Something about Master Assembly April 25 is working despite the long silent pauses, place-marker title cards, and voice-overs on black. I may need a break from the project. It’s been forty-five official days since we started editing. There’s also been quite a number of unofficial days. Steam has run out for the moment. I’m not sure what to do now. I’m not sure how to write the update.

Up against the wall, in more ways than one, today. April 30th is self-imposed deadline for the rough cut of Birthmark. Our best efforts have resulted in a ninety-minute “assembly” that is in too-rough-of-a-shape to screen for a group tonight. I think I would rather have one-on-one screenings with just the right people that could help by seeing the film with new eyes.

After watching the assembly last night, I made a list of over forty things I want to add but first, we need to re-assess the schedule and the plan. A plan will help. I’m listening to an audiobook on making plans called Planning to Win (How One Minute Can Save You Seven) by John Chen. He lists some ideas to help.

He says, “Check the written rules and the unwritten rules of your project, your company, or your game.” This suggestion gives me pause to consider if I’m assuming what we can or cannot do. If there are written rules, it might be time to re-read them.

I’m reminded that the OAC had agreed to award the grant based on a proposal for a thirty minute film. (This is similar to the grant I received from The Canada Council for Trying to Be Some Kind of Hero. I ended up delivering a 37 minute film.) I wonder if it’s entirely possible to chop, chop, chop it all off. The rest I can release as bonus material. Maybe.

Having supporters to be accountable to will help me reach certain milestones. My schedule in May will have to accommodate two online courses I’ll be starting to take. We’ll be re-mounting Circus Stellar next week. Life moves on.

Some ideas to move forward: make a “trailer” and attract an investor willing to back the project and make it the best it can be. Or maybe I can just show an investor the ninety minute version or this fun sneak peek test clip.

Cross off the items on my list. Take some more time. I will check in again soon. If we can pull it off, I’m starting to have an idea of having a birthday party / rough cut screening…

Stay tuned! Much love, Lester