Friends,
I apologize in advance about the relative brevity of this update. Our planned start date (now mid-September) is rapidly approaching, and we're in a frenzied state trying to assemble the last few elements that will enable us to begin production. We continue to focus on casting, financing, and evolving the script, which is where our attention has been concentrated for several months now. We have also been speaking with many established producers over these last weeks and have learned that, for better or for worse, the casting and funding challenges we've been facing are the norm rather than the exception when it comes to independent filmmaking.
On the casting side, Jeremy Strong, who will be playing our lead, Peter, is turning out not only to be a magnificent actor, but also surprisingly well-connected. Since joining the team, he has introduced us and the project to countless well-known actors and prospective financiers. We have spent the vast majority of our time over the past few weeks auditioning dozens of actresses (and singers) for the lead young female role, Bogart, and we should have someone very alluring attached within the next two weeks, if not sooner. In less fortunate news, Teri Garr has had to drop out of the project due to conflicting commitments she has with a pharmaceutical company for whom she is the spokesperson. However, there are an abundance of talented actresses who are appropriate for that role gives, so we are confident we'll be able to find someone equally or more talented to replace her.
Based on feedback we've received from our cast and others, we have made some notable improvements to the script over the past month, and the reaction we've been receiving is outstanding. The changes have focused on deepening the character "arcs" (i.e., their change in behavior over the course of the story) and intensifying the intrapersonal conflict. If any of you are interested in the latest version, let me know and I'll be happy to forward it.
On the financing side, we've made progress both in raising additional funds and in attracting new prospects and partners to the table. That said, we're up against a wall and need to take a big step forward in the next week or two. As always, if any of you could make an introduction to a friend or colleague who might be interested in this opportunity, please do so now. We are asking each of you to give it 30 seconds of thought, as it could determine the success of the entire endeavor.
Regards,
Jason
