Location Scouting

Since the script is in good shape, I decided to start actually going out to some locations I had in mind to use for the shoot.

First I went to Whitney Pocket, NV.

Second I went to the Red Cliffs Reserve just off I-15 near Washington, UT. But it was so far from the road to get to the red rocks.

Third I went to Red Cliffs Reserve just North of Leeds, UT. Again it was far from the road, but I was told later that you can get close to them.

Fourth I went to Cove Wash in Santa Clara, UT.

I really liked the Whitney Pocket and Cove Wash for my two locations. I could see either one in my film. I also think that I can make a few small trips to

Goblin Valley near Moab, UT.

and Mesa Arch near Moab, UT has an amazing canyon below it that looks alien.

Another location near Hurricane, UT, revealed amazing possibilities for shooting. I believe I can use this location for the entire story and get pick ups at various other places as needed. Very similar to Whitney Pocket, but a lot closer to home, and a lot more options for shots.

These stills are from 1 square mile location, but the options were uncountable for locations to get the shots I would need. Very convincing for an alien red planet.

Trying to finish Pre-Production

I've gone back and forth, time and time again. But I think I finally have a good idea of what I need to do to finish up the screen play for my shoot.

I've gotten ideas from many people and settled on one thing. M.A.C.U. isn't a rover, it isn't even M.A.C.U. anymore. I've decided to go with C.E.R.A. and it isn't a machine, but an implant that Commander Brax wears on his head/face somewhere. Probably around his eye or the side of his face near the eye.

C.E.R.A. stands for Cerebral Enhancement and Retinal Apparatus and is pronounced Sara.

To make this effect on a face, I've thought about using a clear adhesive sticker with a circuit design on it. Using something like this:



But I'm not sure how that will work on skin. So I'm thinking about making an actual prosthetic to glue onto my actor with working LED lights, etc. Maybe something the actor wears, like a headphone band over the head, but with the prosthetic the only thing we see. I have to come up with a great concept.

UPDATE:
The script is now finished and a concept is underway.

Costumes

I started searching out the costumes for Brax earlier this year, and I still like the style I found online. But I think a jacket and overalls would be fun.

Commander Hudson Brax Uniform:

Since C.E.R.A. is a new character replacing M.A.C.U., then I needed a costume for her. I like a tight suit with some red lines on it.

C.E.R.A. Uniform:

In one scene, C.E.R.A. is in a dream with Commander Brax and needs a nightgown, hence this entry. Something classic would be nice, but the simple short one is also a good choice.

C.E.R.A. Nightgown:

Moving Forward...

Starting to talk to people about putting together my capstone. I've asked a few people with help getting the ball rolling on this and I hope its not as hard as I'm afraid its going to be.

I'm excited about it, I feel like the story is solid and I just need actors to pull it off. A lot has changed since the casting call went out in the Spring and I had some actors read a few pages, so I'm not sure who will fill those shoes now.

I hope to get the ball rolling and have the shoot done by October or November of this year.

M.A.C.U. is now C.E.R.A. and the trials of rewrites

I've been working on my script for what seems like forever. Its been there and back again in so many words.

On revision 6 and I think I finally have a solid foundation and story to work with. I'm touching up some lose ends now and hopeful that this will be the final version I end up shooting.