Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Episode Fifteen.... and behind-the-scenes writer's commentary
"Ragged Isle" episode fifteen, "Moment of Surrender," is up. Check it out, and when you've seen it, read on for a behind-the-scenes writer's commentary.
Have you seen it? This is where I start spoiling the episode, so if you haven't watched it, you should probably watch it, or come back later (after you've watched it).
Some of my favorite TV series are serialized, telling a long story via individual installments. But even the most heavily serialized shows occasionally present a stand-alone episode, one that advances the larger narrative but also tells a self-contained story. That's cool too. Last year, we had a nifty stand-alone episode in the form of the Ragged Isle talent show, which was really Barry and Karen's brainchild. Next year, we've got a doozy of a stand-alone (just you wait!) with a core concept that sprang from the mind of co-writer/prop maker/poster designer Jake Lear. This year's stand-alone (well, mostly) tells the story of Gertie Kendrick, and came out of an idea I had long before we had cracked the story for the rest of the season. I wrote the Gertie scenes very early on in the scripting process, before we even knew where they would fit.
The Gertie scenes tell a macabre short story by themselves, but they also open up our understanding of the mysterious drowning deaths that have plagued the island. As the newspaper articles on Vicki's conspiracy wall broadly hinted last week, certain entities (whatever they are) are passing their consciousnesses from one Ragged Isle citizen to another, usually from mentor to protege, leaving behind "drowned" corpses in their wake. This is the first time we've gotten a good look at this process, though we've certainly seen glimpses (and the aftermath, obviously). I wanted to convey just how seriously these creatures (whatever they are) take it. Jumping from one body to another is not something they do lightly, or often, and like Native Americans with their kills, they observe certain somber rituals of gratitude when they do make the jump.
Except one of them is not like the others, and is plowing through Ragged Isle residents as if they were items in an all-you-can-eat buffet. I expect we'll find out what's behind that at some point, just maybe not soon. We'll see.
The were some character gender changes in the revision process of this episode (and the last). Dr. Monroe was originally a man, but then I decided there was no reason that character had to be male, and I wanted every episode to at the very least pass the Bechdel Test, if possible. There's a shortage of strong female characters in movies and TV, especially strong female characters who don't serve exclusively as love interests to the central male characters. I think it was important to all of the writers plotting out the story (Barry, Karen, Rick, Jake, and myself) that we have a wide variety of interesting women on the show. Also, the great Cathy Counts really delivers in this role, both as the kindly doctor and as the vengeful whatever-it-is.
On the other hand, Gertie's assistant was originally a woman. But then, pretty late in the scripting process, I got the idea that the dynamic between Gertie and her protege was too similar to the dynamic between Rose and Julie, so we made a swap, and were lucky enough to land Justin C. St. Louis for the role of the doomed Trevor Stebbins.
As I mentioned last week,we shot the Gertie scenes on the very last day of principal photography for "Ragged Isle," as our "summer" shoot lingered into the end of November, 2011. These were some of the scenes I was most excited about (and also some of the scenes I had written earliest), so it was a long, long wait to see them play out. But boy was it worth it. As I've mentioned on this blog once or twice (or three times), it was such a joy watching actress Suzanne Rankin perform as Gertie, and everyone she shares a scene with in this episode really shines as well: Beth Saufler as Rose, Denis Fontaine as Vance, and the aforementioned Justin C. St. Louis as Trevor. I love everything about this storyline, including the grisly surprise ending. (At least, I hope it was a surprise. Last week, the doctor rang the doorbell. This week, she knocked. That was your clue that she was a "changed" woman.)
But the Gertie scenes are not the only scenes in this episode, so there's more to talk about. After the success of last year's scuba diver monologue, I felt a little bolder this year placing longer speeches in the mouths of our characters. Hence, Agent Thorne's monologue about lies and poker, Rose's monologue about Gertie's many life experiences, and even my mini-monologue about the grieving process. As always, I'd rather not spend a lot of time lingering on my acting, but I'm quite pleased with how Kathryn Perry and Beth Saufler delivered Agent Thorne's and Rose's monologues, respectively.
Way back when, Rick wrote an early draft (the first draft, in fact) of episode eleven, the first episode of the second season (back when we thought there were only going to be two seasons). Rick's draft dealt almost exclusively with the meeting between the sheriff and Dr. Hoffman (my character). It was pretty great, but it had to be pared down extensively when we revamped our plans for the season and introduced new plot threads and characters (like Agent Thorne). The exchange in episode fifteen (this one) between Rick and myself emerged out of Rick's old episode eleven draft, and I like that we can still see the lingering effects of the sheriff's grief. We saw how devastated he was in the first episode of the season, but he has been pretty much all business since, even cracking a few jokes (good ones too: "Control the lobsters, control the world!"). In this episode, we can see that the sheriff's grief is still there, just pushed beneath the surface so he can do his job.
