the WATERING hole (2011) · Short Film

3.1.1 Power Outage Snow Storm

On Friday, February 18, 2011 2:00 AM, Gerald woke up to battery backups beeping due to the power going out because of the heavy snow. He could not get back to sleep and remembered Rob Tillitz mentioned that his bar was available for us for a film. Gerald could not stop thinking about what the story and theme would be. He got out of bed, again, and went into the living room and grabbed a battery powered camping light, turned it on, grabbed a stack of scratch paper, a few pencils, a clipboard, and sat on the couch. The sound of the wind blowing, the snow swirling, and the trees swaying put a weird mood on the morning. “What would happen in a bar? ”

Eight pages were written before it became light outside. Gerald thought the story was weird — even to him. The story was names UntitleSoFar, yet he knew he wanted a weird, surreal, supernatural, double-meaning title, such as Liquid Lullaby or Oxygen and Hydrogen. Before Gerald moved forward with the bar theme, he sent the first draft to Rob Tillitz, since it would be his bar they used for the film, he wanted to see if Rob liked it enough to move forward.

3:49:24 PM Gerald: when I was a woken by my battery back ups this morning I wrote a screenplay for pcs. Another one. And wondered if you had time to read it, ten pages that's all easy read.
3:51:27 PM Rob Tillitz: Okay, printing it now. I'll make some notes if you want.
3:51:31 PM Gerald: i wrote your character with you in mind, challenging your comfort zone.
3:52:45 PM Rob Tillitz: I have sung, danced, played guitar, and auditioning for a part in the nude next week...I don't have a comfort zone.
3:52:59 PM Gerald: Dang. should have thought of that on this.
3:53:58 PM Gerald: No title as of yet, first writing of it, all in about 5 hours, and still working on a crazy ending.
3:54:15 PM Gerald: Maybe you want part writing credit if you get some ideas?^2
3:57:01 PM Gerald: I was thinking of your bar.
4:05:52 PM Rob Tillitz: I was wondering what was going on the entire time, which is good as it was a riddle that needed solving. However, I don't feel it was solved. Will have to ponder it for awhile as I assume that's what you mean by still working on the crazy ending.
4:06:13 PM Gerald: yup!!!!
4:06:29 PM Gerald: it has to do with the glass of water.
4:06:39 PM Rob Tillitz: Also, Is there a way we can use this line: "In a neighborhood so rough the locals are said to be seen driving around in stolen police cars."
4:06:59 PM Gerald: I think these are people in a welcoming committee.
4:08:01 PM Gerald: Maybe these are people who have already drowned in the lake, levy, river.
4:08:19 PM Rob Tillitz: It's got potential, but needs more continuity as well as irony...plus an answer.
4:08:21 PM Gerald: Or it is just some evil twilight zone episode.
4:08:55 PM Gerald: Been looking all over about water trying to find a title.
4:09:26 PM Gerald: Some play on words.
4:09:44 PM Gerald: Some mythology about water.
4:10:04 PM Gerald: maybe this guy jason has done something bad and he's paying for it?
4:10:19 PM Gerald: Maybe gets away? Maybe there are guys up top that grab him and toss him back in?
4:16:26 PM Rob Tillitz: ^6Okay, here is thought #2 (#1 is there must be an answer to the riddle): The Cedar Room is small, and all scary movies work best when it's a confined space. The confines ratchet up the action, thus we must create a threat — use the small indoor space to full advantage. And that will let you get creepy with your camera angles, twisting and turning the shots from high and low and cocked.
4:17:17 PM Gerald: oh yeah, and close ups, especially with your character and the bartender.
4:21:01 PM Rob Tillitz: And the water....I'm not sold on the clear water, cloudy water, water out of the lungs...don't quite get how it propels the story.
4:21:43 PM Gerald: He is drowning.
4:21:59 PM Gerald: And they are trying to keep him drowning.
4:22:10 PM Gerald: They are bad water nymphs. evil.
4:22:40 PM Gerald: Could be satin's workers, the bartender or Rob could be satin
4:22:50 PM Rob Tillitz: I must reread it.
4:23:20 PM Gerald: He's going through a series of drowning stages and it all takes place in a matter of seconds.
4:23:39 PM Gerald: They make the river water look clear so he drinks more.
4:24:01 PM Rob Tillitz: But why are they in a bar?
4:24:10 PM Rob Tillitz: No one drinks water in a bar.
4:24:19 PM Gerald: because I want to use your bar.
4:24:26 PM Gerald: I know, that's another part of the weirdness.
4:24:44 PM Gerald: That I need to explain, was going to have Jason ask why water and not a beer.
4:24:54 PM Gerald: But he was also drunk.
4:25:06 PM Gerald: Why he drove into the levy or river in the first place.
4:25:24 PM Rob Tillitz: I got that, but since we have this prop for free and unfettered, shouldn't it function as a bar?
4:25:26 PM Gerald: He crashed his car into the water and is drowning and this is what is happening to him.
4:26:15 PM Rob Tillitz: Ok, need to reread it. I sped through.
4:26:17 PM Gerald: Was going to call it water bar.
4:26:25 PM Gerald: but dumb.
4:27:34 PM Gerald: and do not feel limited on stating things as this was he very first draft I did in long hand and just typed it out this morning.
4:27:47 PM Gerald: I did it between 12 and 4 this morning.
4:28:08 PM Gerald: I have a warped mind to do something like that so early in the morning.
4:28:24 PM Rob Tillitz: I'll be honest and not spare your feelings.
4:28:31 PM Gerald: good.
4:29:20 PM Rob Tillitz: I've always said writing is about 98% editing. This is a start, a workable start.
4:33:06 PM Rob Tillitz: Ok, I must go to the Water Bar. Will look this over again later.

On Saturday, February 19, 2011, Gerald spent hours looking up water mythology, water this, water meanings in cultures, and so forth. Death, drowning, trying to connect something to it. Gerald knows it will come to him when we least expects it. Gerald started with a SHUTTER ISLAND type of story that followed Jason, and the guys at the bar were orderly's from the asylum. It then changed into a LIFE ON MARS type of story where he was in a coma. The plot changed again into a person drowning after crashing his car into a lake, river, or levy. Gerald came up with an idea of what people, or Jason, would go through as he was drowning.

Gerald needed to answer these questions to make it a better story. Why is it set in a bar? Why are they just drinking water? Who are these people?

Gerald initially thought Jason was drinking at a bar before he drove home, but not the same bar he wakes up in. The reason they are drinking water is Jason is drowning and they want/need him to drown, because these people are not people but evil nymphs of the water or spirits of previous drowning victims.

Gerald's mind wondered as he tried to answer the questions. Is the area a twilight zone area of the underwater world? A recessed dark ID in Jason's mind? All the above ideas and plot twists can change the arc of the story and the outcome. Gerald had to decide which one works best for the story, and which one will keep the audience talking about it.

Gerald's original ending was a poor attempt at startling the audience with a cheap scare tactic, but, he figured the suspense throughout the film needed an exclamation point, a jolt, an unexpected addition to the ending. Which could possibly make water even more scary at night.

So, with these changes I have set myself apart from the rest with a red shirt when everyone else is in white, and have thus become the devil^{^3}. Rob

Well the change I made was to the Rob character, who was one of the four dressed all in white orderly clothing....you have Rob setting somewhat apart from the rest, thus I thought he might make the likely devil. So now with his red shirt on, him dragging Jason into the water is foreshadowed (the audience gets to make a match).

If I were to make cast changes, I guess I would like to be Jason rather than the bartender...he's more or less the lead or co-lead with the bartender, and I'm tired of playing bartender. Mark Hoffman could play the Rob/Devil part and do well I think with his goateed look. What about my friend Raghni for the bartender? Only suggestions. This is all you, I am just a supporting writer, and one of your actor minions until you can get me replaced by CG. :-)R

3.1.2 Choosing a Title

Gerald was unable to decide on the title he wanted for the story so, he opened it up to people he knew and trusted. On Friday, April 1, 2011, Gerald wrote an email to a few key people he trusted explaining the story he wrote in one night in February, and that Rob Tillitz and himself are fine tuning, but it is untitled so far and they need some input.

Here are some title suggestions.

The Watering Hole
In Limbo or Suspended
Breath of Life
Wait, I Don't Belong Here
Drowning Sorrows
No Clowning Around
A Clear View, Not so Clear
David's Destiny

The Man Who Drank Too Much
Bottoms Up
Murky Waters
Emergence
Into the Drink
Out of the Drink

I guess I will throw in my title ideas just to stir the pot and you can laugh at them.

David and Nikor
A glass of water
Drink of life
Man with the Red Sleeves [dumb]
Red Sleeved Diaries [dumb]
Sleeved in red
Bar Time II [steve dakota's idea]
Water Ripple

I am a huge mathematics geek and was trying to see if the title could be written in mathematics symbols

∇•∞ [divergence of infinity]
∫x2dx = ∞
lim ⌠f(x) = 0 life→∞ [limit of f of x = 0 as life goes to infinity.]

So essentially all I have is weird and whacked out title ideas. I have more.

On Wednesday, April 6, 2011, someone sent - A Glass of Water.

Well I liked it. maybe one too many characters, I thought Nikor was cool especially eating the red hots, and may I suggest the big ones you find in old town Sac, I think Nikor's character deserves big-ass red hots to distinguish his coolness? The water going from clear to dirty is brilliant. I think the flow is good. I don't get the clown references, and the nascar turning left has been done before. The ending has been done before (including me).

I think the big guy at the end should be an innocent bystander trying to help David, kind of there's hope for humanity. So there you go my two cents for what it's worth. The writer's visions are their own so I don't know all the specifics that they have in mind. I like the story I'm pulling for David, and I think the ending should be wrapped up and in this case not left up to the audience to decide. There are my comments, I think it's pretty cool.

Now I see the clown thing, I really like Nikor's character (is Nikor a watch manufacturer?) — The ending is not that big a deal to me, just that I've done it (not the same getting out of the water but the narrative was the same).

Definitely David's got demons, I'd stay away from the child molester thing who wants that guy to live? I would give him something that the audiences roots for this guy for a second chance maybe a not so great father, husband, whatever but David, if given a second chance, would make amends ( I know that's been done before as well — but it's all been done before).

^{^7}I'm just thinking a "feel good" in these times we are living in right now, Economy, money, wars all over the place. Just want people to feel good. Lester and Bill really want someone to "get out" because they can't and then their hope lies within David and in the end it doesn't matter if Lester and Bill's lives are saved but a LIFE being saved would mean more to them than their own lives.

I really like the clean to dirty water thing. 10 minutes is tough but I think you guys can pull it off just as long as you keep the cast to a few characters, Location, Time, direction, and DAMN GOOD ACTORS. I'm not asking for too much am I!!!!!!???????? "B"

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, Gerald thanked everyone for their input with their titles names and story ideas — he incorporated a few into the the story. He mentioned he removed the NASCAR reference and the twist at the end. Many of them felt it was expected, and after such a great unexpected story, the ending fell flat.

