12 Films. 12 Weeks. There are worse ways to spend a summer.

Spitballing — Under the Gun

Film 11 has barely begun, and already it’s been a whirlwind.

Last night, Michael Redfield arrived from Los Angeles.  He and Mike Lavoie met for the first time, and Redfield and I headed out to scout bridges until about 1 AM.  Then we came back to the apartment to give Lavoie a few final comments on “Magic Marker,” before we all slowly — in Lavoie’s case, very slowly — made our way to bed.

This morning (okay, it was noon), the three of us convened for lunch at the Union Smith Cafe, joined by our lovely associate Sumi Lee, who took copious notes and offered helpful suggestions while the Michaels and I drank vast amounts of coffee and free-associated about spies, lightbulbs, and the toxic filth of the Gowanus Canal.  Around 3 PM, we returned to 378 Bond and hammered out a first draft of the script — taking turns at the keyboard and debating over the nuances of nearly every line.  Just before 7, actress Angela Perri arrived; Sumi bade us adieu, and the remaining four repaired to Prime Meats on Court Street for a read-through over white wine.  From coffee to wine; from brainstorming to script; if only every day encompassed such elegant, satisfying arcs …

This kind of a day.

We’ve got a second draft of the script now, and I think it’s close to fighting shape.  It’s a pretty strange movie we’ve written, but more and more, as this project goes on, I’m starting to see that as a good thing.  “Queen Bee” was strange.  “Captivated” was strange.  And you can say what you will about those films, but I’m damn proud of them.  It seems like the more off-center a movie is, the more likely it is to surprise and delight and — hopefully — resonate.  Strange is risky, but it’s also rewarding.  And of course, as we all know, not taking a risk is the biggest risk of all.

And yes, the film will be called “Hero by Proxy.”  Thanks to everyone who voted in our poll (both iterations of it), and special thanks to Gwyneth Connell, who plucked that phrase out of a conversation about screwdrivers — of all things — and held it up in the spotlight for you all to judge and approve.  Fittingly, Gwyneth and Michael Redfield did improv together in college; it pleases me greatly that after all this time, and in a roundabout way, she’s still flinging him ideas.

Also pleasing me: this film will feature the 12in12 acting debut of our trusty compatriot Clint Byrne!  Clint’s been of invaluable service since he joined us on the “Script 2″ shoot, and I’m excited to finally get him in front of the camera.

Clint is such an all-American stud, he makes Mike Lavoie look like Steve Buscemi. ZING!

Further details will be forthcoming!  First, we have to shoot this thing …

Posted by Keith