Thursday, June 23, 2011

Who doesn't like vids?

Click Me

This is a short film noir I did a wwwhhhiiilllleeee back with the very talented Travis Mills.

Five Things a Detective Does in the Dead of Night

Here's a rehearsal footage from a scene in "The Big Something":

Rehearsal Footage

And lastly...the video I've been re-watching over and over because it's sheer awesomeness:

The Big Something Trailer

Something Big Is Happening Here



That's a wrap!

The Big Something finally and unfortunately came to a wrap on Sunday. I am not quite sure how to feel about it. I know the crew is elated because well...they had it bad. Up before everyone else and out last. However, I know I am bummed. Yet, I distract myself with tagging pictures on Facebook (which I know you ALL just LOVE), laughing at the trailer, talking about the project and promoting it as much as possible and finally just sitting back and waiting for the final product.



The final days of filming went by just right, at least for me. Every day was LITERALLY an adventure and a half. I can't elude to any information, otherwise we'd have to kill you...you'll just have to watch the movie and find out for yourself.



However, each location was super tantalizing for both the cast and crew and for the audience. Wall hopping, ladder climbing, alley way running-you name it-we did it. I have the bruises to represent the adventures.



Another night, through the wee hours (we were like owls), we were at this amazing coffee shop, which dished out coffee like candy (thank you) and we all were blessed with work with Eddie Jones. Yeah, that's correct...Eddie Jones. I didn't get to see that juicy bit entirely, but from what I did get to watch...it was sheer bliss.



Another night Lewis turned into an acrobat and was doing Cirque De Soleil maneuvers that left my jaw laying on the ground most of the time. That kid is amazing.

Outside of work Michael Harrelson (Cliff) and I got lunch at the San Carlos Hotel, which is a sweet historical hot spot. Good food, good decor, good company. What else can a girl ask for?



The last two days were for me the ones I wanted to prolong the most. The second to the last day was the climax. Where in the movie, the audience members gasp, the music peaks, goosebumps molest your body and your hair stands tall. This day was LONG, but amazing and I know it'll look fantastic on film. Granted, several more bruises were added to my collection, but they're like scars, but only temporary...they tell stories. After we finished that night, the cast and crew hung out a bit and relished in the glory of the day, the glory of the team, the glory of the film. We were illuminated by our accomplishments and radiating with our passion. We were/are a family. Jason, thee camera man, amazed us with his...talents(?)...and cahoonahs and made silly phone calls that had us all doubled over in laughter.



Then the final day was a calm day. It ironically was the last scene of the film. Poetic really. The first day was the opening scene and the last day was the closing scene. We all were goofy. At least I was. I know some people wanted to get it over with and to focus, but it really was hard. It was like postponing the inevitable for me. We did our scenes and wrapped. Again, electric energy in the air that eventually fizzled with awkwardness because...now what? We packed our bags and lingered a little to laugh and joke, but eventually we all had to part. Luckily the wrap party was that same night so we distracted our thoughts towards that. We parted knowing we'd all see each other in a few mere hours.



Now for the wrap party...well...what happens at the wrap party stays at the wrap party.



P.S. Thanks to Adam Moreno for providing lots of set photos...you rocked our world

Monday, June 13, 2011

More, More, More

It is day eight of the production of "The Big Something" and it's going fantastic. I love the crew and I love the cast. They are the most hard working and dedicated bunch I've been around for a long time, which just makes our time that much more enjoyable! The set locations are what's up. Super raw, super real, super interesting. Really tantalizing on the eyes and mind.

I really don't even know where to begin or what to say. There's been too much that has happened and I know there will be much more. Let's talk about a few highlights I suppose. On day one, the scene we shot was while the lead male and I stalk this hot wheeled suspect to a bar. One would expect a slight awkwardness since it is the first day of the whole production, but not with these boys. You'd think it'd be strange being the only female around, except for Mary Poppins (Vernda), but I don't know-I feel like one of the guys? Maybe that's not the truth and maybe they're catering (but do I really mind?) or maybe it's in my head (again...problem?).

Day two was definitely a lot of fun because it's one of those high tensioned moments in the film where Lewis and I break into another suspects' house Harlan. I resort to violence by using my handy croquet mallet and Lewis resorts to his inquisitive Dick Tracy 'tude. Harlan and Harlan's dad (Dean and Garry) were troopers and hilarious to work with. The lighting and camera set up was "so movie" (inside joke) and I can't wait to see the finished product. This night was pretty crazy because I didn't get home til the wee hours of the morning (i.e. 3:00) and had to wake up at 5am for day three.