The ending of this episode is just about the grisliest thing we've seen since Harrison Shaw's death way back in episode five. And so, another one of these creatures (whatever they are) appears to have met its end. Who (or what) are they, and why is someone or something (whatever it is) going around carving them up?
The answers to those questions will have to wait for another day.
Have you seen it? This is where I start spoiling the episode, so if you haven't watched it, you should probably watch it, or come back later (after you've watched it).
Some of my favorite TV series are serialized, telling a long story via individual installments. But even the most heavily serialized shows occasionally present a stand-alone episode, one that advances the larger narrative but also tells a self-contained story. That's cool too. Last year, we had a nifty stand-alone episode in the form of the Ragged Isle talent show, which was really Barry and Karen's brainchild. Next year, we've got a doozy of a stand-alone (just you wait!) with a core concept that sprang from the mind of co-writer/prop maker/poster designer Jake Lear. This year's stand-alone (well, mostly) tells the story of Gertie Kendrick, and came out of an idea I had long before we had cracked the story for the rest of the season. I wrote the Gertie scenes very early on in the scripting process, before we even knew where they would fit.
The Gertie scenes tell a macabre short story by themselves, but they also open up our understanding of the mysterious drowning deaths that have plagued the island. As the newspaper articles on Vicki's conspiracy wall broadly hinted last week, certain entities (whatever they are) are passing their consciousnesses from one Ragged Isle citizen to another, usually from mentor to protege, leaving behind "drowned" corpses in their wake. This is the first time we've gotten a good look at this process, though we've certainly seen glimpses (and the aftermath, obviously). I wanted to convey just how seriously these creatures (whatever they are) take it. Jumping from one body to another is not something they do lightly, or often, and like Native Americans with their kills, they observe certain somber rituals of gratitude when they do make the jump.
Except one of them is not like the others, and is plowing through Ragged Isle residents as if they were items in an all-you-can-eat buffet. I expect we'll find out what's behind that at some point, just maybe not soon. We'll see.
The were some character gender changes in the revision process of this episode (and the last). Dr. Monroe was originally a man, but then I decided there was no reason that character had to be male, and I wanted every episode to at the very least pass the Bechdel Test, if possible. There's a shortage of strong female characters in movies and TV, especially strong female characters who don't serve exclusively as love interests to the central male characters. I think it was important to all of the writers plotting out the story (Barry, Karen, Rick, Jake, and myself) that we have a wide variety of interesting women on the show. Also, the great Cathy Counts really delivers in this role, both as the kindly doctor and as the vengeful whatever-it-is.
On the other hand, Gertie's assistant was originally a woman. But then, pretty late in the scripting process, I got the idea that the dynamic between Gertie and her protege was too similar to the dynamic between Rose and Julie, so we made a swap, and were lucky enough to land Justin C. St. Louis for the role of the doomed Trevor Stebbins.
As I mentioned last week,we shot the Gertie scenes on the very last day of principal photography for "Ragged Isle," as our "summer" shoot lingered into the end of November, 2011. These were some of the scenes I was most excited about (and also some of the scenes I had written earliest), so it was a long, long wait to see them play out. But boy was it worth it. As I've mentioned on this blog once or twice (or three times), it was such a joy watching actress Suzanne Rankin perform as Gertie, and everyone she shares a scene with in this episode really shines as well: Beth Saufler as Rose, Denis Fontaine as Vance, and the aforementioned Justin C. St. Louis as Trevor. I love everything about this storyline, including the grisly surprise ending. (At least, I hope it was a surprise. Last week, the doctor rang the doorbell. This week, she knocked. That was your clue that she was a "changed" woman.)
But the Gertie scenes are not the only scenes in this episode, so there's more to talk about. After the success of last year's scuba diver monologue, I felt a little bolder this year placing longer speeches in the mouths of our characters. Hence, Agent Thorne's monologue about lies and poker, Rose's monologue about Gertie's many life experiences, and even my mini-monologue about the grieving process. As always, I'd rather not spend a lot of time lingering on my acting, but I'm quite pleased with how Kathryn Perry and Beth Saufler delivered Agent Thorne's and Rose's monologues, respectively.
Way back when, Rick wrote an early draft (the first draft, in fact) of episode eleven, the first episode of the second season (back when we thought there were only going to be two seasons). Rick's draft dealt almost exclusively with the meeting between the sheriff and Dr. Hoffman (my character). It was pretty great, but it had to be pared down extensively when we revamped our plans for the season and introduced new plot threads and characters (like Agent Thorne). The exchange in episode fifteen (this one) between Rick and myself emerged out of Rick's old episode eleven draft, and I like that we can still see the lingering effects of the sheriff's grief. We saw how devastated he was in the first episode of the season, but he has been pretty much all business since, even cracking a few jokes (good ones too: "Control the lobsters, control the world!"). In this episode, we can see that the sheriff's grief is still there, just pushed beneath the surface so he can do his job.
