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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.
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Mina Mirkhah