Marriage in the temple of love

Marriage in the Temple of Love is series of books on temple blessings I a writing and need to get back to writing

Preface

     There is the famous song “Going to the Chapel,” however I love changing that refrain to “going to the temple and we’re going to get married…. Married in the temple of love.

    

     When we go to temple, we do not go out of obligation or because it is expected of us to go, we go because of Love. In order to enter the temple, you must be found worthy to enter and that worthiness comes from a love of our Heavenly Father, the church, love of ourselves to uphold the teachings of the church, and a love of those who have passed beyond the veil. However, the love runs deeper and richer than that which can be imagine for the love shared between two people who take the most sacred commitment in life; eternal marriage in the temple cannot be described in mortal or temporal words. For when a couple is sealed in the temple, they create a bond  that by temporal means cannot be broken. Every time a couple returns together to the temple, they have the opportunity to renew their vows, celebrate their lives together, and build upon the foundation of their marriage fortifying themselves in the love that first brought them to be sealed.

    

     As Saints we are given the remarkable gift of not one, not two honeymoons in our lives, but a mini honeymoon every time we allow ourselves to fall in love with one another again and again within the walls of love. Husbands have an obligation to take their wives to the temple as often as possible in order to polish the jewel and treasure that has been entrusted to them for time and eternity. When you allow your lives to get too busy and chaotic to attend the temple then you make a subconscious statement to your marriage stating that you don’t need Heavenly Father’s fortifying and protection of the marriage. When you go to the temple as a couple, it’s the time and opportunity for the marriages maintenance check and tune up. When married in the temple we are married for TIME and Eternity.

May you be blessed and enriched in the Spirit of Love

Film making: Integrity and protecting yourself

This has nothing to do with current film Demonica that I am working on 

Its interesting and a learning experience to see who supports you in your film making and passions, who takes you seriously, and who pretty much disregard you in any and every way and yet they feel you need to support them and at times bow down to their dreams.  Its also very interesting the backstabbing and lack of integrity that goes on in the industry after people say they will do something regardless of verbal of or written contract.  I have been raised where integrity is key in life, and unfortunately I like to believe i can trust people on their word but mainly you find, while you can trust a few, people who don't have integrity in the first place or able to think for themselves will use you and lead you along for their benefit and their ego, to make themselves look good and professional until you wise up and realize the time, career and talent, were just being used.  This is often the case for eager and inexperienced individuals who wish to break in only to find dreams broken by people to careless to really care about the person from the beginning.

When you have this self awakening its often discouraging and heartbreaking and you just want to give up.  Move on find 5 to 10 people you can really trust and move forward with them as your support circle and team.  You may feel you are starting from the ground up, obviously you never had the foundation you thought you did. While this can be a cutthroat dishonest industry, there are the genuine players and for those who don't play nice, file it away in your professional mental toolbox, and remember it when they come to you later and decide how you want to handle it professionally. As a beginning or even experienced industry professional research the people you are going to team up with and find out their successes and failures, while people may have opinions or comments and sometimes what to destroy someone, be smart to follow your gut and really weigh what people say good and bad and form your decisions. There is usually some truth behind what people say.  As you gain experience, watch with a keen eye business dealing and be smart before you enter into verbal or contractual agreements.  I recommend having contracts for everything from conception of any project with someone who agrees to work with.  Insist and protect yourself while not allowing in one to shiest you. If people can not live by or honor your reasonable request in a timely matter that should be your golden ticket that something is wrong.

Keep putting yourself out there for every 100 no there is 1 yes.  Have faith, and keep putting yourself out there, do not give up on your dream as your break will co

On set with service animals

As anyone who knows me knows I have one of the most fun loving companions in my life, a service dog named Hiver. Most people who knows her, just calls her by the English translation of her name, Winter. If Hiver is used, she knows that she is either in trouble or i need her attention now and to focus. Hiver is french for Winter, however most people hen the see the spelling of he name calls her [Hi*ver] when its [E*vare] so it was easier and Winter is pretty as well.  Winter is a trained service dog for mobility issues, non epileptic seizures, among others health problems she assists in an even provides emotional support, and reduces anxiety as well while at the same time is a therapy dog to anyone she comes in contact with. She has her tags and papers and certifications.

Winter rides on planes at my feet, rides in cars on buses as well as trains, and boats.  Winter frequents grocery stores, hangs out at bars and clubs, goes to restaurants,  frequently at hospitals/dr. offices for  emergency room and dr. appointments. Winter is fortunate enough to be cultured as she has many fine art event she attends such as she goes to the symphony, art exhibits, ballet, opera, theatre, concerts, and dance performances where she watches intently all the performances at what is going on when she isn't laying at my feet. I wish i was kidding but she loves plays, movies, and concerts.  Winter has even been on at least a handful of sets including her debut in "Proper Manors" episode 1 as a search and rescue dog.

