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July 22, 2008
AFS Narratives In Progress: St. Nick
Last night, we put St. Nick on the big screen and in front of a filled-to-capacity audience for the first time. It was a test screening set up by the Austin Film Society and their Narratives In Progress program. I'd watched the film at the luxurious Austin Studios screening room a few nights earlier, with Bryan Poyser (who programmed and moderated the event), so I knew it would look and sound great. What I didn't anticipate was the response - which, critical though it was at times, left me feeling giddy and elevated. Everyone got the movie, and many of them seemed really passionate about it. I can't tell you how thrilling it was to sit in the back of the theater for an hour and listen to a crowd of strangers vigorously debate my movie. I'd been told it would be scary, but it was nothing short of invigorating.
I picked the right point in the editorial process to show it, too. The cut that we showed was 87 minutes, and had no sound mix or score. I think it'll end up being a little shorter by maybe a minute or two, and of course once the sound is done it'll really take thing up a notch or two. But to get the sort of response that we got last night - well, shucks. It let me know that I'm on the right track.
A big thanks to Bryan and AFS for helping coordinate the first of what will hopefully, eventually, be many great screenings. And to any other Texas filmmakers - do consider having a screening with AFS. It's well worth your while.
Although I had no part in choosing the audience that AFS recruited, there were a few familiar faces present to see their work on the big screen. Texas-expat Adam Donaghey flew in to Austin for the weekend to oversee the screening, and of course James and Amy was there too, along with Clay (cinematographer) and Toby (2nd AD and actor) and Marc (caterer, and whose son Aven completely steals the scene he's in) and Martin (audio recording). Frank Ross was also in from Chicago - I was really glad he had the chance to see it. He gave me the best compliment ever as I was driving home afterwards, the kind that's so good that I feel like keeping it to myself. We all went out and drank margaritas 'til the witching hour, at which point Toby and I decided it would be a good idea to go get some writing done on a project we're working on. And it was a good idea. Then we got up at 7 AM to go swimming in Barton Springs. I was feeling super productive until I took a nap, circa three hours ago.
Tomorrow: Monte Hellman double feature at the Alamo. Amazing but true.
Posted by David Lowery at July 22, 2008 2:41 PM
Comments
Pleasure was all mine, pally.
Love the pic!
Posted by: Bryan P at July 22, 2008 4:03 PM
Man, it really turned out great. I feel the new cut is just the right length. Long enough to convey the proper feelings, but short enough to keep you on the hook. Nicely done. I'm so glad I got to see it with an intelligent audience. Thanks for having me.
Posted by: Clay Liford at July 22, 2008 4:38 PM
awesome. this is quickly becoming the most anticipated film of the year for me
Posted by: lucas mcnelly at July 22, 2008 8:47 PM
I cannot wait to see what you've put together! The new poster is gorgeous, btw.
Posted by: Laura at July 23, 2008 11:12 AM
Congrats on the screening! I will join the chorus and say that I can't wait to see it.
- ML
tooearlytoolate.wordpress.com
Posted by: Michael Lieberman at July 23, 2008 4:17 PM