Gerald also mentioned that the majority of people polled chose THE WATERING HOLE as the title. Gerald was never a fan of the title when it was brought up. He says, “The Watering Hole does not hit me for what I want to portray. There were other great title ideas that I liked better, but since I am spread thin this year unlike with THE GOLdEN TREE when it just came to me, I think The Watering Hole will grow on me. ”

3.1.3 Submitting to Access Sacramento

After ten major revisions and a dozen or more minor revisions, the story was solid, characters were unique, and the screenplay was ready to submit. Gerald did not want to use his own name as the producer for the submission form.

Rob. Are we still on for The Watering Hole? We have until 5 pm tomorrow night to submit it.
I am wondering of you want to take the lead producer,^{^4} front man, PR spot? I want someone's name other than my own on the form, and to take the spotlight.
We can co-direct, co-write, now co-produce but you take the lead spot.
If so, let me know about your information so i can fill it in, address and so forth. the $20 for entry I will cover.
- gerald

I got it Gerald. I'm the producer, you're just the director. Let me do my job. oh this is going to be fun. i mean, Sir, YEs SIR!!!

Gerald also submitted the Chardonnay story under the name of Petite Chardonnay with Gary Udell as producer, and THE GOLdEN TREEs, the continuation of THE GOLdEN TREE that he submitted in 2010 and was selected, with Brendan Brooks as producer. There are no limits on how many screenplays a person can submit to the Access Sacramento screenplay contest, but Gerald does not want his name plastered in big letters on each story. 2011 is the year he writes and submits three screenplays. His only concern is, “What if all three get selected? I think we can do it. It will be tough, and a long summer. But, having three films in would be cool. Also stressful.”

3.3.1 Access Sacramento's Cast & Crew Call

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Gerald went down to attend the Cast & Crew call event to hobnob and mingle with everyone. Rob Tillitz and Deborah Adair offered to operate the casting table. Gerald pleased and honored he gets to make another movie through Access Sacramento and have it projected at the Crest Theater, he was still harboring negative feelings about the whole system.

People started coming to the table at 5:30 PM talking about the movie and dropping off their bio and headshot. They were told by some of the event organizers not to begin, but the people kept coming to the table, even during Ron Cooper's talk and introduction. When it was Gerald's turn to talk, he forgot his reading glasses and apologized to everyone.

Another Successful Cast and Crew Call

By Michelle Barbaria

Access Sacramento's A Place Called Sacramento Cast & Crew Call

Just over 200 people filled the courtyard of the Coloma Community Center on Wednesday, May 18th for the 12th annual Place Called Sacramento Film Festival Cast & Crew Call. Local actors, tech people, and community members wanting to get involved showed up. Volunteers and staff of Access Sacramento helped assist the guests as they arrived. The event opened with a welcome message from Access Sacramento Executive Director, Ron Cooper and was then followed by some local filmmakers.

Sacramento Film Commissioner, Lucy Steffens talked to the crowd about the filmmaking process and locations. Jackie from Studio24 spoke about what their studio offers including their movie studio and other services. Former PCS winner and current owner of IT Studios, Ryan McKinney, came to tell this year's winning Producers know about his studio and offer help with casting^{^5}.

Access Sacramento's A Place Called Sacramento Cast & Crew Call

After the guest speakers were finished each of the ten filmmakers had a chance to tell the community what their films are about and what their needs are. Filmmakers varied in ages from 9 years old, our youngest yet, to older folks with lots of experience.

Film subjects varied as widely as the ages with topics ranging from the paranormal to the fishy. Information for all the films and filmmakers are available on the Access Sacramento website at www.AccessSacramento.org

Access Sacramento's A Place Called Sacramento Cast & Crew Call

Judith Plank for BUDDIES.

After listening to each Producer talked about their needs to the eager crowd, the attendees had an opportunity to meet each of the filmmakers. Ten tables were lined up in a row each with the Producers and their assistants ready and waiting to receive resumes and headshots or just get e-mail contacts and meet people in person. The excitement filled the air as the filmmakers realized all these people are here to be a part this thrilling summer community project.

Don't think you've missed out if you couldn't make it. Lots of acting parts, crew positions, and craft services are still needed for many of these films. It's just the beginning, so log on to the Access Sacramento website and check out the film info. Come out and make a movie this summer. See you on the set!

2011 "Place Called Sacramento"
Ten Selected Film Projects

Stalag Sacramento by Patrick Ardell
Four young musicians ride the rails in their new hometown searching for life-after-dark in Midtown. Do you know the way to Elvisland?

Borrowed Time by Dänna Wilberg
Children's lives are at risk. Dr. Paulsen is frustrated by Suzanne's spiritual beliefs. A life and death story is in need of an intervention from the other side.

the WATERING hole by Gerald Martin Davenport & Rob Tillitz
David finds himself in a strange bar where time stands still and demons drown their sorrows.

CSI: Sacramento by Burt Wilson
Joe Fish is a private sock-eye. If this sounds fishy, you may be following a red herring - Ready for a whale of a tail? Welcome to River City.

The Purse by Erica Ruiz & Dwight Taylor
You can't judge a book by its cover or a purse by its contents. Matthew and Leah search for clues in all the wrong places. Think you know the whole story? Guess again.

BUDDIES by Judith Plank
Brad returns from Iraq only to lose his girlfriend. Depressed, nothing seems to help until a gift re-opens his heart and his new life with Buddy.

Reluctant by Nathan Reedy
We search for heroes in our life. Will, a Sacramento police officer, takes his job seriously. But for this cop, everything is about to change - in a flash.

The Chozen by Claire Elizabeth
New to Sacramento, Mathilde is worried about going to a new school and making friends, but is quickly accepted by the coolest girls in school. At a sleep over Mathilde discovers that being one of The Chozen is not what she expected.

The Breakup by Joyce Bezazian
Being a King's fan is an obsession for Bobby. When his love threatens to leave town, choices must be made and priorities re-examined.

Lucky Shot by Raghni Reddy
Rose takes Rick by surprise. But Rick is accustomed to bad luck. With so little in common, they are obviously off to a great start.

3.3.2 Casting Choices & Potential Crew

It was great seeing you and all the familiar faces today at Access Sac.

I am so excited and look forward to imdb credit thing and thank you so much from the bottom of my heart Gerald. THE GOLdEN TREE Tree and You marked a lot of First's for me, first theatrical screening, first IMDb, first Access Sac. I am working on my SAG voucher now, hint, hint, wink, wink, hahaha. But truly Gerald, thank you, if you don't need me as an actress by any chance this time, please put me down as crew or help with craft services to show you my appreciation, I just want to be on your team.

When do you have in mind to shoot? I will be done with my All Roads Lead to Occidental about mid June and who knows if will will be picked this year for Access. Let me know what i can do, ok. Maybe we should team up in writing a screen play of a story I have in mind for a feature film...
Warm Regards,
Yinique

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Rob Tillitz emails Gerald that they have to film on a weekend due to several people's schedules. Rob does not like to, but he thinks there is no choice. He asks Gerald to get him an updated screenplay with the morphing characters. Rob mentions that he thinks they should go for the Red camera, and he will find the software they need to edit it. Rob also thinks they should get the 'Three Words for Dacia' cinematographer from last year who will add a whole new dimension to their undertaking.

This could create some complications as the red files are MUCH, MUCH LARGER and take much longer to render. And as an editor, I work at my own pace and would need the stuff here at home. It would not be good to have to go to someone's home or pace of business to edit on THEIR time schedule. Creativity does not work that way.

And as a far as the Dacia guy, it would be great, but I have to research the camera he has and see if it will match with Brendan's. I already have Brendan on board. Now whether they play nice together. I do not know. :)

Subject: the Watering Hole
From: rob
To: scoobymegh
We have added two roles to TWH for you and Deborah. You will play the "Harem" of Nikkor, and Nikkor will be played by Bill VanNoland. I hope you will accept the part. We'll be shooting on a weekend, and of course at my bar between two and ten am. No shoot dates set yet. Script is being modified thus a copy will follow soon.
Congratulations,
Rob

Subject: the Watering Hole
Hi Yinique. We have created a role for you. You will be asked to cry, and you will be asked to act without words. You will be the good angel, or conscious of Nikkor (the villain played by Bill VanNoland) and we will cut to you from time to time. We will film you tearfully reaching out and pleading with Nikkor to show compassion to the antagonist David. It should be a challenge for you, but nonetheless completely in your range. We are expecting you to steal the show without saying a word. Can you do it? And if you want to serve craft services that's alright too....JK!
--Rob

Gerald, uncomfortable and annoyed at how things are progressing with the WATERING hole, is ready to hand it off and walk away.

Subject: I relinquish my throne.
To: rob
You want to know what exactly do you need to edit Red files at your house?
An intel mac, which I do not have until later this year, more toward the end. but was thinking, if this guy edits, then i should do what you did and give up my positions for the betterment of the movie.

so you will need to find a director too. this feels good. there were some directors that came to the table I'm sure, or you could take it on. this way I am just the writer...
does this feel right to you?
- g

From: Rob Tillitz
NO! Not at all. Not an option. I was only thinking how we might upgrade your equipment, give you better tools to work your magic. No way. Banish that thought. I want to make this a great movie, as I know you do. We need to also talk special effects, the morphing and any other FXes we can work in. How are we going to do that? What equipment do we need. I just need to know what, and then I can start figuring out the how.

Subject: I kind of was kidding anyway. but...
From: gerald
To: rob
I would love to use a red, but want to use it for Chardonnay, the colors would POP. We really don't have many colors except red, HA RED. I think it's a little too late to prepare for the red. It is cumbersome, in depth, and detailed to get ready for the red. Way beyond our needs and resources.

The fx do not worry about. I am going to try to ways, one visual ways with Brendan, we will get that figured out and two, more of a physical nature, where it's slight of camera. do not worry about that.
the key things we need to get done are:
- getting finalized with cast and contract signing (will bring them sunday?)
- shooting days / nights [how many]
- then scheduling the cast.
- wardrobe. I think i can con my wife into being the seamstress and making costumes for a few characters, if we need them.
-- gerald

from: Rob Tillitz
Oh, on costumes I have a girl at decades that I really like, not to take a job away from your wife, but I can pop for a costumes if necessary. I'm working this all out with cast.

Looks like we might have a couple of the girls cannot come until maybe as late as 4:30-5. Thus we might need to take a couple hour break. Or reschedule, however both these girls are girls I picked but we're calling in because I want you to meet and see them and give your final ok. Will you be able to stay until five or so?

Hello!!! I signed up for a few movies to help out in and didn't think anyone would email me back! I thought I ha might of sold myself short in person because I did not come prepared with a resume. I was told about the project hours before at work.

It's hard to be prepared for these things and even when you are and feel you should get the position, you don't, so although it's good to be prepared and professional, in this arena, such as PCS and access Sacramento, it's all volunteer, so I look passed all that pomp and circumstance. and look for serious people wanting experience.

Anyway, you are the first to respond and I would love to help! I have done a couple of film festivals here in town. I did the 10 x 10 and The Sacramento Horror film festival. I have my TV production certificate finished a couple semesters ago. I have a MacBook pro with FCP (older book but gets the job done).

