"Sundays" Behind the Scenes Photos

I know.  A shot of donuts to open a post about a movie set?  Random... But these were not just any donuts on a movie set, these are Mrs. Johnson's donuts (off Airport Blvd. in Austin) and they were on my film set today.

Meet Russ and Paavo.  They helped make everything happen by being the hands and feet behind the scene.  Russ Bush not only is one amazing grip (man, that guy's all over lights and gear like nobody's business) but he's also from Skagway, Alaska.  And anyone from Alaska is good in my book.

Catching the vivacious Brittany and Director of Photography, Allen Ho, in a jovial moment.

Meet Jaime.  He's another fine gent who impressed my socks off on this shoot.  Good people, this guy.

Mark it, baby.

Watching a playback of actor Jason Newman playing the lead, Gary, completely trash a bathroom.  Demolished.  It wasn't pretty, but that was the point.

"Sundays" is a short film written and directed by Jesse Klein, a graduate student at the University of Texas.  The film is about a man suffering from depression who unsuccessfully attempts suicide on Mother's Day then spends the afternoon with family.  I play his nosey sister, Susan, and our mother, Joan, is played by Kathy Mayes.

The basket Jason busted during his character's breakdown in his mother's bathroom.

Recovering from going ballistic.

Ben Slamka takin' a smoke break.  He did a great job dressing the set and being comic relief.

After the first take of Jason going to town on the bathroom the downstairs neighbors (rightly so, from their knowledge) gave the popo a little jingle.  Funny enough, when the fuzz came around Director Jesse Klein cordially invited them to partake of the aforementioned donuts.  Aaawhhhh, the cliche was complete!  Too funny.

Preparing for the second take of Gary trashing the bathroom.

Jason preparing to start the second take while Jesse directs and Allen shoots from inside the shower.

"Just try not to throw any glass at us.  Okay?  Otherwise, go for it."

Check out Allen all decked out in a rain coat.  Protecting himself as best as he can while things fly.

Russel Bush, ready for action.

Assistant Director, Monique, grabbing shots between takes.

Russ and Allen assessing the lighting in the shot.

A wee bit of the mess made in the bathroom.

Jason Newman.

Jesse Klein.

Taylor and Jason walking through the set of one of the car scenes we shot.  This is the stick shift I drove around at 10 mph for several hours on Friday.

All rigged up.

My bro, Jason.

Our mother, Kathy Mayes.  A delight working with!

Ben rigged up blinds for the day's final shot of Gary (Jason) waving from his apartment window to Susan (me.)

Directing from below via cellphone and gestures.

Monique keeping things going inside while they shoot Jason from outdoors.

The rough cut should be up in March, with a final cut in May.  I can't wait to see how it turns out -the dailies looked amazing and with such a dynamic and emotional script I am confident that this will be the most powerful piece yet under my belt.  Thank you, everyone (especially you, Jesse) for making this such a wonderful experience!