wiLd NigHt WitH tHe FiLm cReW iN AuCkLaNd @ oNe tO oNe

Yesterday morning it was raining cats and dogs in Auckland.  Just when you thought the rain would ease up, it would come down harder.

We had a long day of filming scheduled, ten pages of script.  Our film shoot was at the Auckland Zoo in the rain, but luckily we got the filming done just before it started coming down really heavy.

The weather cleared in the late afternoon and Shiloh paused for a moment, expressing his love for the pink clouds and the lovely view from his peaceful balcony.  I really do enjoy staying at this apartment and am happy to be back.  This was just before we had our 5 PM call time at a bar, One to One.

Last night was a little bit out of control at One to One.  At times I feel that I should kick myself off the film set as I start the party in the middle of the production.

I guess I think work is play and play is work, but this crew is really working hard on making a great film and they do take what they do very seriously.  They have to because they want to make a great film.  I can’t wait to see the film.

I don’t necessarily think Auckland is a raging town, but this rowdy group of artists working on this film project always knows how to come together and mercilessly lampoon one another.  After we finished filming, the drinks started flowing.

Well, for me they started flowing a lot sooner then the rest.  Maybe I was a bit off my rocker last night.  Sorry everybody. I was just happy to see you that’s all.

I returned to Auckland to see every single one of you full of enthusiasm and in good spirits as always.  All the dirty sailors on my grumpy ships could learn a lot from the camaraderie of this crew.

I think I might have perfectly timed my return to Auckland from my travels as I was just in time for another scene at a bar.  When this independent film shoots scenes at a bar, it usually gets out of control late and bar tabs go wild.  Graham was there in true form, singing all night long.

I have some video of Graham playing guitar at night that I might post if there are requests, but you might just have to wait until you see it in the film.  Or maybe you can catch him many days of the week at his haunts in Auckland.  He just shows up and plays without promoting a certain night. The business side takes away from the heart of it unless it carries the fire along without the energy burning out the flame.

The crew really wouldn’t be as fun without the witty and very lovely, energetic Keisha Castle-Hughes.  Her great personality has really made this film special for everyone to work on and we are always reminded of what an amazing talent she is when we see her perform.

When I push this unruly cast around in my drunken state, I really must have forgotten that they are talented movie stars.  But someone has to show these glamorous Kiwis how to have a good time right?   C’mon boys and girls, lets get diggity down and have a goodtime. For all you verbal prudes there, may I define diggity from the urban dictionary.

diggity

1. No diggity = no doubt, for sure

2. Bomb diggity = great, awesome, the best, etc

1. “I like the way you work it.  No diggity!  I got to bag it up.”

2. “Hey, did you get that new album yet?  It’s the bomb diggity!”

CLICK ON THIS LINK to purchase the real bomb diggity album.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/404493872/sweeney-record-artbook-tour

I have to give credit when credit is due.  Thanks for taking some photos last night Shiloh.  Sometimes I just want to have a good time and I like looking at another person’s perspective through the lense.  It is not just the lense that makes the difference in good photography, it is the eye of the beholder and the relationship with the subject.  I love photographing people, but you can’t just go around shooting strangers on the street, right?  No better way to get it done then with friends that you know who can put up with an annoying flash.  But in your case in the following photograph, a very willing and wonderful stranger.

I want to see some shaking booty and drinks flying.  Graham is a newcomer to the game, but his talent is not underestimated nor undervalued.

He is adjusting quickly to his movie star status and already attempting to send me off like a little errand boy – a foul attempt at that!  Sorry, Graham, I’m not on this film really working.  Life is just play for me just like you buddy, but I get to play a little harder because Shiloh deposits $5,000 in my account ever week.  Thanks, Shiloh!

Graham is like a wild horse running free on the range that will never be saddled.  I guess we will just have to live with your wild and carefree ways, Graham, but at least we get to witness this in person.  Graham was jamming on his guitar outside in the courtyard with fellow musicians, and there were musicians rotating inside the bar on the small stage.  Graham usually ends up stirring up the crowd, singing on a table with his friend’s wrapped around him.  I played a few impromptu songs alongside Graham. They filmed Graham performing at the bar and a few scenes with Shiloh and Keisha.

The production of this independent film is coming to an end this week and we are already losing our valued producer, Colin, this Thursday. His flight back to Los Angeles will be the start of some sad goodbyes that will quickly disassemble this union of new friends.

We will probably laugh at each other and say that we have had enough of it anyway, but the truth is that this production will be a great memory for all of us.  What satisfaction does an artist get from creating something?  Is it experiencing the creation or observing the final product and it’s journey to an audience?  I think it is both and thats why I take time to pause and reflect on each special day we have had together in Auckland.  This crew is a crazy bunch of artists that has become sort a family in a short time.  I’m gonna miss every single one of you guys, but I’m sure not gonna miss the bar tabs. Anybody got any Aspirin?  I need to get the hell out of this town.  Nice shot, Scott!

THE END