 I am currently on location for the film "Demonica," Winter has been on set all but 3 times (the first weekend's both two days and when we shot the tavern scene due to space and rain) While the crew and cast love Winter and she hasn't caused any problems for herself, cast, crew or the location; the owner is just uncomfortable with having a dog or animal on location. The location is being provided to us free and it is understandable we want to respect the wishes of the owner to keep him happy, however regardless of his comfort level for what ever reason he isn't on set as he is no where around when we are filming.  No one in the family wants to watch her (total another blog) as it is not their responsibility. I don't blame Prescribed Films, or the "Demonica" team as it places us all on an uncomfortable position where no one wants to be. So i get to be put in a conundrum where with her being a service dog and trained and treated like any animal which she isn't.  She is not outdoor leashed/chain trained nor should she ever be on one and it is recommend that she never is put on one for any extended length of time because again she is a service dog, she will not do kennels as she is claustrophobic and will break out of them or try to hurting herself in the process as before and again she should not be in one, So the director/producer is stuck trying to find a place to house her over each weekend while on set which puts me in an uncomfortable emotional state on top of the one I'm already in dealing with this as well. While I've done it before on more than a few occasions its hard not having her by me and even harder for her as she has deeper separation anxiety issues than i do as most service dogs do when it comes to their handler. After these days that she is away from me, she will have a hard time listening for the next day or so because she is mad at me. I understand the motto don't bite the hand that feeds you, and while this location is helping out this production what does one really do?

 Even with the owner being uncomfortable, and though it is not a food establishment which should nor matter if it was, there are ADA (American Disabilities Act) laws that are put in place for situations like this, again however wont sue or cause legal problems as we are being done a favor.  So once again via film production and/or my personal life I am the one who always has to accommodate.  One other option which is just as cruel in my opinion, even though it is a night shoot and heat is not a factor but principle is, is keeping her in a car with windows down for 12 hours with occasional break in between camera setups.

 So filmmaker POV (point of view) question for you today is:  If you are on set at any location, and a member of your cast or crew has an actual service animal with them, what would you do if the owner of the property regardless if you are helping you out or not says they are uncomfortable with a service animal or pet of any kind on the property and doesn't want it there? Do you go by his desires, your cast or crews needs and rights, or by the ADA or non of the above?

Demonica Shooting #1

We are filming Day 5 by actual days however with the long hours we are on day 7 shot list wise as we .  Prescribed Films "Demonica"  is and interesting set full of quirks, mickey mouse and jimmy rigged quality steady cam and camera accessories.  We  have been pulling long hours averaging 14 hour days plus hour round trip for commute to set.  It is nice to be filming with a 4pm call time with a mandatory wrap time by 11p, versus our normal 9pm call time with a average wrap of 10-1030am.  My script  supervisor job is pretty easy.  While being digital, I am using an excel to capture shots without using Scriptee Program, however I not using the script to mark up.  I've learn very quick each production, each director does things different and as a film maker regardless of job one just needs to be able to be flexible and adapt.  After this movie I need to definitely to brush up on my traditional Script Supervisor skills to get back into practice and conformity that other productions use. 

This film has really taught me or better yet is teaching me to go with the flow and it is not easy. As a low budget no budget film you would think from the makeup, special effects, and the acting  that we were working on a pretty decent budget film.   I am not particular to night shoots but you need to film when you can and be available when needed.

I love watching the interaction of the actors and the life they bring to a camera via  the monitor and staged. The rain really made the shoot today for this particular scene as it is the introduction to evil.  Today's scene takes place in 1962 at an old rustic tavern.  The location could not be more perfect, while a bit small it was workable and accomplished what was needed.   This is the opening scene that sets the tone for the movie.  It was and hot day, the rain made it cool outside, but inside on set in the small space we are filming in due to the heat of the day and set lights, it is sweltering sauna, and raining  bullets upon talent and crew.   Heat doesn’t play well with neuropathy, but I 'm hanging in there, even though its challenging.  Like with all sets there is a lot of receptiveness, however  on this set we keep it fun interesting.  One of the highlights of journey into Prescribed Films, an alternate universe to the Twilight Zone, is in the note section of the slate we put off the wall one liners instead of serious slate notes as the rely on me as Scriptee to keep actual notes. 

Shooting has been wonderful at our previous locations as well; the skating rink in Oskaloosa, Hotel Ottumwa (one of the most haunted places in Iowa) in Ottumwa,  and independent house for bedroom scene.

At the skating rink 2nd day on location I tried skating, while I did not fall down I was a wall stopper keep the wall up.  There is a reason I haven't skated in 20 years, there is also a big difference between skates and roller blades and ice skates; however, neither I want to do it again.  Its interesting how, and commendable where one scene had nudity last week in the script that no actress wanted to do the role unless a compromised was made for at least keeping the bra on for simulated male and female sex scene.  We had to find an actress who would do that scene and a couple actresses for a girl on girl kissing scene.  

People don’t realize how sensitive boom is and ever little sound even outside is finely picked up during filming and even more so during room tone.  It is a joy to work with this cast as crew and I look forward to the weekend of filming , with that said I detest the night shoots however its worth it and is the art of filming that allows me treasure such shoots.

