Great Work. Keep Your Focus
By Tony Vallone story, screenplay, associate producer
My first thought is directed at the cast and crew of this energetic endeavor. They have truly come together over the least few weeks to turn out amazingly artistic shots, that will add up to highly creative scenes, that will be edited together into an excellent and entertaining motion picture. My hat is off to each and every one of them.
For the novices, this film was their own coming of age experience. For the veterans, it was a great way to remember how personal and passionate a film performance is. We shot this movie in the heart of Silicon Valley, and even though so much technology will be used to ultimately bring it to the screen, there are some valuable principles to remember: Film making has its own "circle of life". The audience is human. The story needs to touch their hearts. The performances need to stir emotion. The reactions create buzz. The word of mouth drives more humans to the box office. The revenue will help create the next great film. True artists and filmmakers are in it for the continuity of this experience.
Daniel and Brad, as founders of Anchange, set forth to appeal to audiences in a very sincere way. Each of their projects leading up to Palo Alto has been about the story and the art of telling it. Joined on Palo Alto by Steve and Tony, the team has matured to become a bona fide independent film production company. As they recruited students and professionals to share in the experience of making this film, Anchange has never strayed from its roots. Those who needed mentoring readily found it on set, and those in a position to mentor readily gave of their knowledge and experience. As the cast began to take shape, it became clear that all who signed on shared the thrill of the mission. One by one, as their roles in the film wrapped, they expressed honest appreciation for having been a part of this earnest adventure.
My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who have contributed of their time, ability, talent, craft and funding. To our investors, a very special thanks for making it all possible. To the crew, we hope that the long nights, and weeks away from home will translate into successful careers ahead of you. To the cast, what can we say? You have absolutely put your faith in us to carry your outstanding performance to the awaiting audience. We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver the rewards you have earned and deserve. To our friends at Lionsgate Entertainment, thanks for your ever present helping hand. To Daniel, Brad, Steve and Tony - I am very proud of you. Your combination of business acumen and creativity will serve you and all your films well.
Early in the production process, I gave Daniel a metaphor for the focus we would need to make this picture. "It is like walking a tightrope", I told him. "You must never lose sight of the rope. Never allow yourself to be thrown off balance. I promise you, Daniel, there is a platform at the end of this rope. Your job is to get us there." He and Steve have done an amazing job of managing the business aspects of this production. Whenever we had a moment of euphoria over incremental success, we would quickly remind ourselves - "back to the rope". As we enter post production, this will continue to be the mantra.
I wish continued good luck to our golden team of cast and crew. Aaron, Johnny, Justin, Autumn, Ben and Tom. Thanks. And thanks again. To the growing audience that has found us here, and to those who still await discovering Anchange's work - we truly appreciate your support.
The producer of filmdom's greatest franchise once took me to sit in the back of a small theatre in a small town to gauge the response to his work. The pleasure he had from hearing the reaction of a random audience far surpassed the roar of a crowd along the red carpet on opening night. That exemplifies honest passion for this business. The producer is Rick McCallum. His trilogy of work at Lucasfilm includes Episodes I, II and III of Star Wars. A few weeks ago, I carried several rough cuts of Palo Alto to Rick at his summer hideaway in Europe. As we watched them together, I could see the swell of pride combine with awe at the work of this talented young team. Rick's entry follows mine. I can tell you that he meant every word of his praise - expletives included ;) PLE
My first thought is directed at the cast and crew of this energetic endeavor. They have truly come together over the least few weeks to turn out amazingly artistic shots, that will add up to highly creative scenes, that will be edited together into an excellent and entertaining motion picture. My hat is off to each and every one of them.
For the novices, this film was their own coming of age experience. For the veterans, it was a great way to remember how personal and passionate a film performance is. We shot this movie in the heart of Silicon Valley, and even though so much technology will be used to ultimately bring it to the screen, there are some valuable principles to remember: Film making has its own "circle of life". The audience is human. The story needs to touch their hearts. The performances need to stir emotion. The reactions create buzz. The word of mouth drives more humans to the box office. The revenue will help create the next great film. True artists and filmmakers are in it for the continuity of this experience.
Daniel and Brad, as founders of Anchange, set forth to appeal to audiences in a very sincere way. Each of their projects leading up to Palo Alto has been about the story and the art of telling it. Joined on Palo Alto by Steve and Tony, the team has matured to become a bona fide independent film production company. As they recruited students and professionals to share in the experience of making this film, Anchange has never strayed from its roots. Those who needed mentoring readily found it on set, and those in a position to mentor readily gave of their knowledge and experience. As the cast began to take shape, it became clear that all who signed on shared the thrill of the mission. One by one, as their roles in the film wrapped, they expressed honest appreciation for having been a part of this earnest adventure.
My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who have contributed of their time, ability, talent, craft and funding. To our investors, a very special thanks for making it all possible. To the crew, we hope that the long nights, and weeks away from home will translate into successful careers ahead of you. To the cast, what can we say? You have absolutely put your faith in us to carry your outstanding performance to the awaiting audience. We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver the rewards you have earned and deserve. To our friends at Lionsgate Entertainment, thanks for your ever present helping hand. To Daniel, Brad, Steve and Tony - I am very proud of you. Your combination of business acumen and creativity will serve you and all your films well.
Early in the production process, I gave Daniel a metaphor for the focus we would need to make this picture. "It is like walking a tightrope", I told him. "You must never lose sight of the rope. Never allow yourself to be thrown off balance. I promise you, Daniel, there is a platform at the end of this rope. Your job is to get us there." He and Steve have done an amazing job of managing the business aspects of this production. Whenever we had a moment of euphoria over incremental success, we would quickly remind ourselves - "back to the rope". As we enter post production, this will continue to be the mantra.
I wish continued good luck to our golden team of cast and crew. Aaron, Johnny, Justin, Autumn, Ben and Tom. Thanks. And thanks again. To the growing audience that has found us here, and to those who still await discovering Anchange's work - we truly appreciate your support.
The producer of filmdom's greatest franchise once took me to sit in the back of a small theatre in a small town to gauge the response to his work. The pleasure he had from hearing the reaction of a random audience far surpassed the roar of a crowd along the red carpet on opening night. That exemplifies honest passion for this business. The producer is Rick McCallum. His trilogy of work at Lucasfilm includes Episodes I, II and III of Star Wars. A few weeks ago, I carried several rough cuts of Palo Alto to Rick at his summer hideaway in Europe. As we watched them together, I could see the swell of pride combine with awe at the work of this talented young team. Rick's entry follows mine. I can tell you that he meant every word of his praise - expletives included ;) PLE
Labels: Post-Production
posted by Tony Vallone at
12:09 PM
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