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March 30, 2009
Three Hundred!
We somehow managed to sell out both of our AFI Dallas screenings, including the one this morning, which was in the biggest auditorium at the Magnolia theater. 300 people, skipping church to come see my movie! Amazing. Despite the turnout, I was a bit on edge - partially because we'd had technical difficulties during the previous screening, including a deficit of surround sound, which this time was remedied to an egregious amount (I think this morning's audience suffered permanent cochlear trauma during the birthday party scene); and also because, admittedly through my own devices, I'd turned the screening into something like a scene from 8 1/2. I was delighted and terrified. It made my head spin a bit. And there was other strangeness afoot, too, things I couldn't quite put my finger on. Something in the air. I didn't know quite what to say during the Q&A. Afterwards, I had to retire for a bit and listen to Joanna Newsom and not think for a while.
I have to say that, technical difficulties aside, this festival has done an amazing job getting the word out about the films. As I mentioned before, I shamefully neglected to send them any press screeners, and yet somehow the press is seeing the film, and writing about. I've done a good job thus far about not bothering with reviews (I read every single one of them, of course, and am content to leave it at that), but I have to admit that I kinda hope I can track down the copy of yesterday's Dallas Morning News that, I've been told, featured a front page story about St. Nick in the Entertainment section. I grew up reading the movie reviews in that paper. I'm nostalgic.
Also, it was a true joy to have the chance to take my young actors on the red carpet. As we made our way past all the flashbulbs, we ran into Jess Weixler, who I hadn't realized was coming to town. She saw an early cut of St. Nick, and so of course recognized the kids and was able to give Savana some tips on courting the press. Which, indeed, she did. She loved it, and they loved her, and it was a wonderful thing to watch.
Posted by David Lowery at March 30, 2009 3:53 AM
Comments
I loves that your blog entry shares the same title as Tucker's personal inspirational movie of choice (with regards to his character work in St. Nick).
Posted by: Clay Liford at March 30, 2009 10:58 PM
I loves that your blog entry shares the same title as Tucker's personal inspirational movie of choice (with regards to his character work in St. Nick).
Posted by: Clay Liford at March 30, 2009 10:58 PM
Not only did I post twice, but I also apparently wrote in ebonics.
Posted by: Clay Liford at March 30, 2009 11:00 PM
Oh yeah, you're right! Someday someone can write a critical paper about all the allusions his performance contains....
Posted by: David Lowery at March 31, 2009 11:39 AM
Way to go! And congrats on the prize to boot!
Posted by: R at April 3, 2009 7:03 PM