Boom Op, Stephen Bresen, originally uploaded by Lebanon Movie.

This post is long overdue, but I wanted to give a shout out to Lebanon’s Boom Op Steve Breslin for hooking us up w/ a ton of BTS snaps that he’s taken. When he’s not booming, he’s snapping and we greatly appreciate it. Check out all his photos, peppered throughout the first two weeks and I’m sure he’ll have more coming.

    

Lebanon Flickr Map, originally uploaded by Lebanon Movie.

Are you one of those folks who like to know where movies are shot? Well you are in for a treat. Head on over to the nifty Lebanon Flickr Map and check out the location trail and geotagged photos from where the production has been.

 

Cinematographer MJ Schirmer, originally uploaded by Lebanon Movie.

A whole bunch of new production stills have been uploaded to Flickr.

Boom Op Steve Breslin has contributed a ton of his BTS stills from the past two weeks, and Still photographer Tom McKean, has uploaded shots from day 10 and 14. Head on over to Flickr to catch up on all the moviemaking madness.

LEBANON got a quick mention by columnist Michael Klein in yesterday’s “Local News” section of the Inquirer.

“Josh Hopkins (Pirates of Silicon Valley, Swingtown), Samantha Mathis (Lost), Mary Beth Hurt (The World According to Garp, The Age of Innocence), and Temple student Rachel Kitson are under the lights as writer-director Ben Hickernell shoots Lebanon here and in Lebanon, Pa. Hickernell, a Haverford College alum whose movie Cellar world-premiered at the Philadelphia Film Festival and won its Technical Achievement Award, is about an urbane guy from Philadelphia whose father dies, sending him back to his rural hometown, where drama ensues.”

Check out the entire article.

Hello Blogians:

Just wanted to finally get one of these done. I’m sure in the future I’ll have far more colorful, emoticon littered posts… nearing the end of week two and a storm coming in tomorrow has scrapped our plans to shoot High School exteriors in Lebanon tomorrow… oh dear!!

But, as much as we can do wonders with our limited budget, I’m afraid stormcloud wrangling is beyond our grasp.

We had magical moments both yesterday and today when Samantha, Josh and Mary Beth were all on set together. It’s amazing how we’ve created this little community so quickly here on set – I’ve so far been amazed by the number of people on our crew – and how many people are working so hard to bring this little film to life.

I digress. I’m up in 4.5 hours to shoot what we can amid the downpour. Just wanted to say howdy. I’m listening to Steve Earle’s version of “Way Down in the Hole” (used in S5 of The Wire) on a loop to inspire me… Somehow the small army behind that show had the focus and tenacity to make a brilliant show. It’s a tall order, but I hope we’re doing the same. With slightly fewer drugs and cops. But I bet Josh Hopkins does a wicked Omar.

Making a film is such a marathon. Sunday marks the end of week two, and probably our hardest day yet. (And Samantha’s first day of shooting!). Hopefully we’ll have a happy post on Monday.

By the way, Mary Beth Hurt *defines* the term pro. The amount of clarity *and* variety she displayed over her two days was incredible.

And speaking of marathons, Josh Hopkins has been working hard above and beyond the call of duty. He’s working with us almost every day, all day (this Will guy is apparently in, like, *every* scene of this movie) and his constant good humor, incredible work ethic and easily displayed talent astound me. And we’ve gotten him to drink Yuengling like a champ. Welcome to Philly, buddy.

- Ben

    

IMG_5253, originally uploaded by Lebanon Movie.

Check out snapshots from the Sofitel, Philadelphia and the film’s first day on location in Lebanon, PA.

Another day on the set of Lebanon and we’re in the thick of day number nine.  Production is spending the day on location at the Sofitel Philadelphia, as we welcome Mary Beth Hurt (Interiors, The Age of Innocence, Lady in the Water) to the picture.  She joins the film playing Jeanette, Will’s cold and jaded Mother.

After a 1/2 day of shooting scenes featuring Will and Jeanette, the production team will speed off to Lebanon, PA to spend two days filming on location in the title town.  

Day 5 and 6 so far were the most stressful days encountered on set due to the late night hours and one particular moment where numerous areas of the local neighborhood needed to be lit all at once for one single tracking shot. After a two day rest for Labor Day, the crew was read to get right back into action on Day 7. Call time was 7 AM and, like usual, the day was shot entirely around CJ’s house for what will be our last day at the location until Samantha Mathis (Vicky) arrives on set. Filming took place in almost every room of the property. In addition, there were around twenty extras of all ages present for CJ’s birthday party scene.

There are a couple of big changes between this week and last that the entire crew has noticed. As each day passes, the cast and crew are meshing more and more. As an example, Rachel Kitson (CJ) and Hunter Gallagher (Chase) had a half hour “sibling” argument during their lunch break about whether the themes behind the film “Legally Blonde” can be applied to philosophy. This is not only occurring with the cast, but there is a definite growing relationship between all departments (without the arguments). Another major change is that the set seems emptier without many of the interns who had helped with filming throughout the first week but are now unable to due to the beginning of school. Thanks again to everyone who has helped with the film and we hope you come back when you can.

Some Day 7 photos have been uploaded to the Flickr site. Remember, if your a member of the crew and you want to share your BTS Stills, add them to the Flickr “Lebanon” Photo Group.

So our first late night shoot began on day 5 this week. Shooting began at 4:30 PM and went into the early hours of the next morning. Due to shooting mostly on the top floor of the CJ’s house location, space was  packed between equipment, crew, and cast. To top it all off, it rained sporadically throughout the night. Though it was a fairly difficult night for everyone, a good chunk of the scenes taking place in CJs house were completed. Also, everyone was treated to a delicious “lunch” (as everyone called it) that was held around 10 PM. Hopefully the night will help prepare everyone for the other late night shoots taking place throughout the next couple of weeks, including one taking place tomorrow on day 6.