The ending of this episode is just about the grisliest thing we've seen since Harrison Shaw's death way back in episode five. And so, another one of these creatures (whatever they are) appears to have met its end. Who (or what) are they, and why is someone or something (whatever it is) going around carving them up?
The answers to those questions will have to wait for another day.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Ian Carlsen, Paul Soucey
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| Ian Carlsen as Paul Soucey |
Actor, writer, producer, novice musician and insufferable know-it-all. Taking walks, reading books, birdwatching, train hunting and play-acting. Raised (but not born, and so not a "true Mainer") in Maine and living in Portland, getting by acting and working a few day jobs here and there. Currently browsing Uncle Henry's for musical equipment and automobiles.
Lobsterman, amaetur sleuth, boat co-captain. Lobsters, brews, and bad movies. A Mainer all his life (raised in Bucksport, ME) he bought a boat with friend, Eric Burke, and headed out to where all the good lobstering was. The only problem being that the territory of lobsters and eligible women don't often overlap. Now if only Eric had a sister about his age...
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
Well it really materialized the Island for me. It's difficult going into a project off of just the script. Getting to see it fit together made me really excited to get back on the Island and live it some more.<
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
I'm working on a documentary involving trains right now, other than that I've been in a few stage productions (as well as having a debut co-directing a production of Ghosts by Heinrik Ibsen) with a company called Lorem Ipsum. Currently working on music off and on with myself (under the alias Doubletone) and Erik Moody (under Robber & Thief). Writing poetry off and on and working on a play.
What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
Lobster Boats. Any of the stuff we did down in Cundy's Harbor. You will know it when you see it. Good acting, and also, I hear that water was cold... That and when Sebastian and I discovered we were second cousins.
What is your favorite thing about your character?
Paul Soucey is a master class in looking confidently perplexed while walking around in different sorts of boots.
What do you and your character have in common?
Our looks.
What do you and your character have least in common?
Our ability to be sucessful lobstermen. (Also, I think Paul would be a horrible actor.)
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
I wouldn't dare. Maybe Harrison Shaw (though it'd be a few years before I could do that) or perhaps Mac (Dominic Lavoie's character from the first season) but I think those dudes both did a stellar job.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
Starfish.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Denis Fontaine, Vance Trundle
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| Denis Fontaine as Vance Trundle |
Denis is single; all you lovely ladies take note. Terrific cook, drives a most excellent car, and is easily amused.
Tell us about your character in this season.
Vance finally learned how to reboot his computer, a task beyond his capabilities in season one. A veteran of the old school, he is more comfortable with notebook and pencil than any fancy devices.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
I wanted to flesh out good ol' Vance this year; the very capable writing team ensured that I got some hella good lines of dialogue.
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
I have been continuing my theatrical endeavors, and have worked in "Come Back, Little Sheba", "A View From the Bridge", "Lend Me a Tenor" and other works since wrapping the series.
What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
Favorite behind the scenes moment: Slowly getting seasick on the swaying dock while shooting at night up in Harpswell (gulp!).
What is your favorite thing about your character?
I love being Vance, he has an irrascibility that I wish I could pull off in real life; my personal goal is to become a curmudgeon.
What do you and your character have in common?
Vance and I share a general befuddlement of the world that we inhabit. We are bemused that things we find to be obvious are incomprehensible to some folks, which causes us to shake our shared head in amused confoundment.
What do you and your character have least in common?
I never really smoke that cigar.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
Sebastian. The man rocks that lobster fest costume.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
As a seasoned newspaperman, I had the good sense to have my obit already written. My last words: "Last one out, turn off the lights."
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Christine Louise Marshall, Colleen Drake
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| Christine Louise Marshall as Colleen Drake (with Ian Carlsen) |
Christine: I am an extremely judgmental control freak who likes playing dress-up and squeezing cats. I am also married, so please don’t call my house.
Colleen: I enjoy reading, organizing, and swimming. I do not like loud noises or people who lie to me.
Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format).
Colleen: I am not happy with the state of things on Ragged Isle. And I don’t think Paul Soucey is being very respectful of the computer terminals at the library. He can find some other place to chat up his new conquest.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
It didn’t very much, partly because I shot a lot of my scenes during the run of Season One, and also because I have no interest in watching this program. I don’t care how many awards it has won. The people who created it are clearly not normal, and I would prefer not to be associated with them. Are you printing this? Can I use a false name?
Actually, the RAGGED ISLE people are some of the most genuine, gifted and, especially, modest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. They do Maine proud.
