Location Previews

We took Andrew to a few of the locations where we'll be shooting. The first stop was the Sukanen Museum where we'll be shooting the general store scene, the Finnish boss scene, the wedding scene, the threshing demo scene, two bedtime story scenes, the pig slaughter scene, the post-threshing party as well as scenes with Tom Sukanen's actual boat and grave in it.

"I thought this movie was about a ship?"

Dauminique had picked up Don and were already busy cleaning up the general store exhibit. Apparently some stray cats had gotten in the building and made a bit of a stinky mess. Besides, the interior was pretty dusty, and we needed the general store to look as if it was still in business.

Don Wood as Mr. Clean

After checking out all of the sets at the Museum, we headed back to Regina and drove a few miles south to Estlin, where we're going to have a couple outdoor shots on a dirt road.

What this place needs is a Starbuck's.

We scoped out the different spots and strategized about camera angles to minimize seeing power lines and farms in the background and found exactly where we'll be staging these scenes.

Who needs a crane when you've got a 6'-9" DP and a Subaru?

"Where'd we park the car?"

After Estlin we headed back to the university for our first production meeting with the entire crew. Besides C and me and Andrew and Dauminique and Kevin, there was Kristine who's Kevin and Dauminique's daughter and also the art director on the film. Don was there along with Trevor who will be in charge of sound, and Jackie who will help out on set as a PA (production assistant) and continuity/script person.

Do these guys look like a film crew or what?

One of the things everyone got to do was see all the cool props C and Kristine had been working on for the past few weeks. Everything was being stored in C's studio, including all the light kits, sandbags and craft service snacks, etc.

"I must give you props on your props."

We wrapped up the meeting by heading out to the parking lot and checking out Jackie's trailer. Her in-laws graciously allowed us to borrow it a few days to transport all our equipment to the different locations. Sweet.

Kevin approves.

After that it was time to head home and get some rest. The shoot starts tomorrow, something C's been dreaming about and planning for years, and the main reason we came to Regina. After everything we've been through the past couple of years, it's hard to believe it's finally here.

But before hitting the sack, we had to do a couple shots of tequila and shred a few rounds of Guitar Hero. Excellent!

If you squint your eyes, Andrew kind'a looks like Ozzy.

Now go get some sleep! Principle photography starts tomorrow! Woo-hoooo!

Until next time... adventure!

R-