We will talk about editing assistant and so forth, sounds great. What you may need to get, unless you have room on your hard drive, is a firewire terabyte drive to put the video files onto. I am thinking I may want to give you a scene or two in either movie to cut, but would love to use you and your lights on set on both movies. I have a light kit. A Few c stands and a Sony VX2100 it is a 3CCD camera (like a canon GL2) it's digital but not HD. I love to do above the line jobs but not shy doing below the line jobs! One of my last classes was a the editing class and if you are willing to pass on your knowledge I would love to learn more and more and all I can! - Donna Faith Fultineer

Seriously? Sounds great! I am not able to make the audition this weekend, is that ok? I hope so because I really want to be a part of your film!
Meghan

Subject: Re: the Watering Hole
To: Meghan Bird
You don't need to audition, you've got the part. You Deborah and Yinique are not going to have many or maybe any lines. We're creating parts for you that will involve mainly facial acting. You're going to need to project emotion without saying much.

You're going to be challenged, and you're performances are going to be symbolic and the type of imagery that people will remember after seeing the movie. When they go back and rerun the movie in their heads, they're going to see your faces staring at them.
Congratulations! We're going to have Meg.

Can I dress like a cowboy in your movie? i was thinking slacks and a dress shirt and tie. not the whole suit thing eek on the props there.

It was just a whim. I could wear decent suit too, though am going to have to have same suit in the water at some point? Have to consider that before we drag a 500-dollar suit into the muddy sac river.

Donna. As far as the camera, we have a specific requirement from access sacramento, it has to be 1920 x 1080 in 60i for the camera. AND one more thing about above and below the line, not to make anyone upset and spoil the excitement, but getting a movie done on a indie and volunteer basis, we do what ever job is needed.

On THE GOLdEN TREE please view the interviews. I was the writer, director, editor, and I also did many other jobs that I did not credit myself. I produced the movie, I did lighting tech, production assistant, gopher for food, drinks, and I was a live marker. I got on all fours and stopped the actor where I wanted her to do the lines.

so as far as above and below, I am not below doing jobs and none of my crew should be. We do what we can to get the job done. ALL positions are important! But everyone will be utilized in their craft and skills to further their education and knowledge, as well as, learning something new.
BTW. I work fast, efficient, and prepared. There will be production meetings, storyboards, camera set sheets, and the lot. PEACE & GOD BLESS - gerald

I am now confirming you as crew: penciling you in as additional editing, lighting [grip/gaffer], and general help. This work for you? On both movies?

Hi Gerald, This is Shawn P. Flanagan.
Yes I am interested in helping with your films. In the past I have worked on and been in moves that my friends and I have created. These were old highschool and college movies for classes.

I have done editing of film and of digital video. My movie editing experience included some sound editing also. As far as acting goes, I am just a beginner, but I can master many roles. By trade I am a computer system engineer. I have just begun getting back into film, with classes at Access Sacramento.

3.3.3 Auditions

Since the UntitledSoFar beginning, back on February 18, 2011, Gerald had the film already cast with actors he worked with on THE GOLdEN TREE¹. Mark Hoffman, Bill Bettencourt, Dan Walters, Courtney Leonard Maye, Jason Michael Shannon, Joseph Baldridge, Rob Tillitz, and Steve Dakota were actors he had in mind for the characters of the WATERING hole. A director working with actors they have worked with before is not a new thing. They both know how each other's work. They both enjoy and respect each other's work. The relationship, chemistry, and intiment knowledge of the other person makes production go smoother, quicker, and the director usually gets the performance they envisioned. This is what Gerald was looking forward to having a quick, one location, a few day or nights production. Much easier than making THE GOLdEN TREE.

Rob Tillitz was cast as Nicor and offered a co-writing credit² if Rob had any ideas to input to the story. Rob was fine with the arrangement and even made changes to his character's wardrobe³ to stand out from the other characters. Gerald not wanting to be the front man — the representing Producer — for the WATERING hole at the Place called Sacramento event at the Crest Theater this year as he was still hanging onto some bitterness from 2010's Access Sacramento's Place called Sacramento contest for THE GOLdEN TREE, he offered the position to Rob⁴. Gerald's reasoning was “if Rob Tillitz is the Producer for the WATERING hole, using his Cedar Room Bar should not be an issue or inconvenience to him. He would have ownership in the movie more than he would if he was just an actor and co-writer and we came in and took over his bar for a film.”

This decision would challenge Gerald's ability to work outside his comfort-zone for the entire production. Rob began changing Gerald's casting choices and mentioned they should open it up to new people, as well as, schedule auditions at Ryan McKinney's It Factor Studios.⁵ Rob began confirming a few people for the cast without Gerald's input for a few of the smaller roles. He even gave parts to a few people that were not in the story — Rob added them to the screenplay and Gerald had to clean up the action to keep it formatted and flowing properly. Gerald, not a fan of background or extra actors in his films, used these new character additions from Rob to add more dialog to tell the story and gave them a few lines. — "If you are going to be in my movie, you are going to BE in my movie." - Gerald

Auditions took place on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at It Factor Studios in Sacramento, California. Rob Tillitz, Gerald Martin Davenport were there in attendance sitting in the back. This is not the first time Gerald sat in auditions. He was a BTS camera operator on several independent films in Burbank where his job was to record what ever he felt beyond what the audition tape was recording. He could see the uncomfortableness, fear, and anxiety that people go through just to be an actor. He did know that some casting directors, producers, and so forth create that tension to see how the person reacts, handles, and adjusts to it. Something that he understood but did not agree with as you have no idea that you just let a gem walk out and hired the arrogant jackass. Gerald is not against auditions, but if you do not need to do them, and for a 10-minute film, with few people auditioning, it really is a waste of time.

However, this was Gerald's first audition session for his own film. The casting process for THE GOLdEN TREE was easy. He gave the 120 people who sent in bios and were interested the locations, the wardrobe requirements, the details about the difference between the 10-minute and 30-minute and if you might be seen in the ten but heard the thirty, and waited for them to say yea or nay. He put the people in the film that said yea, because they agreed to some difficult terms and requests. “These were real actors wanting to be in a movie no matter what. No whining, no crying, and no attitudes. The way it should be when you cast a film. ” - Gerald

Gerald was at ease with the auditions when he found out that Ryan McKinney would be the facilitator, casting director, and overseer of the introductions and auditions of the prospective actors. Gerald and Rob could watch, discuss, and make notes. Reading lines with the actors were Toni Corbett and Gary Udell — Both Toni and Gary from THE GOLdEN TREE. Operating the cameras were Dylan Nelson and Jeffrey C. Vanacore. Charla Bybee handled the door and signed everyone in who showed up and sent them into the auditions in the order they showed up.

Gerald asked a few people to try a different approach. One of them was J.P. Dunne, a handsome young man, who looked like a young Woody Allen. Gerald asked if he knew of him and “could he read his lines with gusto then back off with apprehension.” When they completed that segment of lines Gerald comments, “I hate actors that follow what I ask and do what I ask. J.P. that was brilliant.” J.P. Dunne got the role of Lester at that moment. Krystina Mae also auditioned for the role of Lester. She did pretty well, but the role was J.P. Dunne's to give away. Krystina knew she did not get the role, but offered to help as crew if needed. She wanted to work with Gerald and Aria Pictures.

Ryan gave Rob and Gerald his suggestions about who to cast. Mostly the actors actors he teaches. Casting was pretty much settled before they left It Factor Studios. Gerald was not happy that he had to let a few of his hopeful favorites know that they were not selected to be in the film.

When the film was completed, the journey was a positive and educational because it was Gerald's second film managing a cast and crew list of over thirty people. The WATERING hole was not only It would test his patients and and learned the downside of his decision

3.3.4 Confirmations

Emails went out on Monday to the actors that did not make the film. Gerald volunteered to do it since he wanted to not to burn bridges and hopefully generate some relationships from people he enjoyed watching and would use them in other films he was planning on making.

Mardi. I am Gerald Martin Davenport. You may not have seen me at "the WATERING hole" table on Wednesday at the cast & crew call for the PCS thing, but I was there. Rob Tillitz and Deborah Adair covered the table for me.

I am the writer, director, and editor of the film and owner of Aria Pictures. I am not only here to inform you that you were not chosen for the WATERING hole, but I want to ask you about playing in a short movie later this year of mine called Petite Chardonnay.

The bad news: no role in "the WATERING hole"
GOOD NEWS: I want you to be in Petite Chardonnay.

If you would like more info about it, please let me know, but I will tell you it will be used for marketing to find financing to make the full version.

Hi Gerald, Thank you for the email. I would be interested in more information on thoughts you have for me in your next film. I am always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Thank you for the offer and I would love to work with you. Mardi

Amresh, thank your for your interest in Aria Pictures production "the WATERING hole" and your audition of LESTER on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the IT FACTOR STUDIOS.

We enjoyed your company and your performance, I know I did and that is what matters. Unfortunately the discussion around the table is, and I even started it, YOU are too handsome a man to be a wimp. BOTTOM LINE. Although you were grasping it and getting it on your third take, Ryan and others told me you were unaccustomed to playing a weak character. I wanted to give you the opportunity to stretch your acting, but I was shot down because we had a wimpy looking person show up before you that had the qualities.

Aria Pictures is a different kind of company and I do not want to burn bridges. My job, as owner, writer, director, editor, and marketing is to try and give you the bad news as easy as possible. I do not want to make enemies or create a bad relationship with people, although it is sometimes unavoidable, my objective is to keep an open line of communication with potential actors and crew for other projects — and I have many many projects.

Again, thank your for your interest and sharing your talents, and as much as I wanted to extend and increase the script to include you, which I would if my producers would let me, I truly would love to work with you sometime in the future. I would love for you to keep us in mind by connecting with us on facebook, the internet, and our newspage as initial castings will be posted there before we go to a casting service or other means.

Yes, Aria Pictures is a different kind of company in the movie world, you might have figured it out with this smarmy rejection letter. Much to the chagrin of professionals who told me to keep it short and simple. I do not follow many of the rules, and that may be my downfall, or my secret formula when I do get the chance to play with the big boys.

I wish you good luck in the future and hope to be apart of your future. With the truest and sincerest of feelings,

Rob Tillitz sent out an email to notify the actors that were cast. The email also included possible locations, nights of production, and mentioning getting the final screenplay to everyone.

from: Rob Tillitz
Congratulations! You have been cast in our movie "the Watering Hole."

We will get scripts out to everyone very soon, had a couple last minute changes to make. Also, be aware that filming will be between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. on weekends, and we are trying to get it together to do our first film session on June 4th and 5th...this would be starting late on Friday night/early Saturday morn, then the same thing the next night.

Basically we will be moving into the back door of the bar at 2 a.m., as my bouncers push the drinkers out the front door. I think we can get most of the work done in two nights, but may have to do pickups later. More soon, and welcome aboard, Rob Tillitz and Gerald Davenport

3.4.1 Screenplay Breakdown, Camera Setups, and Storyboards

Since the story does do not have more than two locations, Gerald used camera setups and character codes to identify the takes instead of scene numbers. The screenplay breakdown was not by scene, but by segments, character, and character groupings.

Gerald remembers scheduling the THE GOLdEN TREE and creating the complex camera setups. “It was a nightmare scheduling so many actors and the locations. I can only imagine the madness scheduling a big budget film. Of course they have a budget that gives them time and opens doors. But when you are an independent filmmaker using actors that have real jobs, getting them to have the same day off is a nightmare.”

Although THE GOLdEN TREE had more locations and characters, the WATERING hole (2011) screenplay breakdown and storyboards were oddly different to do for a film that has most of the story in one room. “I have seen one room locations in television shows such as The Twilight Zone, Dick Van Dyke, and many others that captured their show on film. And I have seen movies that used one room or location for most of the story. They have the luxury of having a crew that they had a long relationship with, actors that have experience, and the experience to plan the camera angles they only need. The majority of my crew, and actors, were amateurs, including me. So, it was really different breaking down a screenplay without scene numbers and drawing the camera angles that I wanted. But we did it.” - Gerald.

Gerald created crudely-drawn storyboards by hand using stick-figures and chicken-scratch, as he calls it, along with computer-aided images for the camera setups to show the view, angles, and action that he wanted Brendan and the other camera operators to capture.

3.4.2 Gathering Wardrobe

Rob Tillitz, being meticulous about his appearance and performance, looks for feedback on the look the character David would wear.

3.4.3 Craft Prep

OK, so here's the breakdown of yummies I got today, let me know if you want all or some or more.
Doughnuts, glazed and variety, for the morning hunger before wrap up, cookies (one bag oreos, and box chocolate chip), tortilla chips and salsa, buns, veggie burgers, 8, sliced cheese, turkey ham, sliced low salt, and non sliced reg,(I will slice it myself), vegetables: carrots small bag, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes 3 large for buns and small for munching, celery, lettuce, to make salad or put on bun, fruit platter and strawberries, two boxes of hot pocket cheese with pastrami and 5 cheese pockets can be heated in microwave, each box has 12. So some can have 2 of them., one kielbasa sausage, can be heated and sliced use with toothpicks, peanuts mixed, small can, Bag of 50 plastic plates, I have some plastic utensils.

What we don't use one day will be used for the second, and I'll also know what extra will be wanted for Sunday. Any other suggestions. I will bring some tea bags, do we need hot cups? I will bring roll of paper towels for napkins.

12:32:25 PM Rob Tillitz: Got 8 bottles of 5-Hour energy for you.
12:56:45 PM Gerald: Sweet, how much i owe?
12:56:47 PM Gerald: let me know
12:57:15 PM Rob Tillitz: You owe me a decent role in your film, The Watering Hole.
1:05:10 PM Rob Tillitz: Plus, you gotta let me say action and cut a couple of times.
1:05:43 PM Gerald: don't play games with me, it's my honor and privilege to be working with you again.

3.4.4 Finding Crew & Equipment

Brendan Brooks and Jim Heck were the only two from Aria Pictures previous productions, most notably THE GOLdEN TREE. Gary Udell makes a small appearance as one fo the casting assistants. The rest of the crew is new to Aria Pictures and Gerald Martin Davenport.

3.4.5 Locations

Knowing they had the Cedar Room Bar for the majority of the production made it a little easier trying to find a lake, stream, river, or pond for the scene when David swims to shore — or so they thought.

One evening a few of the crew show up at Rob's house to see if his pool would work as a place for the shore and the hat disappearing. Unfortunately, the pool was too well lit, and looked like a pool.

So where did we end up yesterday? I did not hear back from the park lady about whether a ranger/monitor was available, thus don't know yet that shooting on park land at night is possible.

I know you're tripping on the money, but I'm not so don't let that spoil the shoot. It's just a couple hundred and if that means the difference between whether we can get it done or not it's cheap. And I can afford it. I guess I need to run up to North Granite as that is what they're suggesting. It's on Folsom Lake. I think this is it: North Granite Park, Folsom Lake map.

OAK POINT: To me this place is perfect. Sand perfect. Close to cars.

Donton's Point. Several great spots here too, and you can drive right to the water.

3.5.1 Principle Photography

3.5.2 Additional Photography

3.6.1 The Ending

The only hurdle to the story is the ending. Jim Heck, Brendan Brooks, Rob Tillitz, and Gerald have different views and ideas of why the ending should be what they suggest.

Hope it's alright if I give a suggestion about the ending of TWH. If I'm off base here please let me know.

As your well aware, a lot of movies are made with multiple endings. Hopefully when the movie is released the best one is picked that will stir the audience. I understand some are held or not made until the societal conditions are right for the story. I'm guessing there are a lot of factors that go into the final selection. Timing, targeted audience, current events, mood of the country, etc. And its really an art to know when things are just 'right' for the release.

Right now we are in a time where a lot of families are 'underwater' and drowning in their mortgages and other debt. Each day we here about someone loosing their house, their job, their wages garnished, etc. We are overwhelmed with 'drowning' news. Once in awhile we hear of someone saving their house or finally getting that job and we feel good about it.

I'm not sure if David's drowning is a metaphor for whats going on in today's society (we all feel like were drowning) but it seems that way to me. Considering this- What if David didn't drown?? -- he survived!

Suggestion:
The last scene he's lying in the water alive next to the plate, coughing. Multi colored lights are are flashing on his face from a distant (unseen) rescue vehicle as the camera zooms out perhaps past a broken sign or a run over sign warning of the 'Danger of the Sacramento river levee'? Or something to that effect.

Of course I could be 180 degrees out and reading this all wrong. Just because I'd like to see David survive this near death experience it would be best if David does drown?? Just a thought.

Jim

Jim, you are not 180 degrees way off. The original story had david getting away from the red-sleeved arm, and standing there dripping wet trying to catch his breath he says, "I need a drink."

Rob Tillitz came along and said, the riddle⁶, and it is a riddle, a very confusing and complex riddle, but nonetheless, a riddle indeed, needs an ending. The simplest way to end it and explain to the audience without a lot of rigmarole, David is taken under by Nicor. End of story. Come up with your own conclusions, reasons, and explanations.

I do agree about the connotations that 'drowning' invokes. Brendan actually had the same thoughts and feelings as you do⁷, and I sway back and forth now and then. But I see the easiest and simplified way to put an end to the movie is "It's David's time to go."

Why? it is the easiest way to end the movie. Since I have two more coming down the pipe this year, and the deadline for two of them is the first week of September.

Bad reason? Probably.

Will it hurt the story by not giving it more options? Possible.

Do I just want it over with? YES!

My thoughts are that if we try and change the end when we already have the foreshadowing, on top of which, do we really think we are going to get any better performance out of the cast? Which we have to go and redo some of our redo's. Do we all have that time just to make a positive statement when in the long run, it really will not make any difference. I just want this one over with.

It's a roller coaster of a performance and emotions: David is confused then confident. He is surprised then blank. He is never scared, he cries, then he is tough. Why compound the problems with a different ending? ALTHOUGH a very good one, and one I would rather do.

Jim put it much more eloquently than I could, and everybody who I have had read it thinks he should live as well — much the way Jim put it with all that societal crap. I don't give a $*@# how YOU end it, I'm just happy to be a part of it. I totally agree with getting close ups of Rob coming out of the water and I'm pissed that we didn't get those shots, maybe we could do those somewhere else since they are going to be close ups. Peace my brother, keep your head up talk to you later, "B"

I don't know what's wrong with me. Have myself spread too thin maybe. Whatever, cannot seem to make creative decisions very well. However, today I watched Harry Potter and saw how they several times brought several different heroes back to life and how good it felt. Made me think about recent discussions we've had about the ending, and how maybe everyone else but me is right! ;-)R

3.6.2 Visual Effects

Devaughn Keys came on board the film with a promise of some money to pay for his time, although Access Sacramento's rules and spirit of the contest was that everyone was a volunteer. There were things you did have to pay for, but for the most part it was all no pay. But Gerald looked the other way when Rob hired Devaughn for the visual effects of the girls coming out of the watery wall, which is what was decided on by Gerald and Rob. Rob Tillitz in the beginning wanted to have water-snakes and other complicated effects — Rob just watched Snakes on a Plane.

I got a call from Devaughn today...he was returning a message I left a week ago but have talked to him since....and he said he was waiting for more clips from you? Also, that he sent you the "out of the wall" finished product and was waiting to have you say that was okay or tell him what it needed?

Is there a chance (an easy way to share) I could take a peek at the out of the wall stuff? Is there a link you can send?

--R

Gerald was not impressed with the visual effects that Devaughn sent. “I could have done a dissolve from the wall in final cut. Done that many, many times, and in less time that he took. And the morph. Eek. Think I am going to take my name off of this and use a pseudonym like Maynard L. Walkaberry. This thing has been cursed from the beginning when I wrote it. This is not THE GOLdEN TREE. ”

Well that sucks. Chalk it up to a learning experience? What happened to shooting with Rob this weekend? Alright $*#& it onto buddies. I don't know how we are going to get all the shots for that one either, but we'll give it a go.

TIME, I think people don't understand how time consuming doing these things are. I think they think it's a ten minute short so it should only take a couple hours to do. When we did the dorados chocolates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OySZdtmImP8 (I have the 60 second commercial as well) commercial down in L.A. it took two full days with a paid crew. It cost $5000.00, and we had people who do this for a living as Director, camera operators, gaffers, set designer, etc. And all the audio was music he put in later.

What we are dealing with here are weekend warriors who think they know what it takes. I don't want to bash these people because I think they are all doing the best we can, and they are good people. So what you have then is the same scenario that happens at all these sacramento 10X10, 48 hour, sac access. You have ten films, 1 stands out above the rest, 2 or 3 are well put together, and the rest suck. I believe you get really lucky with a kick ass script and some actors that can pull it off (Clerks, napoleon dynamite, ect.) otherwise you got to get your talent from L.A. or find a gem in your own backyard. Let's continue to Kick Ass on Buddies, I'm sure the WATERING hole isn't as bad as you think it is. And let's keep learning.

"B"

Gerald believes in Brendan and always has since they worked together for the first time on THE GOLdEN TREE. Gerald trusts Brendan's eye when he sets up a shot. He also trusts his opinions and words of wisdom. Gerald told Rob to have Devaughn do it over and give them what he promised he could deliver or do not pay him and Gerald will do it. Gerald wanted to get the film finished as best that it can be. People are depending on him to deliver including himself. He has in the past turn mediocre material into something watchable. Brendan is correct in saying that it is not as bad as complains about. It is just the entire production that got out of his hands and went into a different direction than he wanted it to go.

3.6.3 Music

Gerald at first thought he would have time and the creativity to write the score for the WATERING hole (2011). As the days passed during production, his joy, excitement, and enthusiasm for the film lessened which drained his creativity. But more importantly, he had no time as he was working on BUDDIES for Judith Plank, and beginning the production process for Petite Chardonnay.

Gerald wrote and played music with a Musician Friend since the 90s whose sound “Was impeccably dreamy and perfect. A clone of Eddie VanHalen. His lead guitar work was super thick icing on top of the cake.” The two of them were working on an album project when the Musician Friend had to quit and moved away. Gerald had to find others to help him finish the album project, but it was never the same without the Musician Friend, and he gave up on it. Gerald wanted a new way to get the Musician Friend back into writing music in the 2000s. They discuss doing videos, but it never came to fruition.