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
Wrapped another season as Artistic Director of Mad Horse Theatre Company, and have chosen and am in pre-production for the next. Taught for and danced the season with Maine State Ballet. Did costumes and wardrobe for two movies shot here in Maine, HOW TO MAKE MOVIES AT HOME, and BACKGAMMON. Am getting ready to shoot Derek Kimball’s feature NEPTUNE (about which I am very excited). Wrote, produced and appeared in a PortFinge 2012 production called MAKING LOVE WITH DAVE AND CHRISSY, which has just been asked to perform an extra run in Portland this summer. Recorded a buncha audiobooks. Kissed my husband whenever I got a chance. My garden looks like hell.
What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during production on Ragged Isle?
I enjoyed the Lobster Days and Talent Show shoots, as well as the town meeting shoot – it was a chance to tie all the ends together, meet the other people that populate this series. They are fine people, even if they did STUPIDLY vote to hold Lobster Days, despite the obvious looming trouble. Buncha idiots. Well, that’s life on an island. (Clearly Colleen and I mentally blend often.)
I also enjoyed driving an hour and a half smelling like bait fish after one night of shooting. I took off my shirt and stuffed it in a bag in the back of my van, but it still smelled. Turned out Ian Carlsen had left some of his clothes in the van too, which we were using to change. See? What did I tell you about Paul Soucey? Trouble with a capital “T.”
What is your favorite thing about your character?
She doesn’t look like a librarian ought to. It’s one more thing I love about RAGGED ISLE: in the tradition of such series as TWIN PEAKS and NORTHERN EXPOSURE, they remind the viewer that people are not as easy to pin down as we expect.
What do you and your character have in common?
We both like the smell of books.
What do you and your character have least in common?
No comment.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
The FBI Agent. I love authority. Or Deputy Dan. But there’s only one Deputy Dan, and that’s Erik Moody. I’m too fat to do an impersonation of him.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
Return your books promptly.
Or suffer the consequences.
I’m serious. I know where you live.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Episode Fourteen.... and behind-the-scenes writer's commentary
"Ragged Isle" episode fourteen, "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own," is up. Check it out, and when you've seen it, read on for a behind-the-scenes writer's commentary.
Have you seen it? Don't read any further if you haven't seen it, because, seriously, I'm going to be spoiling the episode like crazy in just a couple more sentences. Are we cool? Cool.
Again, I'm pleased with how well a U2 song title fits with the themes of the episode, which features several characters trying to make tentative connections with the people around them. Vicki finally lets her brother in on her secret investigation. Paul seeks help from Colleen. The reviled Agent Thorne lets her guard down around Deputy Dan. And Gertie shares a vulnerable moment with her doctor. No one in this episode wants to move forward on their own. They all need a little help.
When I wrote the scene of Vicki examining the newspaper articles on her wall, I was aware that this (or something very much like it) is something that people have seen before, in movies about obsessive conspiracy theorists, movies about obsessive serial killers, movies about obsessive stalkers, and movies about plain old run-of-the-mill obsessives. I wanted to do something a little different, and not have the scene be about ratcheting up the paranoia, but rather a warm brother-sister moment in which Vicki and Erik share a memory and a confidence. Michael Dix Thomas and Meghan Benton do some nice subtle work here, I think. Also, we slipped into this scene a reference to Steve Silverman's hilarious web series, "Pretty." Did you catch it? If not, you should probably start watching "Pretty." Just sayin'.
It was also important to me that the articles on the wall be as authentic as possible, even if the audience only sees them for a few fleeting moments. I got kind of obsessive about this myself, composing all of the articles, trying to match the prose style, typeface, and newsprint consistency to the era from which each one was supposedly written. (It was also necessary to map out in my own mind certain aspects of the island's history going back about 150 years.)
If you'd like a closer look at these articles, I've set up an interactive "conspiracy wall" that you can peruse to your heart's content. Check it out, and let's hear some of your theories in the comments section.
One of the many things that delights me about season one of "Ragged Isle" is that we were able to seed the crowd scenes with ringers -- terrific actors who populated the background and nothing more, but who would get cool scenes spotlighting their talents in seasons two and three. Christine Louise Marshall, who plays island librarian Colleen Drake, was one of these secret weapons. She appears in five episodes of season one, but only speaks one single line all season. Now here she is in season two, delivering the goods in a great scene with Ian Carlsen as Paul. Check out that cocked eyebrow. That's gold!
I'll tell you something else about the scene with Ian and Christine: We shot that in Harpswell, and we must have done about twenty takes. Wide shots, two-shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulders, medium shots, and on and on. The idea was that Barry would edit the scene together in a traditional way, cutting back and forth between different shots. But the scene you see in the final cut is a single take. Ian and Christine were just so fantastic in that one take, it would have been artistic malpractice to cut away. After calling "Cut" on that take, Barry turned to me with a huge grin on his face and said, "I think we just got everything we needed right there." He was right. I love this scene.
Okay, now we come to the scene between Agent Thorne and Deputy Dan. This is a pretty important scene for Agent Thorne's character, who up until this point has been a real hardass. Kathryn Perry has been playing the hell out of the character, and even my mom (who's a real tough cookie herself) is terrified of her. Meanwhile, the gals at Indie Intertube have been screaming for her blood, because she's been such a... well, pretty mean anyway... to everyone we know and love on the island.
But nothing is simple on Ragged Isle, and there aren't always clear-cut heroes and villains (not yet, anyway), so it was crucial that we get a scene in which we see the softer side of Agent Thorne. True, even the softer side has a sarcastic streak ("What is this, Sesame Street?"), but we see here that Agent Thorne is human after all, and capable of moments of warmth and friendship. I know I keep saying this over and over again on the blog, but the actors really deliver in this scene too. Kudos to Kathryn and Erik!
Another ringer we brought in in season one was Suzanne Rankin, who plays Gertie Kendrick, a best-selling author dying of cancer. She didn't have a single line last season, but she showed up at the town meeting in episode four, and at a secret meeting in the woods (also in episode four) surreptitiously photographed by Vicki. Ms. Rankin was unbelievably gracious and generous when we shot those scenes in season one. She had read the entire season, and she told us repeatedly how much she loved the script. She didn't get to read the second season, but I promised her then that she would have some nice moments to play. The scene in this episode between her and Cathy Counts (as Dr. Gail Monroe) was one of the moments I promised her. We shot this on the very last day of principal photography on "Ragged Isle," so it was already a pretty emotional day. And then she delivered the seagull speech, and I was just blown away. That scene could come across as a little corny or overwritten (which would be my fault), but she completely sells it, I think. What a talented, classy lady.
The final scene, on Paul's boat, was also shot in Harpswell, on a very, very long shooting day (the same day, in fact, as the Paul-Colleen scene). This was one of the last daylight scenes of the shoot (we had some night scenes to shoot after this), and the light here is absolutely gorgeous. The problem with light like this is that it's incredibly fleeting, so we really had to hustle. We got two takes of the last exchange between Vicki and Paul ("Do you really think you can trust her?" "No."), the sun getting lower and lower every second, before it was too dark to proceed. Luckily, Ian and Meghan nailed it.
A show like "Ragged Isle" is, by necessity, paced in such a way that each episode ends on a moment of suspense or tension or general cliffhangeriness.
My favorite episode ending is probably episode seven, when Sheriff Dalton and Deputy Dan are driving Louis back to the sheriff's office, but then the sheriff pulls over to the side of the road when Louis is less than forthcoming about something. Louis finally admits that he had been motivated by something Madame Clelia told him, and Deputy Dan and the sheriff look at each other in surprise, because they have, by sheer coincidence, pulled over directly in front of of Madame Clelia's place. Just as they're realizing that, Clelia herself knocks on the passenger window and says, "Good, you're finally here. You better come in," and turns back into the darkness. The sheriff and deputy stare after her. Cut to black, and Robber & Thief's "Brothers" kicks in on the soundtrack. The whole moment I've just described takes only a couple of seconds, but I think it's just tremendous.
I love the ending of this episode too, cutting to black on Paul's simple answer of "No," and "Unlucky Friend" by the Portland-based band Plains playing on the soundtrack. Nice.
Speaking of the soundtrack, musician Richard DeCosta, who recorded a version of "Flight of the Bumblebee" for Louis's magic act in the talent show episode of season one, has joined "Ragged Isle" in a major way this season, scoring the individual episodes. His work has helped take us to the next level, elevating the quality and increasing the emotional impact of each installment. We're lucky to have him aboard.
I was recently talking to "Ragged Isle" director Barry Dodd about this season, and he recalled the days more than a year ago, before we'd shot any of this season, when I'd talk to him excitedly about what I was writing -- the new characters, the raised stakes, the crazier situations, the increase in seagull monologues. He'd always nod with cautious enthusiasm at my excited proclamations, mostly because Barry's always been more interested in the quieter, "in between" moments. The pauses between lines of dialogue, the word-free interludes between scenes, the beautiful (sometimes lonely, sometimes ominous) shots of Maine's outdoors. Don't get me wrong. I love those things too, and as Barry says, they complement the gaudier mayhem I had in mind.
If you want to know what I mean by "gaudier mayhem," just you wait. In the meantime, I'm having a great time enjoying the scenery.
Have you seen it? Don't read any further if you haven't seen it, because, seriously, I'm going to be spoiling the episode like crazy in just a couple more sentences. Are we cool? Cool.
