“That which doesn’t kill him only makes Chromeskull stronger.”

Day 2:

Another day, another death on the CHROMESKULL: LAID 2 REST set. Somebody else gets killed today, and this one is an idea Rob said he has wanted to do for a while.

First shot today was a very intricate one; it took a while to get, but was completely worth it. A great “How’d they do that?” moment. Can’t give away any more than that, but I think you guys will really enjoy this one.

Some good, creepy stuff going on here. Best thing I heard all day was, “Do we have enough mouth blood?” numerous times. Two days, two kills. Sadly, tomorrow will break that streak. Wish I could take credit for the elements of emotional damage to Thomas Dekker’s character, but that’s all Rob’s idea. Loving it.

One bad thing is the fact that we lost Michael Biehn. He just got a movie in Tunisia. Too bad; I’ve always been a fan. Back to the world of casting.

Day 3:

No kills today, but we do have Chromeskull. Actor Nick Principe is the real deal, folks. Ask him his favorite FRIDAY THE 13TH and he will answer immediately. His favorite HALLOWEEN, no delay. His feelings about every single TEXAS CHAINSAW—he can go on and on about that. He’s a fan, and he truly enjoys killing people—er, ummmm, I mean he enjoys playing Chromeskull. (Just teasing, Nick!)

Once again, our DP Amanda Treyz (sorry I forgot your last name in the previous diary entry!), our gaffer Mallory Glidewell and key grip Lee Narby are making the show look really atmospheric and all around f**king awesome. Today, Chromeskull is underground chasing the latest object of his desire, Mimi Michaels, and it looks so cool. You may have caught a peek at Mimi in the pic with that last entry in this series. She has acting chops in spades and is up for anything. Poor Mimi, she’s going to be put through really horrifying crap for the next few weeks.

Second half of the day is dialogue and people just being happy. Is it me, or does the crew seem disappointed?

Day 4:

Switched over to night shooting. Bring on the coffee. The blood crew is back today. A big shout-out to Erik Porn from Almost Human. Rob came up with a kill that will be as epic as the face being cut off in the first LAID TO REST, and Erik was the one pumping the red stuff. The lovely and talented Aimee Lynn Chadwick is the poor soul who has something really terrible done to her. Take after take of having to be killed by Chromeskull—what a trouper. The FX were lensed in a pretty tight space, but everyone tried to sneak a peek at the kill. One producer who shall remain nameless said it was so absolutely disgusting, he had a hard time looking at it. Really? I dug it. Hope you guys do.

I should also mention that we were lucky enough to score four-time Emmy nominee Gail O’Grady, as well as THE MENTALIST’s Owain Yeoman as Detective King, hot on Chromeskull’s heels. Gail flew down from the CW’s HELLCATS, came over to set and just dove right into the emotion of the scene. How did we get so lucky to have this awesome cast?

Day 5:

First day in the police station. No killing. Rob actually mirrored my thoughts from day three about being sad because there are no deaths today. “No deaths? What am I even doing here?” Well, actually, what he’s doing is getting some acting in the movie. Owain’s back today, as are Thomas and Gail. All three, along with Chris Nelson, are selling it, and I’m buying. Good actors can really help our dialogue sound real.

Still loving the look of everything. Rob has been finding little ways to add heart to the movie. I know that sounds clichéd, and it’s quite possible that when we get down to the final cut, some of that stuff might hit the editing-room floor, but right now it feels really good.

Day 6:

More police station fun. Brian Austin Green returns to have a very interesting encounter with Thomas—their characters, that is. This brings me to a question I have been wrestling with as I write this: How much do I really divulge about the script? The number-one question I have been asked is: What do we find out about Chromeskull? Well, I’ll say this: We learn some things about the world he lives in, but if you are expecting some BS explanation like Chromeskull was the offspring of inbred hillbillies or demon spawn, sorry to disappoint. If he indeed has a motive, only Robert knows it, and I have to say I agree with that decision. I find it more terrifying to not know. And to those who disagree, maybe this isn’t the movie or the killer for you. I will give you this tidbit: Chromeskull’s world is bigger than just himself.

I know some people on the show love shooting nights; I am not really a fan. Though I will say Owain rocks; he arranged to have a coffee truck come and make brew to order. What a super-nice thing to do. I’m sure the crew really appreciates it. I know I do.

Next week we really get the blood flowing. Dailies have been looking great. Production Designer Gene Wyrick is kicking ass. Sets look great so far, but I’m a little nervous about next week. The set still isn’t ready, but Gene swears it will be. I’ll let you know. And I’ll give you the latest on Chromeskull’s continuing rampage of carnage.

So for this week, I’m giving you a look at Brian and the wonderful Danielle Harris. How cool is it that Danielle is in a movie I wrote? I went to HALLOWEEN 4 opening night.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

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