When Gerald did Paint 2006, he tried doing the music himself and with his son, Aria, but editing took more out of his creativity than he expected. Also the Musician Friend was living more than two hours away. Eleven Minutes Late was a student project. Detective A, Treasure Chest of South Sacramento, and An Ignoble Caper were not Gerald's to choose who did the music. When Gerald made THE GOLdEN TREE in 2010, he was looking for someone with experience doing music for film. He did think about the Musician Friend and mentioned the project to him to see if the Musician Friend was interested.

When the WATERING hole (2011) was selected, Gerald thought he would give the Musician Friend another chance and sent the screenplay to him asking if he had time and would be interested in doing music for the WATERING hole (2011).

10:24:28 AM Musician Friend: I'm sorry Gerry, I have a gig tomorrow. :^/
10:24:46 AM Gerald: That is cool. Where?
10:25:57 AM Musician Friend: I need a couple days notice if possible. I might be able to make it another time.
10:26:58 AM Gerald: Have you been reading the screenplay and getting an idea about what to create?
10:35:45 AM Gerald: and SEND ME a BIO, INDFO and head shot for the website
10:36:47 AM Musician Friend: I don't have any of that right now.
10:37:29 AM Gerald: well, write about yourself in the third person.
10:37:56 AM Musician Friend: I'm sorry, what's the "third person"?
10:37:57 AM Gerald: Musician Friend has been playing music since.... his appreciation for ... you know that kind of thing, make it good, real, and positive
10:38:30 AM Musician Friend: how much time do I have to do that in?
10:41:12 AM Musician Friend: No, I have met a very nice lady who supports what I am about!
10:41:42 AM Musician Friend: And what I have a passion for
10:41:50 AM Gerald: ABOUT TIME and I knew it would happen
10:45:45 AM Musician Friend: you sent me an email, so I will check it out

Gerald was excited about finally being able to showcase the Musician Friend's musical talents to more people than those that get drunk at a bar listening to music not knowing or caring who the band or musicians are.

9:38:18 AM Musician Friend: That's pretty cool there pardoner!
9:38:36 AM Gerald: Well, we hope so and it gets put into an interesting movie
9:38:46 AM Gerald: With eerie and awesome music from this guy i know
9:38:57 AM Gerald: you may have heard of him
9:39:18 AM Gerald: some Musician Friend guy.
9:39:46 AM Musician Friend: have not heard of em
9:39:58 AM Musician Friend: does he play cowboy music?
9:40:08 AM Gerald: really. Nice guy, great musician
9:40:26 AM Musician Friend: there ya go!
9:40:28 AM Gerald: Awesome guitarist.
9:40:36 AM Musician Friend: really?
9:40:39 AM Gerald: But he sucks at brain surgery
9:42:02 AM Gerald: We need one more morning of production, and as soon as I can, maybe three weeks or more, get you a picture lock to get started on music, so the timing is impeccable.
9:42:47 AM Musician Friend: cool!
9:43:19 AM Gerald: I KNOW, it's going to be... the music is the icing on the cake, it is what finishes the movie and puts it together and adds the emotion
9:44:17 AM Musician Friend: we'll see how it goes
9:44:46 AM Musician Friend: so you want dreamy stuff or western, experimental, ???
9:45:53 AM Gerald: all of it
9:46:38 AM Musician Friend: whatever fits the BIG screen..
9:46:54 AM Gerald: think more like WEIRD!!!!
9:46:57 AM Gerald: eerie
9:47:31 AM Musician Friend: ok
9:56:50 AM Musician Friend: I hope my keyboard is up to par for this along with my Fractal Axe Fx unit, I should be able to do the world next door, lol!
9:57:37 AM Gerald: i was thinking some guitar effects like tones and feedback sounds, under water type of weird stuff
9:57:59 AM Musician Friend: I have some under water effects
10:04:41 AM Musician Friend: great, if I have something to watch, I can come up with something.
10:04:48 AM Gerald: i know that...
10:05:47 AM Musician Friend: so about how long do you think the movie is going to be?
10:09:12 AM Gerald: 10-minutes. Projection at the crest theater on October 2, 2011
10:09:28 AM Gerald: need to have it turned in by first week of september
10:10:40 AM Musician Friend: should not be a problem
10:20:33 AM Musician Friend: looks like you are getting somewhere finally!

On Friday, June 24, 2011, Gerald received an email from the Musician Friend who was panicing that he was missing something. Gerald had to explain the production process to him again and calm him down. and let him know that he was the one he wanted to do the music for the WATERING hole (2011). “I promised it to you. You promised you to me. You are just a little paranoid, and I am sorry about that. keep your cool. All is fine. You just have to let me do my job so I can get it to you so you can do yours. ”

On Monday, June 27, 2011, Gerald received messages from the Musician Friend letting Gerald know that he does not sleep well which makes him get confused and irritable causing him to go into panic attacks. The Musician Friend also complains about the lack of jobs in the area, and the way people take advantage of him when he works on their equipment. Mostly other musicians who want him to play for them, but never pay him for his time and effort. Gerald tells the Musician Friend, “just be happy doing what you are doing, and make whatever it is you are doing, the best it can be. And be proud of it.”

On Wednesday, July 27, 2011 2:55pm, the Musician Friend sent Gerald a message that he and his father were having some health issues. He told Gerald he should use the composer he used last year for THE GOLDdEN TREE. And he mentions that he had to sell a lot of gear that he would need to do the music. “I think I am through this time for good. Good luck! ” [*1*]

On Friday, July 29, 2011, Gerald receives an unexpected link from the Musician Friend for music for the the WATERING hole (2011). Gerald should have told him that he (the Musician Friend) already quit, but Gerald was too excited to have the Musician Friend back on the project.

10:35:56 AM Gerald: Pretty darn good, for a first take, yeah, pretty close to what I was thinking of
10:36:42 AM Gerald: with some fine tuning and stuff, it will get better, but that wasn't the cut to do the final score with... but great so far...
10:36:48 AM Musician Friend: even added a little room ambience to the voices
10:37:01 AM Gerald: nice and freaky
10:37:17 AM Gerald: So, are you back on? You have time now? Better frame of mind? Or you just need something to pass the day with?
10:37:23 AM Musician Friend: don't want too much going on, just a mood set
10:49:18 AM Musician Friend: so am I on the right track with this, so far?
10:49:50 AM Gerald: oh yes... erie, wateryish
10:50:04 AM Musician Friend: listen to it a few times when you have time and let me know any ideas/suggestions that you may have.
10:52:09 AM Musician Friend: when her eyes lit up, I wanted to get a scary sound
10:52:25 AM Musician Friend: that should be more intense
10:55:50 AM Musician Friend: the end (my part) went from intense to ahhhh, because the time ran out, so it needs work.
10:56:06 AM Gerald: but it is a great, really great start
10:56:10 AM Musician Friend: well its ideas as you go
10:57:43 AM Musician Friend: The band thing is not working for me, so maybe I should look at doing this kind of gig.
10:58:32 AM Gerald: that's why we are giving it a try... learn, love, laugh, experience, do it or sit in the chair and wit to die
11:01:37 AM Musician Friend: I always wanted to do soundtrack/jingle stuff and write, but these people here just want me to make them look good, then take all the credit. My only high is maybe I complemented someone and the music overall came together. sounds like an eargasm or something.

Gerald had already done what the Musician Friend told him to do, he contacted Danny Gray the composer for the music on THE GOLdEN TREE. When someone says they cannot do it and to find someone else, it is time to find someone else. Gerald toyed with the idea of two composers like he was for THE GOLdEN TREE. He could use the Musician Friend's music at certain times to at least get his music and talents in a film for people to hear.

Hey - this looks like a lot of fun. The creepy twilight-zone quality is the sort of thing I naturally gravitate toward, and I think I could give you something you'd be really happy with.

I do have to mention, that one of the nice things thats developed for me this year has been the chance to work with a NY-based music production library, 4 Elements Music, as a staff composer. We provide a lot of the music used on major news shows such as 20/20, PrimeTime, and Good Morning America, and even though its freelance work it keeps me pretty busy. So what this really means is, I've had to give up working on non-paying projects, simply because as fun as they can be, they force me to turn down the paying freelance work I would otherwise be doing.

Which is not to say that I'm expecting you to blow your budget on music! But if arranging a small composer fee is not a deterrent for you, I'd be more than happy to discuss and negotiate what you feel is appropriate. As I said, I'd love to work on this for you and I had a great time on your last film, I just need to know that I can affordably give it the time it deserves. - Danny

I want it to be pretty good before anyone really hears it, get out any snags etc. I appreciate any suggestions possible since this is really the first time doing such a composition. When I do the sounds, I do not see the video anymore as I record the voice tracks and listen as close as I can as if it were an "Old time radio show" which makes the imagination think more and envision the events, hopefully it sinks up with the event of the moment.

I played the music the Musician Friend sent you (titled "Watering Hole 2a mp3-2.mp3") along with "The Watering Hole" movie and was not impressed. I assume the music is meant to be the score as the download .mp3 attachment to the email he sent ran the exact same length as the movie. It contained the audio from the movie (people talking, me coughing, etc.). I was able to sync it to the movie and turn the movie volume down. It just seemed to me like he took one spooky-sounding sequence and looped it over and over and it really coincided with nothing.

TO Rob: It is a work in progress. We are building it.

TO Musician Friend: okay. I have been thinking about what the producer wrote, and what I want. And I like what you have been doing. It may sound like the same chords or passages over and over, but that is the base. The majority of movie is under water, so why shouldn't the music basically be that same similar track underneath with a few added stings, themes, and interludes throughout to give it some texture?

Keep doing what you are doing. build on it. I forgot he also sees those emails sent to the watering hole address. just never thought he's listen to it the right way and add it to the video.

Wish we had the guy from THE GOLdEN TREE. I liked what he did A LOT!

TO Musician Friend: I really like what you did for the intro, but maybe lower in octave. really deep.

2:29;00 when the girls show up to help him, maybe add a sting, a special sound, so when ever we see these girls again, it's their little them, instrument, or sound. Call it theme Y.

at 2:00;00 the music stops. keep it going with some sort of sound. don't forget you can add low rumbles o percussion... be creative. let go.

again at 2:35;00 the music stops. if you have to, record a foundation track that runs through the whole movie so there is at least some sound.

2:49:00 - 2:58;00 when he drinks the second glass of water and we dissolve from image to image. get crazy. maybe a falling tumble with plucked strings off the neck. echo reverb, not sure what I am trying to explain. just something to break up the underlying sound.

03:24:00-ish AREA {LOVE THAT STING!!!! CALL IT "THEME S" after he says "in the stock market."] chilling. something like that for theme Y, and when he's drinking, but different. make them each slightly different.

WHAT YOU DO FROM 3:43:00 - 3:50:00 area. the in and out of sound, I like that, the sound and quiet together, so i guess, adjust your base track to have some silent moments. builds tensions. but I like the way it is done here, sounds like for a reason, the others above just sounded like the music stopped and the musician fell asleep.

at 03:57:00 "it's later than you think" give me a discording sting of sorts.