Again, I'm pleased with how well a U2 song title fits with the themes of the episode, which features several characters trying to make tentative connections with the people around them. Vicki finally lets her brother in on her secret investigation. Paul seeks help from Colleen. The reviled Agent Thorne lets her guard down around Deputy Dan. And Gertie shares a vulnerable moment with her doctor. No one in this episode wants to move forward on their own. They all need a little help.
When I wrote the scene of Vicki examining the newspaper articles on her wall, I was aware that this (or something very much like it) is something that people have seen before, in movies about obsessive conspiracy theorists, movies about obsessive serial killers, movies about obsessive stalkers, and movies about plain old run-of-the-mill obsessives. I wanted to do something a little different, and not have the scene be about ratcheting up the paranoia, but rather a warm brother-sister moment in which Vicki and Erik share a memory and a confidence. Michael Dix Thomas and Meghan Benton do some nice subtle work here, I think. Also, we slipped into this scene a reference to Steve Silverman's hilarious web series, "Pretty." Did you catch it? If not, you should probably start watching "Pretty." Just sayin'.
If you'd like a closer look at these articles, I've set up an interactive "conspiracy wall" that you can peruse to your heart's content. Check it out, and let's hear some of your theories in the comments section.
I'll tell you something else about the scene with Ian and Christine: We shot that in Harpswell, and we must have done about twenty takes. Wide shots, two-shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulders, medium shots, and on and on. The idea was that Barry would edit the scene together in a traditional way, cutting back and forth between different shots. But the scene you see in the final cut is a single take. Ian and Christine were just so fantastic in that one take, it would have been artistic malpractice to cut away. After calling "Cut" on that take, Barry turned to me with a huge grin on his face and said, "I think we just got everything we needed right there." He was right. I love this scene.
But nothing is simple on Ragged Isle, and there aren't always clear-cut heroes and villains (not yet, anyway), so it was crucial that we get a scene in which we see the softer side of Agent Thorne. True, even the softer side has a sarcastic streak ("What is this, Sesame Street?"), but we see here that Agent Thorne is human after all, and capable of moments of warmth and friendship. I know I keep saying this over and over again on the blog, but the actors really deliver in this scene too. Kudos to Kathryn and Erik!
The final scene, on Paul's boat, was also shot in Harpswell, on a very, very long shooting day (the same day, in fact, as the Paul-Colleen scene). This was one of the last daylight scenes of the shoot (we had some night scenes to shoot after this), and the light here is absolutely gorgeous. The problem with light like this is that it's incredibly fleeting, so we really had to hustle. We got two takes of the last exchange between Vicki and Paul ("Do you really think you can trust her?" "No."), the sun getting lower and lower every second, before it was too dark to proceed. Luckily, Ian and Meghan nailed it.
A show like "Ragged Isle" is, by necessity, paced in such a way that each episode ends on a moment of suspense or tension or general cliffhangeriness.
My favorite episode ending is probably episode seven, when Sheriff Dalton and Deputy Dan are driving Louis back to the sheriff's office, but then the sheriff pulls over to the side of the road when Louis is less than forthcoming about something. Louis finally admits that he had been motivated by something Madame Clelia told him, and Deputy Dan and the sheriff look at each other in surprise, because they have, by sheer coincidence, pulled over directly in front of of Madame Clelia's place. Just as they're realizing that, Clelia herself knocks on the passenger window and says, "Good, you're finally here. You better come in," and turns back into the darkness. The sheriff and deputy stare after her. Cut to black, and Robber & Thief's "Brothers" kicks in on the soundtrack. The whole moment I've just described takes only a couple of seconds, but I think it's just tremendous.
I love the ending of this episode too, cutting to black on Paul's simple answer of "No," and "Unlucky Friend" by the Portland-based band Plains playing on the soundtrack. Nice.
Speaking of the soundtrack, musician Richard DeCosta, who recorded a version of "Flight of the Bumblebee" for Louis's magic act in the talent show episode of season one, has joined "Ragged Isle" in a major way this season, scoring the individual episodes. His work has helped take us to the next level, elevating the quality and increasing the emotional impact of each installment. We're lucky to have him aboard.
I was recently talking to "Ragged Isle" director Barry Dodd about this season, and he recalled the days more than a year ago, before we'd shot any of this season, when I'd talk to him excitedly about what I was writing -- the new characters, the raised stakes, the crazier situations, the increase in seagull monologues. He'd always nod with cautious enthusiasm at my excited proclamations, mostly because Barry's always been more interested in the quieter, "in between" moments. The pauses between lines of dialogue, the word-free interludes between scenes, the beautiful (sometimes lonely, sometimes ominous) shots of Maine's outdoors. Don't get me wrong. I love those things too, and as Barry says, they complement the gaudier mayhem I had in mind.
If you want to know what I mean by "gaudier mayhem," just you wait. In the meantime, I'm having a great time enjoying the scenery.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Amie E. Marzen, Julie Katsarakis
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| Amie E. Marzen as Julie Katasarakis |
I’m trying to fit a lot into life- I want to do it all. I dream big and work hard with my own geeky flair. I think with my heart more than my head and love living near the ocean.
Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)
I have overcome great obstacles and it’s helped to shape who I am. I’m a honest girl with a not-so-honest past. Judge me on my recent accomplishments and you’ll see who I really am: a hard worker, a caring person, and a true friend with lots of love to give.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
I learned a lot from watching season one, mostly the huge differences between acting on screen and on stage and was able to use that in acting in season two (season one was my first time acting for screen). Learning a bit more about Julie’s past also helped to shape her differently this season, as well as all the changes on the island itself. I’m thrilled you get to see more of her with Deputy Dan and Rose and see that she does have some depth behind her bubbly personality.
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
I’ve been working full-time at FOX23 in Portland, Maine hosting and producing “Your Hometown” a mini-documentary style series that focuses on what’s great about living in Maine (http://www.youtube.com/yourhometownfox23). I’ve also had the chance to check an item off my theatrical bucket list playing Shelby in a local production of Steel Magnolias. It was such an awesome experience! I also got to work with several Ragged Isle actors for a project for the Discovery Channel, an episode of "the Unusual Suspects." I’ve also started hosting the "Isle Talk" series, emceed the season two premiere party and am working on a host of other personal projects... always have a project!
What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
Oh gosh, being on the set is such a fun time and a high. I really enjoyed working with some new friends and new locations. Hanging with Barry and Karen is always fun... I guess it would have to be:
http://www.raggedisle.blogspot.com/2012/06/hi-there-ragged-isle-blog-followers.html
What is your favorite thing about your character?
I think Julie’s pretty good at finding the good in situations and being enthusiastic about things she believes in. She also is pretty unassuming and sees the best in people. I strive for that myself.
What do you and your character have in common?
A fondness and adoration of Rose Fuller/Beth Saufler.
What do you and your character have least in common?
Julie’s criminal record is far more exciting than mine. Also I have a middle name.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
Tough one! I love Julie, so I don’t think I’d trade her for the world, but if I had to.... I don’t think I could do half as good a job, but I really like Rose Fuller’s character. Maybe that’s because Beth does such an amazing job with it. If I were a dude, I’d want to be Deputy Dan because of the sweet, sweet bicycle he gets to ride.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
Those records were sealed!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Actor Sportlight: Sebastian Carlsen, Sebastan the Grocer (a.k.a. Sea Bass the Comic Genius)
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| Sebastian Carlsen as Sebastian the Grocer |
Not a people person. Doesn't really like to do anything. Spends his days and nights avoiding people places and things, nouns mostly. Is willing to travel, as long as it does not affect the first three sentences.
Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format).
He is me, and I him. He is much better looking than I am. Which sucks because he isn't around for very long, I'm going to be around far longer than he is. I guess that is why they say good things can't last.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
Wait, what!??? There was a first season?
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
I have been offered a big role, in a Stand-up Special. It's specializing in comedians with glasses, and is Aug 5th at the Comedy Connection. I always said if comedy fell back into my lap I would do it, and here I am. Too bad I don't have any funny jokes.
What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
Being the only person without a shirt on in the autopsy shoot, I wanted to take my pants off but everyone was surprisingly abrupt in their opposition to this idea.
What is your favorite thing about your character?
The hair, can't challenge the 'Carlsen' hair, just ask Ian.
What do you and your character have in common?
Actually nothing.
What do you and your character have least in common?
I don't actually work as an island grocer.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why
All of them, it would be the greatest. It would be like any Martin Lawrence or Eddie Murphy movie where they play all the characters, except good.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
I.......Forgot.........to......take.....(cough) out.......the........(cough) trash........!DEAD!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Ben Row, Agent Murphy
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| Ben Row as Agent Murphy |
Enjoys scowling, carrying large files, and standing behind people menacingly. Reflective sunglasses are a must on my dates. Dislikes personality.
Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)
Agent Murphy is a security agent and analyst, and doesn't think about much else. He lives and breathes his job. He supports Agent Thorne and carries out her primary directives.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
Just wanting to be a part of it. The opening credits make me fall in love with Maine over and over again. So many incredible talents, too, and Erik (Deputy Dan) has always been a big help and influence in my work. When he let me know about the need for people, I jumped at the chance.
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
I've done 3 short films since Ragged, as well as a few stage productions, and commercial work. Most notably, I wrapped principal photography on Rick "Sheriff" Dalton's directorial debut, which stands as the best experience of my career thus far.
