The Baby Cries - Directing the Rehearsal

(from left Mario J. Novoa, DP Dan Cotreau and Actor Miriam Peniche. Photo by Sacha Barry) 

Learning from previous experiences and allowing enough prep time, I wanted to really pursue the art of cinema from a different vantage point. My primary goals were to allow the actors the space to explore the location we would be shooting in. This would allow the actors to see how best to use and take ownership of their domain. My other goal was to understand how best to use the camera in that same space. I've learned from master filmmakers that allowing yourself to explore the film frame and the performance, will give you the opportunity to shoot what you envisioned. Taking the time for several runs, we began to feel a rhythm for the action within the space. I was able to see all the opportunities.

Another opportunity for rehearsal is between set-ups. Under a gun ("budget and time"), you'll find ways to be creative. 

PRE-PRODUCTION | Table Reading for The Baby Cries

A talented cast and crew embarked on a table reading for The Baby Cries. The Baby Cries is a short film comedy based on a stage play I wrote for CASA 0101's The Brown and Out Theater Festival this year. It is a story of a gay couple raising their newborn daughter and the chaos that ensues when the traditional Catholic Salvadoran grandparents show up. The talented Cast includes: Martin Morales, Miriam Peniche, Matt Pascua and MJ Silva.

As the writer/producer/director of the film, it is a proud moment to see the "baby" come alive. The play version generated a lot interest and praise from the audience, and it was great to hear how well people connected to the story. Time and time again people would tell me how they identified with each character - people from all walks of life: gay, straight, male and female. When writing the piece, there was a part of me that wanted the characters to be identifiable with anyone and people did indeed connect to the story of family, tradition and the insecurities of raising a family.

At the table read we discussed story, character motivation, speech and dialogue. The cast is invested in portraying their character with a finite sense of honesty, and as a director I could't be happier. Martin, Miriam, Matt and MJ came into the reading wanting to know more and how best to emote for camera. When you have a cast engaged in the process you realize how deep their own motivations are as actors. How could a director not love working with actors?

In the next few weeks we'll undertake on make up and camera tests that will lead us to our day of production. For now, the actors will have to prepare for their roles for the camera, awaiting the day "action" is called.