Director’s Notes

Technical Data – the movie was shot using two cameras both Panasonic AG-DVX100A 24p on advanced setting for manual focus capability.
The entire movie was edited using Vegas 4.0 on a 3.06 GHz PC and 1 GB of RAM, running Windows XP. Editing was done at 23.976 fps progressive 720x480x24 DV (removing 2-3-3-2 pulldown). Audio setting was 48,000 Hz, 16 bit, Stereo, uncompressed.

Script—the idea for the movie came from Joanne, my wife, during one of our daily walks. She said, a bit jokingly, that she wanted her estate settled via a trivia game about her life. Those who knew her best gained the most.
I started on the script that week, just after the first of the year (2004), and completed it a couple of months later. Casting—casting was accomplished through people we knew, for the most part.

Music – we have been fortunate to have Troy Polsley write and perform four original songs for the movie, two with vocals and two instrumentals. This has been a big plus for us and we are thrilled with the music.
Troy also acted as art director for the movie, designing the game board, cards, etc. Location –Early on we had decided to shoot in Breckenridge, Colorado because we had a timeshare there and thought that would cut down on living arrangements for cast and crew. On a scouting expedition however, the two sites we had pinpointed simply were not going to work.
We spotted a lodge for sale that looked big enough for the shoot and for lodging. Checking into it, it was available the week we wanted and within our price range. It had ten bedrooms and big open areas to shoot in, so we jumped on it.

Shooting—shooting began March 1, 2004 and we were aggressive in our shooting schedule. We had an absolute max of 7 days (that’s all the longer we had the entire lodge rented).
The whole movie was shot inside the lodge, so no multiple location setups were required.
A tribute to the cast and crew, we shot the entire script in 5 days. They were long days, but by Friday evening we were done, and ready for the wrap party.

Editing – I had always worked with Adobe Premiere and intended to use it. However, it really did not fit well with editing at 23.976 fps, which is what I needed to do in case the movie goes to film.
I ended up using Vegas 4.0, which would edit at the proper frame rate without needing other software. Six weeks of editing (sometimes 7 days a week) and it was done. Time to send it off to audio post.

And, now the marketing begins. That is another chapter better described by Joanne, production manager, marketing manager, location manager, partner, and wife. From concept to final DVD is 4 ½ months. Script, casting, shooting, editing.

--- David Sutton, Director

Technical Aspects

Production
• 2 Panasonic AG-DVX100A 24p cameras, using advanced setting for manual focus capability.
• Green screen for Barley scenes, after she’s died.

Editing
• The entire movie was edited using Vegas 4.0 on a 3.06 MHZ PC with 1 GB of RAM, running Windows XP.
• Editing was done at 23.976 fps progressive 720x480x24 DV (removing 2-3-3-2 pulldown).
• Audio setting was 48,000 Hz, 16 bit, Stereo, uncompressed.
• Adobe Audition was used for the music editing.
• Runtime 1:35:00

Credits
• Vegas 4.0 Media Generator

DVD Interactive
• DVD Architect 2.0

Production Photos
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