Film as Prayer

I had a wonderful time at our third fundraising party tonight in Bellevue. Some wonderful people came, and I appreciated meeting all of them. 25 people seems like just the right amount. Blessed Crystal did her usual fabulous job presenting the short films; Larry was wonderful, speaking modestly of his myriad groundbreaking movies, and I discovered that I am much better with cue cards. Folks said that it was much better than the Orcas version. They really liked my two shorts, which made me smile. My mother and brother were there, which made me very happy. And many friends showed up too, some from other films. We had Number Two Party Saturday night up on Orcas, and that went well, but we learned some things - like the fact that I can't have too many constraints on what I'm saying, because if I do, it can lack some passion. According to the team, anyway. So, now we pray that the people like the script and write lots of happy checks . . . Much to raise before we can truly begin. Also waiting on hearing about another job, she said mysteriously . . .

The "Expiration Date" premiere went very well, they laughed, they cried, they clapped and cheered spontaneously when William arrived to stop Charlie from being attacked by Milk Trucks. I cried too. It is really beautiful forty feet high. Liked seeing my name/Terry's/Tallis' names go by too. Very happy watching it. Loved the happy audience. Much laughter. I saw Rick before the show and he said "oh, I didn't know you were coming down." He forgot. Which was why I missed the Before Party with the Indian dancers . . . Just hung around the hotel. But the nap was good. I did get in though, with my carefully pre-purchased ticket, though I was one of the last ones. It was completely sold out. Had a good talk with Robert and Melanie, saw baby pictures. Had good talks with Sascha, Mark F., Nakota the child actor/dancer in the movie; Dee: I love that woman. But the weirdest part was when I introduced myself to Patrice (co-Exec on Exp. Date). She loved my script of "Dark Horse", and said that Rick and Decathlon should do it, I said "Tell him that, I don't think he wants to." So she did! She walked right up to him and said "I got this script from the Moseleys, Decathlon should do this, we all need to work together in Seattle, it's a wonderful script." She is very sweet. Midnight Sat.: I had my first Hollywood interview today to possibly direct a movie down there! The chances are not great, of course, that I will get the job, but when they called on Wednesday out of the blue, and I was going to be in the L.A. area anyway this weekend for the "Expiration Date" premiere, it seemed that I should do the meeting, even though I am in serious pre-preproduction on "Dark Horse". Crazy not to at least go see. I want it . . . but only if it is right. It's not like there are bad options; either way is great. Either way I am quite possibly directing this year. Which still gives me shivers of joy to contemplate. Won't know until the end of January, and I must obviously proceed with "Dark Horse" as if it isn't happening, because it probably isn't . . . that shoot would of course have to be postponed for one or two months if I got the Hollywood job.