Day three was definitely a day that sticks out. It started out at a church where we filmed the funeral scene for our late boss Marcus where I was a drunk, hostile mess. Working with Kasim (playing Rupert) and Michael (playing Lewis) was like playing with kids in a sand box. We worked together trying to sculpt that nice sand castle. Jokes on set was more prevalent than ever (perhaps from lack of sleep) and improving became almost a norm. I still apologize to the sweet funeral attendees for any bruises I may have caused them in my drunken debauchery stunt (I fell and ended up doing a back somersault). After we wrapped the morning scene, I went to go decorate my apartment in the movie to give it my final touch with the director Travis. Later we went back to Tempe (or was it Mesa or Gilbert?) to shoot the exterior car scenes for my awesome classic Pacer car and watching Cliff exit the bus. Minor glitch because the bus wasn't running as frequently...we arrived super early and there were interesting characters walking around and waiting legitimately for the bus. I befriended a sweet bum that wanted to bum a ciggie (who would've thunk?) Later that night we then filmed my apartment scene where Lewis sneaks up and watches me play the harp. Honestly...this was SO freaking cool. I want a harp and I want to be exactly like Joanna Newsom. Right now. Kaetlynn, a professional harpist, was so kind to come over, teach me a few tricks so that I looked like I knew what I was doing on camera and let us use her amazingly beautiful Celtic harp. Can I just say again...I want one?! The harp is such an under appreciated instrument and I've decided to bring it back with style. Anyway, the scene was a lot of fun and literally we all started to loose our minds by this point because we'd all been up since around 5am and we didn't wrap until 3ish? Lost our minds in an awesome way, of course.

Day four was easy for me, but not for the Lewis and the crew. Poor guys. This time we did the interior car scenes for April and Lewis where we are following Cliff in the bus. Now...I know there are a lot of jokes about female drivers and blah blah, but I feel that I did a pretty darn good job driving this beast, while performing the scene with Lewis AND while taking directions from the director and crew. TRUST me...this Pacer is insanely cool, but it isn't in its prime so driving is a wee bit difficult. After a red light run and a near drive in with another vehicle, we got the scenes we needed. I just hope Travis doesn't put that in the behind the scenes...

Day five was super sweet. This day's shoot focused on another high intense moment in the film where we break into Cliff's house. Everyone was super tired especially Lewis, but he was a champ. Pizza and energy drinks filled the empty spot inside and we were all ready to film. Cliff, (Michael Harrelson) was a bonafied badass with a suggestion that left us all aghast, but I can't reveal that...you'll just have to watch the movie. I personally love this shoot because the acting for my character was a lot more like how I've trained, which is more subtle and internalized. Since this film is sort of a modern day film noir murder mystery, there has been a lot of wide shots and wide gestures, which was something I was out of practice since it'd been about two years since I was on stage. Also, I missed this, but apparently a spectator from the apartment complex we were filming at offered us his place for lodging and what not. He even did the "Situation" slogan where he showed everyone his abs and said to show them in the film. He wrote a note and left his house keys in an envelope. Kindness to a new degree? Hmm...that's the kind of stuff that has been happening during this project. Love it.

Day six I luckily had off: hardy har har, no I'm just kidding boys...really. However, I didn't know what to do with myself! I've been all about the film that I called Travis and asked if he needed me for anything. Luckily they did and I got to be somewhat productive. Phew.

Day seven, which was yesterday was fantastic because we were filming at "Tracks In Wax", a staple in record stores history. This is the type of set I said is eye candy. Another being Harlan's house being engulfed with keys, yes keys. Another is Q n Brew pool hall/bar. Another will be tonight, but I can't jump the gun just yet. Back to T 'n' W. We filmed a lot of goodies there that day. Not to mention I had a free therapy session where I could slap Lewis over and over again without consequences. In fact, I was encouraged to slap even more ferociously. Sick individuals they are? Yes indeed.

Today's the first time I've had time and energy to blog about what's going on. We're filming tonight as well for the night scene at the coffee shop, this place is another eye candy spot.

As for the title? Lewis introduced me and has had it stuck in my head. Now I shall get it stuck in your head.
More, More, More

Check out The Big Something blog:
The Big Something

Go to my Facebook to see pictures:
Mina Mirkhah

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Happy June!

My oh my the last three weeks have been insane! Let's start with the fact that we filmed for the Hollywood Yates music video "Like father, like son, like hell". It was a blast! The cast and crew was so amazing with work with! Naturally, Hollywood is a charmer, so it was a pleasure working with him. He's so tall and strong in person, which is very rare in nowadays entertainment world so he made me seem like a munchkin and he picked me up with one hand without even flinching (his wife is a very lucky lady). I just can't wait to see the finished product and I can't wait to see it being aired on CMT.





Secondly, the LA film "The Coalition" by Team Sizzle Films that I had previously blogged about finally came through! The film was written by Terrell Suggs and Monica Mingo and Monica is also directing it. On Saturday Mrs. LaTicia White contacted me for a last minute filming opportunity for the movie and naturally I'd NEVER decline such an opportunity! It took place the very next day (Sunday) and it's going to again take place tomorrow. I am so excited and honoured to be apart of this fabulous film. I can't tell you much about the film, however please check out the website and go on Facebook and support the movie project. I portray an upscale boutique sales associate named Camille who works with the well known fashion mogul Vidal where we spice up a newly sizzled lover of the main character with fabulous fabrics and jewels.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheCoalitionFilm


http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TeamSizzleFilms







Lastly, The Big Something begins filming on June 6th. That's just a couple of days away!!!! We've been cramming in last minute rehearsals and the actors are individually meeting up trying to squeeze every chance we have to further rehearse for the movie. When it comes to filming time, we want to be at our best and work our way up. We are all super pumped for this movie and I know that it's going to turn out better than we all every imagined.