the film I put a lot of thought into what I wanted to hold off on and what I wanted to shoot up front. In the end, I’m sure it doesn’t matter as much. Good actors are good actors. That being said I can’t imagine putting the order of this film in any other way. It seems to have worked out perfectly.

I also want to give a shout-out to the weather gods for gracing us with perfect weather for this entire shoot. We’re now indoors for the rest of our shoot – so it can do whatever the hell it wants to!

All right, I want to work on a little video for the wrap-party, so I should get to it. And I want to rest up. Tomorrow it’s Christmas on the set. Can’t wait!

TUWOPS: Day Two

And there we are. Two days done! Feeling good (except for the 40 minutes I was stalled on the TTC on the way home).

Today we had what is probably one of the more technically difficult scenes. It’s roughly an eight page scene in a park, and there is a story going on in front of the camera and behind, and we shift back and forth in one long take. Of course we shoot it broken up and through the magic of editing it will look like one big long take. However you’re shooting in a city park and so you have no control over the guy cutting the grass, or the crazy people who’ve decided to sit on your rental bench, or the LOUD LOUD insects. Despite all that, we got through it and with time to spare.

Every day I feel a little more comfortable in my role as a director on this, not that I was uncomfortable going into it, but there’s a nice movement going on. Feels good. All right. Gotta hit the e-mail, I have art work to approve, and I want to try cutting together some of the footage before I go to bed.

Above is a shot from a scene today with the lovely Mary Krohnert, and below is from yesterday.

TUWOPS: The casting (almost) begins…

We’re a little more than a month away from principal photography and things are gearing up nicely. I think I’m always going to have this little nagging feeling like there’s something else I can or should be doing. Yesterday I got my production binder started, which gave me great pleasure. I don’t know why, but I really really enjoy buying office supplies and organizing things. And I feel better knowing that I’ll always have all the information I need by my side while running around and doing all of the other things that need to be done. Later this afternoon we’re doing a little bit of location scouting for two of our more important locations. Of our fifteen day shoot we’re in different locations almost every day, so there’s a lot of places to find.
The other main element that’s finally getting underway is the casting. I’m proud to announce that we’ve cast two of our leads.
Kris Holden-Reid as Paul:

I’ve never worked with Kris before but I’ve enjoyed his work thus far. You may remember him from his role in the first season of The Tudors. He’s a solid force of an actor and has an amazing resume that will only grow. If this movie was Thanksgiving Dinner, Kris will be bringing the turkey to the table. We’re going to meet up next week and I’m very much looking forward to it.
The other cast member I’m proud to announce is Mary Krohnert as Sam:

I’ve known Mary for many years as both a friend and an actor. In fact it was due to my wife’s suggestion of looking at her for this part that I met her husband Anthony, the film’s producer. Over the years I’ve workshopped this script and held several public readings and Mary has always been a favorite. I couldn’t imagine making this film without her. If anything good comes out of this film, I hope it’s that Mary gets recognized for the wonderful actor that she is.

So that’s it for now. Next week we’re in auditions so I’ll have more casting news to announce in the very near future.