04:04:00 area, when he picks up the glass of dirty water insert another discomforting sting or two.

from them on, it is good other than the music stops too often. maybe slower chords let them ring and decay. but I like the silent spots too, just have something under them so not too silent.

GREAT STUFF up to 08:12:00 [use what you have as a base and build on it. keep in mind dynamics though, sounds great, fantastic start]

at 08:12:00 when we see nicor looking at the weeping woman, we need another slight change a sad, inner battle with in him. =end it when she dissolves away. at roughly 08:30;00

LOVE THE BUILD UP AND SUSPENSE at the end as bill tells him to keep swimming.

but when he comes out of the water hit a note and let that fade. [almost like you have but you hit another note and it should be silent there. I want silence until 09:11;00 when nicor's hand grabs david THEN put in an ugly, loud, sharp, sting [scare the bejesus out of people] and make it busy until 9:14:00 when the music is the base track and slow.

keep the ending music going and add a few changes when the moon comes up, the hat, and let it all fade away by about 09:53:00

then the craziest sting, scariest, obnoxious, disturbing HIT you can conjure up at 09:56:00 and let that fade away.

again, sounds great so far, just build on it. make some stings at certain points, but try not to make it obvious, some of them, YES, make obvious, but others I like the flow you have.

On Tuesday, August 16, 2011, the Musician Friend messaged Gerald that he is trying to get things done but his old computer not being able to handle the workload, and not being able to afford a new one.

Dear Petite Chardonnay,

I am composer Richard Altenbach (Grass Valley/Hollywood) responding to your call for crew to work on your project. Do you need original music for your film? I have recently composed music for a travelogue episode featuring Sonoma city. The music is available to be licensed through me, or I could compose to suit.

Gerald visited the links that Richard sent of his music, and it was absolutely beautiful, but way over the top for this little film.

Late Tuesday, August 16, 2011, Gerald received an email from Musician Friend saying how upset he is about his computer locking up on him when he needs to record and after it does record. He apologizes for not being up to par with better computers and struggling to survive, and the computer is testing his final patients. He does end with he will see if there is something else that he can do to make it better, and he will continue to try. Please bear with him.

9:27:40 AM Musician Friend: Hey, trying to get things working. I have had to delete some programs that I think were freezing things up. Whats up?
9:28:40 AM Gerald: you heard of Richard Altenbeck
9:30:45 AM Musician Friend: no, who is he?
9:31:05 AM Gerald: just wondered if you knew him. some musician
9:32:08 AM Gerald: A local guy saw a notice for actors for a movie and sent his music bio
9:32:18 AM Gerald: I never said I was looking for music
9:32:49 AM Gerald: just wondered if you knew him or knew of him
9:34:13 AM Musician Friend: Yea, he composes for movies
9:35:02 AM Musician Friend: So what are you saying here?
9:35:54 AM Gerald: On 9:32 AM Gerald Wrote: A local guy saw a notice for actors for a movie and sent his music bio
9:36:30 AM Gerald: I am not looking for music. I am looking for actors.
9:37:18 AM Gerald: People do that, they do not read. They assume. The notice even says we have a director and an editor. But I get requests from people wanting to be those.
9:38:08 AM Gerald: just wondered if you knew him.
9:38:27 AM Musician Friend: Well he definitely has more credentials than I do, and probably has enough backing behind him to get the job done, so if you are thinking about using him, let me know now and I will move on
9:39:04 AM Gerald: where the heck does this come from?
9:39:25 AM Gerald: did you not read what I wrote?
9:40:23 AM Musician Friend: What do you think? When you send me something like this and because I am having computer issues, what am I to think, what timing, we know you have a deadline, and last time you went with someone else before talking to me, that's where this coming from.
9:41:04 AM Gerald: you said you were not sure if you could commit to the project.
9:41:22 AM Gerald: i was asking if you know the guy
9:41:32 AM Gerald: who cares if he's a musician? he could have been a mechanic
9:43:03 AM Musician Friend: It's happened before.
9:41:22 AM Gerald: it only happened because you were wishy washy about it and I needed a commitment.
9:43:03 AM Musician Friend: So maybe you should. go with Richard, my computer is giving me lots of headaches and I don't want to hold you up
9:43:09 AM Musician Friend: now probably would be a good time to do so, if that's what you want
9:43:36 AM Gerald: do i have to walk on eggs around you?
9:44:51 AM Musician Friend: Point being, he sent you a notice or is promoting his compositions, and has his act together. I am struggling as I always have, and always end up not getting the job. He probably has money in the bank, where I am selling off gear to survive. I am not sure that I am right for your movie
9:45:00 AM Gerald: And there it is again, the same thing you did last time. You have a low self-esteem. All I was doing was talking about people sending me things when I wasn't looking for them
9:45:32 AM Gerald: and he happened to be a composer.
9:45:46 AM Gerald: the next guy I was going to mention was Michael Rainwright.
9:45:49 AM Gerald: he's local.
9:45:54 AM Gerald: but wants to be a director.
9:46:01 AM Gerald: he also sent me his info
9:46:03 AM Musician Friend: well there you go, good luck![*2*]
9:46:06 AM Gerald: I don't need a director and I do not need music. I thought you were doing it?

It is just really strange that all the sudden when I am struggling with my computer this guy just sends you an email wanting to do music. How convenient. I really think you don't believe I will come though for you in time for your deadline, and are looking for some one that will, which is understandable, and I would much rather hear that then for you to ask if I know this person or that person and end up being replaced after all the work I have put into it already!

I don't appreciate being in the middle of something and have to compete with these people when I cannot even think to compete with someone of his/her caliber, not mention his experience, and a known name would be better than an No name like me right? SO if that is what you want to do, that is fine, just say so. This has happened before, I get replaced because of what ever and I am tired of it. So maybe it's time to say good bye.[*3*]

Gerald makes a decision to find another composer to have just in case the Musician Friend does not deliver. When he does deliver, he will find some place to put it. Not the best situation to be in with a long-time friend. “At this point in the process, I think I have put too much pressure on Musician Friend who thinks he needs to deliver a masterpiece. I cannot sit here and hope that he delivers. I need to have music for the film. I do feel sad he is having issues, but I cannot help him when he is more than two hours away.”

TO Musician Friend:
>> It is just really strange that all the sudden when I am struggling with my computer this guy just sends you an email wanting to do music.
Strange and all of a sudden? Excuse me, I get these weekly. There is nothing strange about it. He lives in the area and I wondered if maybe Musician Friend knew him. And he was asking about doing music for Petite Chardonnay not the WATERING hole.

I am not a go-around-your-back type of guy. You should know me by now, I am not that kind of person. If I have a problem with you, you will know from me, not from someone else, the newspaper, or see it on tv.

I am sorry and feel sad you are in dire needs with health, computer, life, work, and everything. I was trying to give you some hope, some positivity, and to get you back into your passion by bringing you on this project. You need to get some self-confidence and stop sulking in a corner. You take things way to literal. Too personal. And take it as though it is a reflection of you.

I am wondering if this is your way to tell me you cannot hack it. You are afraid of success and you want to give up. I have in NO way ever have felt, said, or even given you any sign of me wanting to replacing you. You manifest these ideas, thoughts, and images in your own mind. Why would I put your name on the poster, the website, the film's IMDb profile, and the credits in the movie, if I were going to replace you? It's not that easy to change a name on several of those things and I do not have time to do that, nor is it what I want to do.

if you actually will read this and soak it in to your thick skull. I AM NOT looking for those kinds of people.

>> This has happened before, I get replaced because of what ever and I am tired of it.

Well, I was hoping you would have remembered our history. I have never replaced you. I always gave you respect and praised you, your talents, skills, and your creativity. But to be lumped into a group of people that has treated you otherwise, makes me feel really bad. I am NOT one of those jerks that takes advantage of you then tosses you aside. If you cannot see that or did not know that, I do not know what to tell you. I cannot hold you hand all the time. I am and always have tried to give you a RESPECTABLE and POSITIVE avenue, venue, path for you and your musical career. I really do not need to have to worry about what I say or talk about with you.

I was going to surprise you and give you some money out of the producers budget when the music was finished as a thank you and a surprise.

Build up your self esteem man. I am not here to kick you, make you feel bad about yourself, and point fingers. I do not have time to play games or babysit.

I was excited and proud to bring you aboard. Please get over your PLOM disease [poor little o me] and realize: I have always been there and tried to help you pick yourself up off the ground. I am not perfect, but I have always been someone you can count on and have taken the time to listen to you. And for you to toss me into the group of jerks you complain about, is not right. it's just not right.

Do not feel guilty, embarrassed, or anything around me. Except love, happiness, and friendship. We have known each other too long to be shy.

Ok, well I will continue to do what I can and go from here if your are in agreement. I am trying to figure out how to track better, with my dummy track and record the new tracks beside it etc for a clean recording of each track for final mixing. I think my computer is somewhat stable for the time being, and I hope I can finish this without anymore issues. Sorry, have a lot going on here. Talk soon.

TO Musician Friend: I was going to surprise you and give you some money out of the producers budget when the music was finished as a thank you and a surprise.

Build up your self esteem man. I am not here to kick you, make you feel bad about yourself, and point fingers. I do not have time to play games or babysit.

I was excited and proud to bring you aboard. Please get over your PLOM disease [poor little o me] and realize: I have always been there and tried to help you pick yourself up off the ground. I am not perfect, but I have always been someone you can count on and have taken the time to listen to you. And for you to toss me into the group of jerks you complain about, is not right. it's just not right.

Do not feel guilty, embarrassed, or anything around me. Except love, happiness, and friendship. We have known each other too long to be shy.

Ok, thanks. I am tired of feeling guilty here, just want to make something good happen, with all the frustrations, It's not hard wanting to throw in the towel. So appreciate your understanding. I will keep working on this!

TO Mikail Graham: The only caveat so far is the deadline for music is Friday, August 26.

Hi Gerald, Well yes that is one heck of a caveat. Interesting film, nice idea, could be fun. So do you have a sense of what kind of tone you are looking for? Ambient - other worldly mixed w/say a Morricone oddness for example? or?

Also is this a pro-bono project at this point or? At this point in time are you looking for just a temp work score here & there? or something more solid throughout the entire film including the opening and credits? Do you need a sound bite for the motion logo section at the start as well as in the credits?

Please let me know the answers to the above and we'll go from there, however I am not 100% certain I can make your deadline due to my own current schedule, but I am willing to possibly have a look at it.

Mikail Graham
mikailgraham.com
facebook.com/mikailgraham
Nevada City, CA 95959

Mr. Graham. I appreciate your reply and honestly. I was truly amazed and awed that someone of your caliber would be interested in an unknown project.

I do not think Homer Wills explained the project or situation enough for you to understand and make your inquiry.

With some criteria that may interfere with your normal life, I think we should allow you to worry about more important things in your life — this is a volunteer project that is in its final stages and the due date is real soon.

I do appreciate the reply, but let us not cause any more problems than we have.

thank you. God Bless. Gerald.

