My Third Novel's Conclusion, My Heartbreak

My heart begins to break when I think about completing this particular book -- because this narrative has sustained me like no other story I've known. It's both more personal and more universal than my other works. But beyond memory and archetype, it's a cri-de-coeur about needing to become the person one is destined to be. And in the writing, I have met my own life's work, my own fated journey -- having the sense all the while that the pages are suffused with a resonance, an energy, an electrified field that defies explanation. Writers hope and pray to be overtaken by a work in this way -- to be conscripted into passionate service of a profound story. To experience it even once in a lifetime seems a great privilege. I still have several months before this novel is complete, and this constitutes my reprieve. Because I'm not ready for the beauty to end.




Monday, January 8, 2018

Visions in Cinema




Here's a clip from a short film I directed a couple of years ago.  This piece is related to my novel-in-progress.  (A big shout-out to composer Keith Power -- an enormous talent and a terrific person.  We recorded with a 47-piece orchestra at Capitol Studios in L.A.  Looking forward to working with you again, Keith!).

Happily, three Oscar-winning producers (two based in New York, one in London) have signed on to help realize this project as a feature film -- an auspicious beginning for my dual literary and cinematic passions.  I feel very fortunate that this talented cohort is as excited about bringing this narrative to life as I am.  A tremendous adventure awaits!

26 comments:

  1. Love love love this clip! More please!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Laura! That's very kind of you. As soon as the novel is complete, we'll push the film into high gear. :)

      Delete
  2. Did you secure your producers based on your short film by itself or did you have a screenplay too?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The screenplay and the novel have "grown up" side by side. It's been an unusual but highly rewarding process. The producers came on board based on the screenplay and the short film, both.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. In Portland, Oregon – with a fantastic local crew. The pullback shot through the porch was our first of the entire shoot – and for various reasons it was quite complex. I’ll never forget the crew bursting into applause once all the elements were filmed perfectly. Jon Manning, you were there!

      Delete
  4. This is beautifully filmed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. How did you find the composer?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith Power answered an open call and was head and shoulders above the hundreds we screened. He is a tremendous talent – just limitlessly gifted in the realm of music. I think I was one of the first to employ him, as he had just moved to L.A. – The timing was very fortuitous for us as his talents are much, much more expensive now! But I adore Keith – he’s one of my true heroes. And I’m looking forward to working with him again one day.

      Delete
  6. Who is the actress at the end of the clip?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annie Wersching, a beautiful actress with a beautiful spirit. I love her dearly. (Annie is best known for her role on the TV series 24.)

      Delete
  7. Will you direct the feature film?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I’d rather be a producer, if possible – and then dive into my next project! But we’ll see how it all unfolds.

      Delete
  8. Beautiful! Thank you for posting this!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've read your screenplay and it's extraordinary. You are going to win an Oscar of your own, Lane. Mark my words. It will happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That’s quite a compliment, M! As for your predictions -- I can only thank you for your remarkable faith in the work. You’re most kind!

      Delete
  10. A beautiful outtake. I would love to see more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I’m certainly dedicated to making that possible.

      Delete
  11. How big was your crew?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Over a hundred when you count everyone from production assistants to grips to makeup to set dressing. I was so fortunate to work with a talented, dedicated crew. I have so much love and respect for the people who labored alongside me on the short film. It’s hard to convey how much they all mean to me. Annie, Robert, Patric, Jon, Randy, Patrick R., Lance, Tad, Juliana, Christi, Scott, Keith – love you guys more than I can say. You’re my heroes.

      Delete
  12. Did you enjoy the process of making this? It's lovely to watch!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Directing is interesting in that you are always battling time and dollar limitations. The gift within the struggle is that you make lifelong friends with truly great people -- both individually and as a team. I want to have wonderful traveling companions in art and in life -- and sometimes these intensive experiences allow me to do exactly that. So, yes, the process was ultimately quite joyful. Thanks for watching!

      Delete