Early 2004 Daniel, Mary Uht (My very best friend, the one who keeps me grounded) Michaela and I met in San Pedro. We chose Point Conception; nice park, ocean in the background and most importantly a play ground.
The idea was that Daniel would be auditioning Michaela in a very unorthodox yet effective way. He brought his photo camera and would spend the afternoon taking pictures of her and just hanging out. He wanted to see if she could feel comfortable in front of the camera and take direction, but he was also somehow going to judge whether she had acting talent. Michaela was incredibly nervous. (So was I, what if she didn’t like him?) Daniel and his calm demeanor confidently orchestrated this first meeting.
Michaela played on the playground equipment and Daniel started giving her direction and shooting pictures. She seemed to be opening up and relaxing but only later when I saw the pictures did I realize how they had connected. The pictures turned out beautiful and showed that she had the spark Daniel was looking for.God, The Infinite Provider, gave us a beautiful day to play. We wandered down to the tide pools. This is where Mary and I stayed back and watched Daniel and Michaela explore the beach and the rocky shore. The tide was perfect, out just enough to check out all kinds of creatures.
As we watched in a distance, we saw Daniel pointing out what seemed to be some pretty interesting creatures. Soon Michaela reached out and touched Daniel’s shoulder. Mary and I looked at each other and knew immediately Michaela was beginning to trust Daniel.
They came back toting findings from their explorations. One was a fossil of a fish in a rock and the other was a small rock with deposits of black sparkles. (Of course Daniel knew exactly what kind of rock it was – so intelligent!).
Michaela and I still have the small one with black sparkles. During production when things got difficult I would rub that rock and gain peace from the Infinite, who of coarse is directly connected to Mother Nature. That rock was my piece of earth that brought me back to the purpose of this project.
I have to admit, at this time I had no idea what the Infinite’s purpose was, it was kind of a subdued notion.
When Michaela and I got home we talked more about the project. She really liked Daniel and we assured her that this was going to be fun and we would teach her little by little what to do.
My first concern was that Michaela wouldn't have fun and would be pressured. What do you suppose happened after that? Yep I became the stage mom… I started getting her to read her lines, I tried to get her ready for what might be an opportunity of a life time. I contributed to the pressure I didn’t want her to experience. Well that came to an abrupt halt!
She was so excited (I knew she was scared too) she began telling her friends about her new adventure... What a nightmare that turned out to be! Some of her friends were happy for her, but some were doubtful.
One instance in particular I can remember is when she told one of her best friends. This friend had an Uncle that was “in the business”, who knew everything about casting.
He explained to her about auditions, second calls and the competition. She assured him that none of that took place. She told him about her meeting Daniel. This Uncle could not, would not believe that a Director/Producer of a film would just pick one of his lead actors from a casual meeting without auditioning any other candidates.
Michaela was crushed. I was, well let’s just say the mother Lion in me was awakened. I didn’t want anyone thinking my daughter didn't know what she was talking about.
Michaela and I directed the Uncle to the Neptune Cowboy’s website and he soon became a believer. But that didn’t stop him from giving her industry advice.
Advice and comments came from everywhere! Mostly negative… "Michaela has never acted before", "you won’t have the time", "where are you going to shoot?", "how are you getting there?", "who’s paying you?", "what do you get out of this?"," when will it be completed?", "what’s the story line?", "you’re wasting your time"- on an on it went!
Michaela and I were challenged from the beginning! I knew I had to get this whole thing into perspective… FAST!
Okay, my daughter and I have been asked to be a part of Neptune Cowboy, an Independent Film project. Now what? Neither one of us has done anything like this before. Do I try to fit in? No… I knew we were involved for a reason and we needed to just be us.This is when I really, really took notice to the similarities of the film’s story line and my past. I told Michaela and Daniel that this film was a way for all the mistakes of my past to be used for some good. My personal experiences will help direct some difficult scenes. My lessons were not in vain. This is huge. (We’ll visit this again… I promise.)
I removed all the “expectations” from the project and decided to take it literally one day at a time and then one shoot at a time.
Now a word to the Cast and Crew of Neptune Cowboy. As I continue to recall my experiences I may, at one time or another, say something you disagree with. If this is the case I welcome your comments and perspective!
This blog is simply a writing of my personal experiences from my perspective as I recall them. I do want to thank you in advance for your interest and participation.
Until next time…