What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
Rick's impersonation of Christopher Walken. Hands down. And Barry and Karen. Just them, in general.
What is your favorite thing about your character?
The mystery of the agents' presence on the island. It's a force, and I can only imagine how it would feel to have your community swarmed with these strong, silent type.
What do you and your character have in common?
When it's business time, it's business time. No messing around.
What do you and your character have least in common?
I don't wear reflective sunglasses inside. Or scowl nearly that often.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
I can't imagine anyone else playing any of the roles on Ragged. Each actor has brought so much to their individual roles. The deputy and sheriff wouldn't be nearly as awesome if it wasn't Erik and Rick. Everything is just as it should be.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
You got Murphy.
ENJOY BEN IN THIS GREAT AGENT RECRUITMENT VIDEO!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Erik Moody, Deputy Dan
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| Erik Moody as Deputy Dan Therrien |
You can find this guy in his astrological prime during the transitional months of spring to summer, in which I exercise my ability to adapt to the changing demands of my environment. To all those Mainers, you know that versatility is a necessary quality. I'll fulfill your twin fantasy, but don't be surprised if this extrovert can't focus on one idea for too long. Yes, I may be a human puzzle, but if you take the time to put me together I promise you'll be happy with the picture. (All information noted here is from Wikipedia.)
Tell us about you character in this season (in this same format)
Deputy Dan is a moral guy with a great head of hair who is known to keep his hands in his pockets and his nose out of trouble. When he's not thinking about the law or about the demands of his stomach, he can use his disposition to his advantage when it comes to wooing the ladies. With a heartfelt inquisitive glance and a slight shuffle, you could find his iconic mode of transportation in the local bike repair shop being fitted with an extra seat. If you're lucky, when he's not helping lock up the bad guys, you could be locked down by this sincere sweetheart.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
I decided to part my hair on the opposite side and tame it a bit. I also decided that I look great in a uniform.
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
Collecting wine corks for my cork-board, and kazoo lessons.
What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
I took a glorious nap on the dock of the island towards the end of the Episode Eleven shoot. The sandwiches were a highlight as well.
What is your favorite thing about your character?
His posture.
What do you and your character have in common?
Expressive eyebrows and a soft touch.
What do you and your character have least in common?
Aside from my lack of law enforcement experience, I can't skip a rock nearly as well as Deputy Dan.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
The lobster boat because I know a great catch when I see one.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
Bury me on my bicycle.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Actor Spotlight: Greg Tulonen, Dr. Brian Hoffman
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| Greg Tulonen as Dr. Brian Hoffman |
I'm hilarious but I will take you seriously. I'm spontaneous but I won't flake out. Above all, I'm loyal and faithful, which comes in handy in my marriage, in its second decade now and still going strong. (Damn, why am I posting a dating profile?)
Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)
Dr. Hoffman is curious and adventurous. He's open to new ideas but skeptical of fakes and phonies. He may seem a little odd, but if you get to know him, you'll realize that he's actually extremely odd. No boats.
How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
Well, my character wasn't in season one, but I spent the season watching a whole bunch of terrific actors doing their thing, and I got more and more intimidated as the season went on. Luckily, Barry is a kind and generous director who keeps things low-key and could probably pull a decent performance out of a freshly milked cow.
What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
Um, I'm kind of unemployed right now. I've been working here and there as a freelance writer for various outfits, but I'm really looking for a full-time job. So, please: If anyone out there is hiring, think about this guy. [points to self with thumbs]
What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
In season one, we were lucky enough to get some incredibly talented actors to cameo in small, non-speaking parts, with the promise that their characters would have more to do in the next season. One of those actors, Suzanne Rankin, can be seen at the town meeting in episode four. I assured her that she would get some cool stuff to do next summer. She was excited about the project and trusted us completely, despite not seeing a script for season two. We shot Ms. Rankin's second-season scenes in the fall, on the very last day of principal photography for the series. I had been waiting for more than a year to see her strut her stuff, and she did not disappoint. Her scenes, as author Gertie Kendrick, are among my favorites, and she's absolutely phenomenal in them. It was such a joy to watch those scenes be shot. I'm so grateful to her for placing her faith in us by showing up last year, and for rewarding our faith in her by delivering a powerhouse performance. I can't wait for people to see it.
What is your favorite thing about your character?
I have a pretty definitive answer to that question, but I can't tell you, as it would be a spoiler.
What do you and your character have in common?
We have very similar beards.
What do you and your character have least in common?
I actually like the water. Dr. Hoffman decidedly does not.
If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
A judge at the talent show, because I actually did, for about two seconds there.
We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
Please transport my body via helicopter. I really don't like boats.
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