Monday, November 28, 2011

Mixed Emotions


On December 30, 2009, my friend and colleague Barry Dodd came into my office and asked me: "What are some strange things that can happen on an island?"

That question began a project that has consumed most of my creative energy for the past two years. Last night, we finished principal photography on seasons two and three of "Ragged Isle," which will complete the series, and the story we set out to tell.

I have mixed emotions.

First of all, I'm thrilled that we finished what we started. That never would have happened without the dynamic duo of Barry and Karen Dodd, who have kept the project afloat when folks of lesser mettle would have abandoned ship long ago. I am grateful to them for asking me to take part in "Ragged Isle," and for trusting me with so much of the writing. (Barry now has the enviable or unenviable -- depending on how you look at it -- task of sifting through all the footage we shot this year and crafting 12 episodes out of them.)

I'm also so grateful to the actors, all of whom brought their A game to the project. I'll share one story about one particular actor, though there are just as many equally powerful stories that could be told about any of our actors.

Last year, we asked Suzanne Rankin to accept a part on "Ragged Isle." For Season One, we needed her for two scenes, both in the background, and neither with any lines. We asked her to trust that we had something special in mind for her next year, and she did. She made the trek from her home on Matinicus all the way to Gorham to stand in the woods with four other actors, and then, later that same day, sit in a town meeting hall in Bath. She did both with charm and grace and told us she'd see us next summer.

Well, shooting actually lingered on past the summer this year, but yesterday, we shot Suzanne's Season Two/Three scenes, and she was wonderful. She completely nailed it, and I think they will be some of the most powerful scenes of the series. I'm so glad she gave us such faith.

(Again, all of our actors gave us enormous faith, and I'm grateful to and amazed by them all. Suzanne's story is just one of dozens I could share.)

I made great friendships on the sets of "Ragged Isle," and strengthened the friendships I had already. I feel blessed to be a part of such a creative and talented community of artists.

(okay, here comes the "but"; the title of this post is "Mixed Emotions," after all)

BUT:

I feel deeply sorry that I no longer have a reason to see all these wonderful people on a regular basis. I will miss them all.

Still, the best is yet to come. We still have two seasons of story to tell, and I can't wait to share it with all of you.

Friday, November 25, 2011

One


Sunday will be the last official shoot for Ragged Isle and it is weird. Just weird. I am ready for this part to be done in a way but then in another I am very sad. It has been such a wonderful experience to be on set with all of you. I have such pride for all that we accomplished these past two years. It has been such a roller coaster of stress, joy, anger, fear, and bliss. I could not have asked for a better ride. Sunday will be wonderful and upsetting. I look forward to it.

I am not sure what exactly lies ahead for Barry and I, well, except for at least another year of Ragged Isle. It's strange really. Throughout this I have said that this will be my only project and that I will be done after this. Now, as the end of shooting draws near, I have started to change my mind. Barry has some great ideas and I think maybe we should keep going and do more projects. Nothing will be to the scope and scale of Ragged Isle but why stop when there are so many stories to be told.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Random Ragged 11/22

I certainly will miss the beautiful sunsets on Ragged Isle shoots.  I wish I could live there.  At least we've got plenty of footage to help us remember.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Amie's last day of shooting

After 2 years of smiling, being overall cheery and positive, Amie finally cracked.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

"Did you know that he used to be the lead singer in a rock band?"


Remember at the talent show in episode nine "Last Night on Earth" when Rachel is teasing Sheriff Dalton about the band he used to have called "The Horror?"  Well, they really do exist and are actually quite a legendary band in Maine.  They got back together on Halloween and played to a packed house at Geno's Rock Club.  Ironically it's the same room that we shot that episode!  For those brave enough to check it out, here is the entire concert.  If you look closely you'll see Kathryn Morrison (Madame Clelia) front and center in the crowd in a beautiful black swan costume.  Happy extended Halloween everyone!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Random Image 11/4/11

                                              Ian Carlsen as Paul Soucey

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Season One trivia

Did you know that in episode one as Vicki awaits the ferry, a voice says "5 minutes to ragged isle." It really is about 5 minutes before she gets to the island?

Rick Dalton is the person that discovered that fact.

Extra little bit of trivia, the director Barry Dodd is the voice,

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Random Image 11/1/11

                                  Kathryn Perry as Agent Allison Thorne.