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

Caitlin McEwan’s “Moving Pictures” is ready to charm your pants off! (If you’re wearing pants.)

August 7, 2009 at 5:29 am | Posted in Caitlin McEwan, Keith Boynton | 9 Comments
Tags: Claudette Colbert, film premiere, Greta Garbo, new movie, Old Hollywood

For our ninth film, Mike and I are proud to present our very first guest auteur — Caitlin McEwan.  Before I turn the rest of this post over to her, I just want to say that it was a pleasure acting under her direction, an honor editing by her side, a thrill growing up in the same household with her, and only mildly unpleasant when she used to make fun of me in front of my friends.  Without further ado: “Moving Pictures”!

Also available on YouTube.

Hi, this is Caitlin.  Keith is a moron.  His breath is like garbage.  Neener neener neener.

Okay, fine, this is still Keith.  But the next part is really Caitlin.  Really really I swear.

As I toted a bunch of props to the C train on my way to the “Moving Pictures” location, I was pleasantly terrified.  I envisioned wonderful things, but feared that I didn’t know how to direct a movie, and that the script I’d written didn’t make sense outside my own head.  Since that early-morning apprehensiveness, I’ve witnessed some fantastic talent and energy on set; been impressed at how DP Derek Van Gorder’s footage made a cloudy, chaotic riverfront look beautiful and serene; discovered lucky details and delightful acting moments as we edited; rejoiced when musical cues lined up as if by magic; and laughed with glee as we made our final tweaks and I realized we had created something.  But I still can’t say for certain whether I know how to direct a movie, or whether this one will make enough sense to enough people.  Your opinion on these matters is welcome!  Though I must say, no matter what feedback I get, I might be addicted to making movies — and I might even be in love with this one, even while I’m not sure myself what it all means.

Thank you, 12in12, for the vote of confidence.  I am also incredibly grateful for the effervescent performances of Caitlin and Keith, the lively individuality of our on-camera “crew”, and the skill and dedication of our real crew.  The original music by Michael Ford and the songs by Villa-Lobos are what carry the story along, and it was a thrill to work with such talented musicians.  Mike Lavoie discovered the Villa-Lobos brothers on a subway platform — an amazing fact which prompts me to offer a final thank you to New York City, for the beauty and serendipity.

Hope you enjoy the film!

Posted by Caitlin and Keith