Michael The Maven

Photography & 3D Printing Instructor

[michaelthemaven]

I've been spending a lot of time looking at the monitor with Rob, Tara (makeup), Lex (script supervisor), Dallon (Lucky's Dad) and as well as our waredrobe department. We are all looking for different things and ways to improve the shot. Every day I have a new level of respect and admiration for what Rob does with the talent. It's like he has a different gear and jumps into "the zone" on set. Lucky had an amazing day yesterday and I know viewers will be able to relate to and feel compassion for his character. I feel like I'm sipping water from a fire hydrant in terms of learning. New location today. #loveeverlasting @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Great Day #3 Today on set ~ Everyone is gelling together. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from @jlarsl - it's amazing how much he knows. He was just awesome today. We have some long days, today for me was 5am-930pm, but it is so much fun that I don't feel tired. It is seriously like playing all day long. ☺️ I'm having the time if my life! @loveeverlastingmovie #loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

2nd Day of shooting is wrapped~ We finished ahead of schedule today. I cannot describe how much fun we are having as a crew. It's like playing make believe as kids only with really nice toys and a lot more planning. One of the most common questions I'm asked by my friends is about @luckybsmith acting abilities, and I can assure you, he has a very long and successful film career ahead of him if he so chooses. I think most viewers are going to be shocked how talented he is considering this is his first film and he is mostly being coached by Rob on set, which is a huge credit to both of them. #loveeverlastingmovie @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

First day of shooting is underway. It's looking much better than I expected. #loveeverlastingmovie @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Eustress is Positive Stress ~ makes you feel good and excited. Rob is absolutely hands-on, non-stop. He also interviewed this afternoon for about 2 hours on top of everything else we had to do. Tonight we helped set up 3 trailers with a forth on the way for the cast and crew. I think he feeds off of the energy and excitement building because he doesn't appear to be getting tired. Must be eustress ☺️ @loveeverlastingmovie #loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Picked up @luckybsmith for his last hair appointment before shooting. Cameras roll tomorrow at 7am. Rob and I are still running errands but should finish before 11pm. Be sure to check out our films IG @loveeverlastingmovie #loveeverlastingmovie where will have regular updates

[michaelthemaven]

Shopping with Director Rob Diamond for some of the craft services (food and snacks) for all of our extras coming on set next week (there is going to be a bunch) His sister Julie is in charge of preparing it, but Rob is very hands on every single aspect when he can. I thought it was interesting that there is a difference between catering for the crew meals, and "crafty". #loveeverlastingmovie @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Final pre-production script read through today. Most of the crew leads were there asking questions about anything that came up. I'm no longer 1st AD, Rob says I'm now Producer and will be mainly working with & assisting the DP, Lars Lindstrom on the set, which is exactly were I want to be. Monday is the first day of shooting. We have lots of hustling to do before then. #loveeverlastingmovie @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Got all moved in to my new apartment for the next 2-3 months while we are filming. Adam, my video editor drove 30 hours only sleeping 3-4 on the way. Director Rob Diamond came to give us a hand. We had a lot of fun trying to remember everything we needed to move into a completely empty apt, then trying to fit it all in my Prius. It's actually a super nice pad. Final pre-production meetings start today. @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Long day of driving today. Picked up my car in Phoenix and started my way up to Utah. That's one of the few things we don't have on maui...the ability to drive somewhere really far away.

[michaelthemaven]

Many of you will recognize Christina Burke from Twightlight, Breaking Dawn Part 2, she played the teenage Renesmee - I'm very happy to announce that she will be playing opposite @luckybsmith in our independent film "Love Everlasting". Rob Diamond has done such a great job assembling an all star cast. We have no idea how it will turn out, but are going to put our very best effort into it, and that is all that matters. As p90x says "do your best and forget the rest!". @loveeverlastingmovie

[michaelthemaven]

Leaving Maui tonight to start heading towards Utah for our movie that starts shooting next Saturday. Very excited to get this started.

[michaelthemaven]

What a beautiful day it was on #maui today. After storyboarding I grabbed a quick sunset hike. I think I have about 3 more days of storyboard left. It has been an awesome exercise for me to previsualize the movie and then draw pictures of it. Heading to Utah next week to help finish pre-production, then shooting starts in Aug 1st. Been patiently waiting and wanting to make movies my whole life and it is finally going to happen. We are going to put everything we have into it and are hopeful it will be a beautiful story we are proud of.

[michaelthemaven]

Im very excited to announce that Emily Proctor of CSI Miami fame has officially signed on to play one of the major roles in our independent film. She will be playing the role of Helen, the mother Bridger Jenkins, who is being played by @luckybsmith - mad props to Rob Diamond and all the hard work he has put into assembling the team. I'm feeling no pressure about these storyboards now 😳. Shooting starts in August, we are looking for a Spring of 2016 release date. I'll be posting more updates here as we progress and through the shooting experience itself. I feel tremendous gratitude for the opportunity to be part of it. @loveeverlastingmovie (image courtesy of Emily Proctor on Imdb.com)

[michaelthemaven]

Storyboarding Continues ~ I'm about halfway done. This tells me that it takes me about 2 weeks to storyboard a full length film. I change my work locations 2-3 times a day to keep my surroundings fresh. I chew a lot of winter mint gum and drink hot chocolate as a reward. There is a huge amount of confidence that comes when you complete something difficult for the first time. You realize what is involved, you make your big mistakes, then get better and find ways to become faster at it. It's one thing to previsualize a movie in your mind, takes it to another level when it can be shown to others and improved further. Excited to show the rest of the cast and crew as soon as I'm finished. One more week and we should have a rough draft on paper. #storyboarding #indiefilmmaking

[michaelthemaven]

I have been getting a lot of questions about the differences between the older Canon 70D and the newer Canon T6s - T6i models. In my latest video I'll explain what the major differences are and why I prefer the 70D. The link will be in my bio for the next couple of days- #canon70d #canont6s #canont6i #70D #t6s #t6i

[michaelthemaven]

Been getting a lot of questions about the differences between the older Canon 70D and the new Canon T6s / T6i. I like the 70D a lot more, and you can see why in my latest video. Link is posted in my bio for the next few days: