"People Like Us" goes into production this weekend!

This past Saturday evening, we had the read-through for "People Like Us". The only cast member that wasn't there was Alma Saraci. She's committed to another project and isn't available to us until right before she starts filming her scenes. In spite of not having her there, I think the read went extremely well. Everyone seemed to get along very well, which always helps make my job easier.

We did have one slight hiccup following the read-through. Originally, we had an actor cast as Joel who was a bit older than Tabitha, who plays Joel's wife. We didn't think it would be a problem, but after seeing them standing next to each other, the visible age difference was way too noticeable and gave that couple some undertones that I didn't want them to have. Sadly, we decided to let that actor go. I'll be playing Joel in the film, which should actually be a lot of fun for me. I'll only have two days shooting as an actor, so I should be able to do it without my head exploding.

Back to the good stuff. Like I said, the read-through went great. It's always exciting for me to start to hear the lines in other people's voices. We've also got my regular cameraman, Mike Robinson, back to shoot it and Jess Johnson doing makeup, who first came on board with us on "Angels on Fire". There's a strong sense of family in this film, and I think that with this group of people, that's what filming is going to feel like.

Filming begins this weekend with Rachel and Jessica on Saturday and James and Clay on Sunday. Soon after, I'll post updates and keep them updated every week so you all can chart how production is going. Back soon!

~Vincent~

2008's going to be a busy year!

Hello friends! Happy New Year! 2008 is going to see a lot of stuff come out of By Any Other Name Films. It's going to be a busy year, but I'm really looking forward to it! "Angels on Fire" is still in post-production, but I can see the finish line ahead. I'll let you all know when it's completed and ready for viewing. Right now, I've got three projects on the slate for this year and I'm stoked about each one of them. Let's talk about the one coming up in a month!

In February and March, I'm shooting the much-anticipated "People Like Us"! As most of you may know, this movie has a long, pained history. I've tried to get it off the ground a couple times over the last three years, but it's never come together. This time, we're doing it and it's going to be great. There have been some tweaks to the script and we've got almost an entirely new cast. Some casting changes were my choosing, others were circumstances that couldn't be helped. Either way, I'm really excited about the people we have together. Please allow me to introduce them.

Playing Sarah is Rachel Stander. Rachel's the only returning cast members on this movie. I love this girl to pieces. She also played a small role in my last movie "Angels on Fire".


Playing Matt is James Barry. This will be the second time we work together. He played Ian in "Angels on Fire". A great guy, he's definitely going to bring a great deal of heart to this movie.


Playing Diana is Alma Saraci. She's new to the family and I can't wait to get her in front of my camera. Alma's got an incredible vulnerability and empathy that I think people are just going to fall in love with her.


Playing Julia is Kira McGregor. I'm nuts about this girl. She's also new, but I can already tell you we'll work together more than once. Lily's a tough role. In lesser hands, she could come off as flat and uninteresting, but anything Kira does is certainly worthy of attention.


Playing Rick is Clay Dzygun. This will be our first time working together. As soon as I met this guy, I knew he was the one to play the role. He's got a wisdom in his eyes that Rick needs. Clay's got enough soul that he's going to make Rick's journey throughout the film incredibly human. He's going to make you laugh and he's going to break your heart.


I'm playing Joel. Y'all know me.


Playing Renee is Jodi Jacobs. Jodi played Eliza in "Angels on Fire". If I make ten movies with Jodi, it's not going to be enough. She's got spunk, she's got beauty, she's got wit, and she's got enormous talent. Definitely someone to keep your eyes on.


That's the cast. We've got the cast read-through in three weeks on the 26th. As soon as February hits, we've got fifteen shooting days spread out over February & March. I'll update this blog weekly to let you all know how it's going!