Nearly two weeks ago, I showed what is the nearly final version of “The Making Of A Dream” to my wife.  She’s been seeing me working on this for so many months now, that the time had finally come to start letting others see what has been percolating in my entire being.  There were times as she was watching where I couldn’t be in the same room as her, because I was too antsy.  My mind was racing.

There’s no BS with my wife.  If she doesn’t like something, she’ll tell you right away.  So I knew that if she wasn’t going to like it, husband or not, she was going to tell me.

When I heard the ending moments, I came back in the room.  She liked it.  She REALLY liked it.  She presented me with a working Word document of notes and suggestions that she had gathered while watching, but basically validated what I was doing.  Man, did that feel good.  Don’t get me wrong – I am confident in the film wholeheartedly without question.  But, hearing that first person (who has essentially peered into your brain after months of being very insular) say that it was good and that she saw potential in its future – nothing can beat that.

Four days later, I showed “The Making Of A Dream” to the I Can Dream Theatre management team of seven people.  I’m pretty sure that I bit all of my fingernails off all day in preparation for this screening night.

During the screening, I was pretty calm and found some glee watching them watching my film.  I loved anticipating knowing when certain parts were coming and waited for their reaction.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a position where I’ve put something creative out there into the universe for dissection.  I’ve forgotten how much of a process it is for me.  It feels good though.

There were chuckles and sighs, and moments of wonder and surprise.  But, it was a wave of positive energy. I went there armed with questionnaires for everyone to fill out, and to keep all reactions structured.  It was amazing to read their comments and take in their really interesting suggestions.

I also grabbed my video camera once the screening was done and I started filming the feedback.  No spoilers, folks.  What’s here hopefully gets your attention a little.

So after nearly a week of NOT looking at the film, I return and begin my tweaks and edits.  On top of that, I actually did another interview shoot this week with a few of our amazing crew from I Can Dream to get their perspectives on what it means to them.  Their insight will bring another added element to the final film.

We’re getting closer to April 28th more than ever now. There’s still a lot more work to be done. Thanks for reading.  This journey is far from over.

Some of the cast members during shoot after rehearsal (February 27, 2016)                        Photo credit: Michelle Meighen

How is it already March?!

While my conscious self is happy that we’re inching a bit closer to Spring and hopefully a quick thaw of all things snow like, my subconscious self is officially now counting down to the screening of my film.

About three weeks ago, I completely had a new vision as to how my film was going to end, so rather than wait until I got to it, I decided to concentrate on the ending right away.  I was really excited by the arc that I had set up in my head, and seeing the scenes getting assembled together was like a rush to me. I love tweaking and changing scenes and clips in order to get the right emotional pitch that I want someone to receive.

I decided to watch what I had put together from beginning to end.  I’m my own harshest critic, but I found myself pretty happy with what I was seeing.  I think it gives a global view of what I Can Dream Theatre is about and gives more insight on what happens in this group.

I was particularly anxious and excited for a supplemental shoot that I was planning on doing to give a better perspective on how much of an impact this group is giving not only its cast.

I first filmed and interviewed two big fans of the group who also got a chance to dance in one of the big sequences in the last production.  I find it so amazing that these two people – completely not tied to the special needs community whatsoever -have connected with what the group does and loves it so big that they come back every year to check out their newest work.  They are articulate, warm and so loyal – and at 9 and 13, some of I Can Dream Theatre’s youngest but strongest in their fanbase.  What a lesson that we can all  learn from them – they’re embracing the beauty and  focusing on the ABILITY.

The picture posted above here is also from my shoot.  I asked Ada, Michele and Trish to cut their rehearsal short and leave so that I could ask the group a few questions about what it’s like to be in I Can Dream Theatre.

There isn’t enough room on this post to describe what exactly transpired during our conversation.  It was candid, it was funny but most of all it was absolutely loving.  These individuals love being in this group – and it’s clear that the effect it has on them goes beyond rehearsals and performance. There were times as I was standing behind the camera where I couldn’t believe some of these beautiful responses that were being said. I was so happy that it was being captured and it will remain alive through this project always.

That’s what I want to come through with “The Making Of A Dream” – that in our world that is filled with negativity  and hard truths; where we have racism and violence smeared across our computers and ears, that there are always those who are doing work that inspires.  And if we let that in, it can be transformative.

Back to my film I go.  🙂