On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, Gerald sent out a frantic email to Doug Hammer who had just agreed to do the music score Petite Chardonnay. With Doug in his graces, Gerald offered Doug $200 to do some music for the WATERING hole (2011), if he was interested.

Gerald received a reply from Doug Hammer on Wednesday, August 18, 2011, “Sure Gerald! How much music do you need? Do you have a rough cut I could see? ” Gerald sent him the WATERING hole (2011) picture lock, and told him he is still working on coloring and audio. “Doug, I am looking for something ethereal, odd, weird, under water, demonic, and strange. let me know if you can do it, deadline is next friday. have to get it exported. if you really want to do it and have a sound for it, i can send you the music cue sheet.. ”

Doug Hammer says he is game to do it, and he would like a quicktime version to sync it to his DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to be more accurate regarding timing of cues.

Gerald tells Doug that the name of the person on the poster, website, and the imdb page as the composer was suppose to do it but is having equipment issues, and he may not complete it. Gerald needs solid answers which is why Doug was asked in a panic. Gerald mentions to Doug that it could be a two composer thing if he does not mind.

With a more confident composer signed on, Gerald's anxiety lessens, but he still has a deadline to meet.

Well alrighty then, do keep me in mind if something comes up down the road with more time/backing and we'll go from there.

And FWIW (for what its worth) from me to you - I do think you have something here.

Good luck to you, Mikail Graham

Hey Gerald, hope all is well with you.

I remember when we talked at Broad Street Bistro you mentioned your film with the eerie, demonic edge and the drowning scene! Is this the film you are talking about?

Thank you for considering me for the picture. I already have some ideas swimming in my head for the ethereal sounds!

Re: a fee, I have some questions:
1) What is your budget for water fx (and/or music)
2) How many minutes of sounds (music?) total do you require?
3) Do you just need a few short duration water fx, or longer ambient pads?

I am confident I can work within your budget. Thanks!

BTW, will you be needing any music for "Petite Chardonnay?"

Best,

Richard

Richard what would be a fair price for you to do some ethereal, weird, underwater types sounds for a 10 minute weird movie?

On Monday, August 22, 2011, Doug Hammer sent Gerald an email that included an AIFF file for Gerald to review to let Doug if he is going in the right direction with the music. Doug mentions that he is having fun working on the project.

On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, Musician Friend sent some new clips that sounded good other than a few volume anomalies. Gerald's stress was up and his energy was depleted dealing with three productions, two of which are due for delivery, and all the individual issues and problems with each of them — he should have waited to send the email.

TO Musician Friend: Hey hey. yeah, got it. Sorry so busy with new movie and the others, it is crunch time. They moved the time up for delivery or i miss read it, and now I am struggling behind.

I hear it and the dialog is still there, but yeah, i hear the ups and downs on the volumes, a bit od when i first heard it.

I know your struggling with an archaic machine, but it is getting there. At least you are making some noise right?

Hey Gerald, You don't sound so thrilled with it. If you don't like it that's ok. I am pretty frustrated with it myself. My computer is crap and it's taken all my inspiration out, especially when I cant even mix anything. I can try to remixing the jumpy spots at a slightly less volume so it sounds more even. But without a way to sync the video to what I am putting down, I don't know if it syncs up or not.

The music itself may not even fit. Be honest with me, maybe your best to have someone that has the right stuff do it. I have spent literally days/nights fighting with this computer to the point I don't like what I did anymore. So if you tell me now yes/no or just try to remix a little better, that's fine. I really wish I had better tools.

I am getting pressure from my folks to get some other things done around here as they don't understand what I am trying to do. My creative juices are drying up if there was any in the first place. Sorry If I wasted your time with this noise.[*4*]

TO Musician Friend: No not. Not wasting. I just sense that you are not able to do your best work. I feel bad by putting so much pressure on you. I never meant to put you in a situation where it stresses our friendship.

You have been and always will be my first choice at music, it is warm and inviting, but the timing and your situation is putting a strain on you, and I can sense it in your emails and music. like you are rushing and you are not able to put your best work down.

It has nothing to do with your talent, you have it baby you have it, do not give up on you now. Let us just step back and reassess the situation.

If you are not the music guy on this, it is NOT the end of the world. Ha ha 2012. There will be MANY MANY other times, trust me. I plan on doing this for a living and maybe the Lord has plans for the two of us down the road when I can pay you and set us up with a great studio, a house, and great pay. Trust me, that is what I want too. Oh my gosh to have some of those worries gone.

what you have done so far solidifies my truths that you have talent, but you tend to get side tracked and frustrated, not that you do not have the right or the reasons right now, but putting yourself in that mood, for that matter or ME putting you in that pressure cooker is something friends should not do to friends.

I know you tried. and it was great and almost there. but again you are frustrated, it is not working and the creativity is struggling under those conditions. You deserve better.

Let us step away from this one, it is not the end of the world, it is not. Again, I have many, many other projects in store. I am saddened that I put you through this, yes, I am crying now. and no, please do not feel bad cause I do not want to make you feel worse that you probably already do.

Here's the next project. PAINT. a paintball movie. https://ariapictures.com/movies/paint/. Going to get it going next year in the fall. It is action packed. And it is a full-length feature. It is yours if you want it. This way you have a head start, a time frame to get your frame of mind together, and for me a much better outlook so not to pressure anyone. And in a year. THINGS WILL GET BETTER! I can feel it in the air. It is weird like that. but I do. And one of my dreams and goals has always been to share the art and soul of you with the world and get you out of that mess. YOUR FRIEND NOW AND FOREVER!!

Hey. I have an idea to try. Instead of trying to get all the pieces synced to where you think they should go all in one music clip, why not separate them into individual clips?

Create the music bed that does not need to be 10 minutes, just give me one to two minutes and I can loop. Create the stings and other mood music individually and tell me the time code the clip should start. Additional_intro.mp3 (this starts at 00:00:02;00 and so forth.

Sure, you will be exporting thirty or more clips, but they are smaller, and you do not have to worry about the timing and being smaller, your computer should not have any issues.

Thank you Gerry, I don't think we will be doing anything here in the future, Thanks for the chance to try, but by today's standards, being realistic here, I am not in the same league as you are or these other "Composers" and I really don't think it is gong to happen.

I have spent endless hours away from other things that needed my attention hoping I could do this, hoping just maybe this would be a break for me and to have it not work out, which I was concerned about this happening from the beginning.

I tried to be optimistic through all my negative issues and feelings. I have stopped, taken a break from it all and gone back trying to get it right, then with computer problems from the start, did not help. We have tried several times over the years and for me it's always ended up this way, which I am not a rocket scientist or a stupid idiot to know by now if it is not going to work, it never will. Good Luck! I feel pretty much of a failure here, and I have NO interest at all to do anymore! and all the best. [*5*]

The last email gutted Gerald, not because of losing someone to do music for the WATERING hole (2011), but because he lost his good friend to depression, again and there is nothing he can do about it. “I want to be mad at him because at no time was he ever optimistic about himself or the doing the music, but I just feel sad and helpless I could not pull him out of the ditch he is in. I will pray for him to find his positive spirit.”

Cool Gerald! I love what you added. I need to watch it a few times before commenting but overall A+! After one watch. My only comments would be that the underwater to splashing water effect that I did cuts out too soon (placed a hair too early) at 8:51. There is a sliver of silence rather than the crescendoing water effect transitioning into your splash. I think the 9:10 scary effect needs to be as loud as it can possibly be for shock effect.

Those are the nitpicks after one watch. Maybe the music can crescendo and get louder from 8:11 to 8:51. A crescendo over time though. But you are the mixer! Looking good! Can hear all dialog. Lots of things lightened up. Love the water drop sound you added. Love the ferris wheel carnival music you added. Love all the audio elements you added. Very tasteful! More later (but not much more!).

3.6.4 The Journey and Relationships

TO the Cast and Crew of the WATERING hole (2011):
As the WATERING hole (2011) comes to completion on this day, on behalf of the Crew and the Producers, I would like to extend a warm gratitude to you all for being a part of it and making it happen.

I feel the Journey is nearly at its end for the movie, once it is projected at the Crest on October 2, 2011. But our journey, and the relationships we made during the process, will hopefully grow and prosper though the ages.

It has been an interesting excursion we took together — some more than others, and you know who you are — but without everyone's input, presence, and dedication to their craft, talent, and themselves, this would still be a little story on a computer screen.

I look forward to seeing you at the premiere, and do not just come to see the WATERING hole (2011). There are nine other movies, such as, Stalag Sacramento, The Purse [with none other than Dwight Taylor], Borrowed Time, CSI, Sacramento, BUDDIES, Reluctant, The Break Up, The Chozen, and Lucky Shot. This is not the year to miss this event. it will be a grand outing. THANK YOU or your time and talents. God Bless - Gerald Martin Davenport

You have a way of writing such poetry. Very nice, Gerald. It was an honor to contribute even in a small dose. I can honestly say YOU have been a gem and a pleasure to work with. I too look forward to the future. Thank you for putting trust into a 'stranger' that now turned friend. :)

Krystina Mae

AWESOME. Thanks for having me apart of it. - Dwight Taylor

Congrats! I think I will always remember The Cedar Room at 5:00 in the morning on a toasty summer's night, surrounded by 50 of my best friends and co-workers.

Seriously, it was fun working on another one of your projects. You're a talented and interesting fellow, and I enjoyed talking with you at the park that day between shoots.

Man, you did a great job editing! The best version yet. Super, super, super. Chilling. And spooky. Loved the coyote howl at the end. A really professional job. Congrats! Also, glad the sound turned out fine!

This should wow them on October 2. My hat is off to you!

Scott

Hi Gerald, Good job!

It was fun, and once it is done you can look back at it and enjoy. Thanks for having me on your crew.

Thanks, Shawn Flanagan

5.1.1 Crest Theater

Water, Art, and Basketball: what do they all have in common?

A: They are all part of this year's A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival.

I was lucky enough to pre-view the films and I'm here to let you in on some fun inside information. This year's set of films are very diverse and there is something for all tastes and styles. From the super creative art and music scenesters to the paranormal and some stories that hit close to the heart. It's all there this year.

We are a river city and water is a common theme around here and at least 5 of the films touch on this, but in very different and unexpected ways. CSI:Sacramento (Something's Fishy) will tickle your punny bone with a fishy tale. Drown your sorrows at The WATERING Hole where mysteries abound. Watching Reluctant will be a very stimulating experience and features some shockingly beautiful views of the city. Learning to weather the storms is challenge for a war vet in Buddies and the healing properties of water and love will send shivers up your spine in Borrowed Time.

Ever see that mysterious package or box in film and wonder what's in it? Well, sorry, but with The Chozen you'll have to wait for that special day to come. Dig through The Purse to find out about these quirky characters and their mischievous ways.

Those of you who visit, live, work, and play in the Midtown area of Sacramento will appreciate Stalag Sacramento. And those of you who watch this film and aren't familiar with the creative music and art scene in the heart of this city will be intrigued to learn more about it! Kings fans unite! two of our wonderful films feature some avid sports fans. Some fans take it too far for their teams in The Break Up and just wait until the buzzer rings for Lucky Shot.

