Hey, this is Ashley! Michael! Karitis! I’ve just arrived to Dallas, Texas for the filming of our feature documentary, Life’s Waltz, but allow me to back up a bit with how I got here…
In the spring of 2008, Jared and I completed this short documentary on senior living in retirement communities. Since we had such a positive experience and since we still have a lot of passion for the subject matter, we decided over the phone to expand the project into a feature length film. Our first “feature” film—it’s very exciting and very empowering!
As we’ve been gearing up for this film, it’s been interesting to observe my other friends and their post-graduate lifestyles, too. We all graduated with the same film degree from USC back in May 2008, but many of these friends and I have taken very different paths in pursing this medium and the entertainment industry at large. So far, the path that Jared and I have taken to pursue this project seems to be more atypical that others, though each side has pros and cons.
Like any independent film project, Life’s Waltz has its own set of risks. We have no guarantees for distribution or a salary, but our job description excludes the menial responsibilities Hollywood has to offer us recent grads and there is an immense amount of potential for Jared and me to grow as individuals and as filmmakers (technically, emotionally, creatively, collaboratively, etc.). “Real jobs” are supposed to be more financially stable and provide networking opportunities or promotions; but starting out as an assistant or a PA can consume you and often it’s difficult to envision how your 12-hour days, dedicated to a boss that throws a stapler at your head when you don’t roll calls in ~9 seconds, can help you move forward toward your professional goals. For me, this industry we are all getting ourselves into remains very fascinating, exciting, and a bit frightening too.
But, I digress.
As Jared has mentioned, I have had a very strict condition that I would not travel to Dallas until the equipment was purchased and we had equipment with which to film.
“I ain’t goin’ nowhere ‘til you git that came-rah!”
Until that condition was fulfilled, I did whatever producing I could to move the project forward as if the film might take place in Oregon. I helped in drafting our original proposal for the communities; compiled a grant proposal; visited some retirement communities in the neighborhood; researched local businesses in my hometown of Bend and in Dallas that might serve as sponsors; and approached contacts in the documentary industry to seek out advice on everything from equipment to distribution. The ultimate goal was for the project to take place in Dallas; but my job was organize enough of a set-up in Oregon so that if our situation in Dallas fell through, that we would have an equally strong contender to keep the project going.
My days in Oregon were a mixture of pre-production work for Life’s Waltz and at least one outdoor indulgence per day. Fortunately, this year’s autumn was particularly wonderful. The bike trails, damp and littered with fallen maple leaves and larch needles, were irresistible; the weather was perfect for a horseback ride among the manzanita on a crisp afternoon; and the lack of snow made it possible to fit in one last hike in the Cascades.
“I’m gonna write this part of the proposal up, research two more companies, and then go horse-riding for four hours! Woooo!”
But, I am totally biased and am in love with Oregon.
Simultaneously, Jared was a rock star in staying informed on the latest technologies and highest quality, most cost effective products we would use for picture and sound. Let’s hear a round of applause! But, continually finding newer, albeit better, equipment still resulted in a later starting date for our first day of filming. As I reflect on this moment in pre-production, we were certainly itching to get filming! Since this project is constantly seeking out active seniors, I recall Jared suggesting,
“We could just go to a skydiving company and ask them if they have anyone 65+ who skydives and tag along with those extreme seniors.”
“Or bullriders, or snowboarders. Wow, that could be crazy,” I replied.
But, as it turns out…
Jared and I are very diligent, persistent individuals. And finally, this persistence began to pay off everything began to come together: we were able to garner the trust and approval of those in charge at Jared’s grandmother’s retirement community, Town Village North; we also secured additional communities for filming; formed Life’s Waltz Productions, LLC; purchased state-of-the-art equipment; we’ve finalized a starting day for shooting; and lastly, I’m now living in TEXAS! One day I’m a passenger atop a galloping horse down a dusty, forested trail in Oregon, and now about to co-direct a documentary about a group of people who I have a lot of respect for and feel are underrepresented in mainstream media.
I’m here. In Dallas, Texas. The equipment arrived. Our subjects are ready. We’ve scheduled interviews. The blog is up. The YouTube Channel active. No lights, lots of camera, and we’ve yet to see what action will unfold…thanks for reading and I hope you continue to follow this adventure!