On Sunday, December 2, 2011, Gerald was not really wanting to attend the Premiere Event this year due to still having some ill-feelings about last years snubbing for THE GOLdEN TREE and the issues he went through on the WATERING hole (2011). But remembering the word lashings he received from a few people, he put aside the dark cloud and attended the event to show support for the film and the people who worked on it. Tamara made him order a poster and get it mounted on hardboard so they can display it on an easel as people walk into the Crest Theater. Gerald mingled with some of the attendees, but let Rob Tillitz do the bulk of the PR work since he was the producer.

Gerald was impressed with, and enjoyed, several stories this year. Dänna Wilberg's Borrowed Time was interesting, The Purse Erica Ruiz & Dwight Taylor was odd but entertaining, Reluctant by Nathan Reedy had some cool moments, The Breakup by Joyce Bezazian was brilliant with the double meaning of the title, Lucky Shot by Raghni Reddy was just over-the-top funny, and of course BUDDIES by Judith Plank was heartwarming.

When the films were finished playing, the filmmakers were asked to come up on stage.

This kind of thing irritates me about anything written or spoken. Please be consistant.

1) This is not a film festival, which I have heard and seen it called by Access. It is a screenplay contents, and the winners are displayed at a premiere event.
2) The people submitting the screenplay, fill out a form that they put the name of the Producer, not the writer or director, but the producer. Access calls them producers up to a point when they call the same person, or the duo, filmmakers.

So, the filmmaker/producers were asked to come up on stage. Rob Tillitz went up to represent the film, even though he was in a few of the other films, he was the producer of record for the WATERING hole (2011). Each lead filmmaker/producer received a framed image of all the films and gave a speech about their film and thanked everyone who helped. Rob did a great job as the front man making sure to name everyone that helped on the WATERING hole (2011). He even mentioned Gerald as the main person behind the film and points to him in the audience. Gerald ducked his head and gave an apprehensive wave.

The Audience Favorite Award was the first award given, and it was tallied by everyone in the audience selecting their favorite after the films were projected. Of course most of the audience was connected to a film or two. They had to choose where their loyalties lie. Gerald swore it was going to go the Claire and the Chozen because she was the youngest filmmaker/producer. “Novelties always get it.” Gerald was happily surprised that it went to a deserving film, The Breakup, by Joyce Bezazian.

The Producer's Choice Award was chosen by the ten filmmaker/producers. They were asked to choose a film other than their own — but did they? Gerald sat next to Jim Heck and said “Say The Chozen. Go on say it and get this thing over with. You know it is going to be, because she is the novelty. Come on Chozen.”

Ron Cooper says “Three votes was the most that any of them got. ” Gerald was told by one of the higher-up event coordinators that the WATERING hole (2011) actually received four votes, and BUDDIES, the other film he worked on, received three. Three of the films received one vote, but Gerald tuned out which ones received the votes. The event coordinator asked Gerald not to say where he got the info. He thinks they wanted to keep Ron's mistake under-wraps, or they did not want the WATERING hole (2011) higher than some of the films in the past, or, and the one that Gerald believes is, they did not want to give Gerald any extra kudos because he has been a thorn in their side since the event last year.

After Ron Cooper said ^{^9}“The winner for this years Producer's Choice Award is, Rob Tillitz and Gerald Davenport for the WATERING hole (2011) ” Gerald looked confused, bewildered, and shocked and looked at Jim and asked, “What did he say ?” “He just called your name. You better get up there. ” Jim told Gerald. As Gerald walked down to the stage he looked at each of the filmmaker/producers and realized that “they voted for the WATERING hole (2011). Well, a majority did. ”

Gerald did not have a speech prepared, he had no idea the film would win anything, and he is still stunned that the film was selected. Rob Tillitz spoke as Gerald made his way up to the stage. He received his award and shook hands then waited fromn Rob to finish. Gerald gave an impromtu, scatter-brained, bumbling speech about how chaotic it was and how much he learned. He also recognized his fellow filmmaker/producers and their hard work.

Gerald and Rob's name are not the only names attached to the WATERING hole (2011). The award is not just theirs, it belongs to everyone involved. The cast and crew can say they were involved in a film that won the Access Sacramento 2011 A Place Called Sacramento festival Producers Choice Award.

700 Attend "Place Called Sacramento" Festival - 12th Annual Event Selects "Audience Favorite" and "Producer's Choice" Awards

5.1.2 Crocker Art Museum

Access Sacramento decided to screen the 2011 A Place Called Sacramento films one more time due to the success and popularity of the films.

A Place Called Sacramento hits home

Local landmarks and actors were showcased on the silver screen as the Crocker Art Museum hosted the 12th annual A Place Called Sacramento film festival Feb. 2 in collaboration with Access Sacramento, the local public access television station.

The sleek, modern auditorium was packed with local actors, directors, moviegoers and Crocker members through 105 minutes of 10 short films — 10-minutes each — of varying genres. As part of the Crocker's Thursdays 'til 9 series, drama gave way to horror and mystery, but the audience found themselves humored with nearly every film.

“Am I in hell? ” asked the hallucinating man in the WATERING hole (2011). “No, you're still in Sacramento,” replied the Bartender. The audience erupted with hysterical laughter.

“I'm not a Sacramento native, so hearing about this film festival is a really neat experience for me,” said Rika Nelson, coordinator and facilities associate of the Crocker Art Museum. “When you watch this film festival, every scene — you just get that great feeling, I've been there! I know these people! ”

Every February, Access Sacramento kicks off the film project with scriptwriting and production workshops. Several hundred scripts are entered by April, but only 10 are chosen in May to begin production using Access Sacramento's studios, production equipment and gear. “In the year 2000, we looked around Sacramento and realized that there were many folks who were interested in making movies,” said Ron Cooper, executive director of Access Sacramento, “and feeling very talented without any kind of opportunity to express those skills and abilities, particularly actors in the community.”

Stories varied in artistic style and ability. Many of the writers who had their scripts chosen had no writing or film experience. Some films portrayed a low-budget feel, while others showed off their special effects — a Sacramento police officer flexed his super-hero strength with lightning bolts that sparked from his hands. First-time screenwriter and director Joyce Bezazian won the Audience Choice Award at the premier of the A Place Called Sacramento film festival in October for her film The Breakup. “It was pretty exciting!‰ said Bezazian. “I didn't expect it.” Bezazian had no previous experience writing, directing or working with actors. “I'm very resourceful and a quick learner, so I just put everything together and jammed,” Bezazian said. “In college I wanted to do screenwriting for TV, but then my family said I should do something more practical, so I did. Then my partner said, There's a class, you should take it.” Bezazian only had an hour to register for the class because it started the very next day. “I was shocked that they picked it, which is why I wasn't even slightly prepared,” Bezazian said. Bezazian's film about an obsessed Sacramento Kings' fan was a favorite among the audience at the Crocker — no one could have known it was a rookie's film.

When it came to the puns toward Sacramento, patrons continued to laugh about the one-liners. “The digs in Sacramento were pretty good,” said Christine Kenny. “Ten minutes is tough,” said Patrick Monahan who has taken screenwriting classes in the past. “There were some little, hidden gems.”

The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O St. Visit Crocker Art Museum's website to find out more about the Thursday 'til 9 series. For information about A Place called Sacramento, please visit Access Sacramento's website.

5.2.1 DVD

the WATERING hole (2011) was released on DVD. The DVD was distributed to all the members of the cast and crew.

the WATERING hole (2011) was one of 9 films on a compilation Blu-Ray of Aria Pictures short-films that was screened at the Sierra Cinemas in Grass Valley, California on April 9th, 2017 — Aria Leven Davenport's 27th birthday. Aria was not in attendance.

5.2.2 Video

6.1.1 Access Sacramento

the WATERING hole receives the Producer's Choice Award⁹ at Access Sacramento's Place Called Sacramento Film Festival.

6.1.2 ACM West WAVE Award

HI Gerald, I just wanted to let you know that each year Ron (Cooper) submits the PCS films to the Alliance for Community Media WAVE Awards, and your and Rob's film "the Watering Hole" is a finalist. Congratulations! The award ceremony is being held at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Sacramento this year on October 20th from 6-8pm. You can find out more details on the ACMWest.org website. You can also call Ron or me.
Congrats again!

8:14:40 AM Gerald: Are we going then?
8:15:20 AM Rob Tillitz: Of course, it's very prestigous just to get nominated Michelle says.
8:15:33 AM Gerald: Only three movies made it
8:15:43 AM Gerald: Reluctant, The Break Up, and the WATERING hole.
8:16:45 AM Rob Tillitz: We are in a different category than those two. It looks like we have one movie as competition.
8:17:52 AMGerald: You mean we are competing against Trapped Inside?
8:18:09 AM Gerald: We are 26_Experimental _Innovative
8:18:44 AM Rob Tillitz: Yes, Experimental_Innovative, other movie is "Trapped Inside"
8:20:02 AM Rob Tillitz: The link to our moive is only 480p and I changed it with my FB post but then when I watched Traped inside I saw they had 10 views and we 101 so I changed the link back in case they're going on views.
8:21:25 AM Gerald: It is 2:46 long, no dialog, predictable, and boring. Nothing really exciting, but I am not a judge.
8:23:03 AM Rob Tillitz: Yes, don't count our chickens, or in this case predict how the judges will vote and on what criteria. I guess it looks like the oscars and the envelope will get opened and the winner announced.

This is a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Gerald and Rob are beside themselves. Our first nomination for something we were not expecting is a good feeling to know that everyone's hard work is appreciated.

Reluctant, The Break Up, and the Watering hole, a Davenport/Tillitz film are the only movies from Access that were nominated.

The event is local on October 20 afrom 6 - 8 pm at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Sacramento. Not expecting anyone else to go as we do not want to be sad in front of you all if we do not win, but tickets are $25 and it is a prestigious event, from what we hear.

11:49:45 AM Gerald: the WATERING hole is up for a WAVE award this year
11:50:16 AM Scott Slotterbeck: Really??? That is great news!
11:51:00 AM Gerald: Ron Cooper submitted it, along with The Break Up and Reluctant.
11:51:34 AM Gerald: Do not see you often, so I thought I would chime in and say hi. HI!!!
11:55:04 AM Scott Slotterbeck: how are you doing?
11:58:20 AM Gerald: Busy. Wrote ten 5 － 7 minute episodes of the WARTERING hole
11:58:47 AM Gerald: Not sure if I want to do a web series, but trying to stay, or wanting to stay, busy in production with something
11:58:57 AM Scott Slotterbeck: so this is the web series you were discussing?
11:59:52 AM Scott Slotterbeck: I agree that it will keep you busy.
12:02:59 PM: Scott Slotterbeck: Keeps your name out there
12:04:34 PM: Gerald: depends on where "out there" is
12:04:47 PM: Scott Slotterbeck: true!
12:15:11 PM: Gerald: It is all about staying busy and working on the craft and skills
12:15:26 PM: Gerald: Hate to have a blank time slot in my career.
12:15:34 PM: Scott Slotterbeck: I get it. Learning and growing
12:15:52 PM: Gerald: even when the season is over, athletes still train
12:16:07 PM: Scott Slotterbeck: true