Demonica- Working on Set with Family

I love being a filmmaker, and I love having the ability to wear multiple hats in the industry.  When "Demonica" presented its self, I was more than happy to jump at the opportunity to work on this feature indie film.  Not only did I had the privilege of knowing the Director Jason Bolinger personally as well as the other members of team by reputation, this was an opportunity to work with my cousin on the set.  I adore my cousin who is currently 15 and is a gift in my life.  She is very talented and I love her artistic abilities.  I can not tell you how excited i was to share my world with her.  While I do wear many hats in the industry and overzealous for the love of what I do, when it it comes to wearing the Script Supervisor/Continuity hat my awkward social and personal interactions and personality becomes more awkward, unintentionally offensive, or misunderstood especially when narrow minded and focused on work.  As a Script/Continuity Supervisor my filmmaking OCD and anal retentiveness kicks in more than any other hat I wear in the industry. Working on an 80's period film, or any period film for that matter makes continuity issues all that more important.  I cannot watch a movie at movie theater without picking it apart as continuity issues really throw a film out of enjoyment for me.

So last weekend while filming on location the bedroom scene in Oskaloosa. I inadvertently offended my cousin Amanda Zombie Pratt, after she worked hard on a poster for the film one in which I actually loved.  After bringing it to the director's, Insane Mike Saunders attention first I informed him that we could not use the poster as it featured currency with its modern day look versus the way it looked back in the 80's. As Script supervisor I have been overly attentive since it is an 80's film making sure that everything is period pieces.  I brought it to Mandy's attention and while I told her i loved we just could not use it due to the new money designs. And in translation to a 15 year old it means their hard work especially as it was the best of all the posters she did that We did not like it.  Mandy also was helping with makeup and the actresses were asking how their makeup was after Mandy did it, as I have the experience as they put it. Mandy did a great job and that hurt her as she thought people did not like her makeup.  We just had to make it darker because we were on camera for lighting issues. Unfortunately even when run by director because felt her work wasn't appreciated she dropped out. The other part is and was and I take responsibility for it is that she thought I was bossing her around too much, actually asking her to do too much.  While I did not ask her to do more than anyone else I asked of on set as we were short crew and I was informed on a Prescribed Films set that everyone does everything when on set when we are not busy, its difficult for someone new to understand that and what a role of production assistant is. Even when I am hurting , very muck lacking sleep or sick I always ask can you, and please and thank you to everyone. I learned a long time ago to be hyper aware how you treat talent and crew as i go out of my way to make sure they have what they need.

The great thing about being a script supervisor is that you are responsible for the film;  your notes and attentiveness is what the director and editors rely on in order to make a quality film and. save money.  it is department of 1 however and that makes things hectic and keeps you glued to the set without the down time as the rest of cast and crew has opportunity for because our downtime is out time to play catch up with notes and paperwork.  Again as a one department person I nned to know makeup, hair, wardrobe and set continuity.  I have to know it all.  I have to pay attention to light if its day or night. how pillow were thrown and every little thing of the film  at every moment between each shot, when we shoot sceenes out of order or multiple days so I am in focus mode.   For me its filmmaking period so I as a Scripty  have to e on toop of everything and sometimes trying to keep things on schedules time and shooting.  There are times I am squeezed tightly in one spot and cant movie in order to stay out of shot and everything where i have to have someone bring me things.  For all intensive purposes Scripty doesn't move. n9t even to use restroom unless there is a company break.

Its is very sad not by her fault or excuse, but as the excuse given that she doesn't want to work on the film now because she feels I boss her around too much when in all actuality especially during the shooting part I have very little reaction most talent and crew when I am Scripty mode, except when i am calling for makeup to be flown in for re-powdering of the face so its not shining on my monitor, as well as drinks for them.  I was so looking forward to working with Mandy as we both share the passion of Demons, Monsters, and Zombies not being turned into the Demon myself and taken as if i was the bullying for doing my job even when i ran everything through the director myself.  I even suggested a few positions to the production team as I thought she would be perfect for working them.  This is a chance of a lifetime working of film sets, the long hours, the film family, the fun times and adventure, and knowing that you worked on something great.  Am I bothered by the whole situation, yes I am. Can i do anything about it no as she won't change her mind. I need to move forward now not because i don't care but because i have to focus and not be distracted for day 3 shooting

My film making question to filmmakers is how do you work with family members on a film set without offending them, or them feeling like you are bossing them around especially if they are new to the film making process?

Prescribed Films- Indie Filmmaking Holding True to its Name

After being in Utah for 3 weeks for filming 2 commercials and a short film, casting for my film "Take Stand," two table reads, a photo shoot, shooting my Indiegogo campaign video, securing donations for Silent auction, speaking to a group against bullying and suicide and walking the Red Carpet for the premiere of the new Soap Opera "Proper Manors" [www.propermanors.tv] I find myself  in a strange new world, another planet, galaxy or even possibly what could be the gateway to the twilight zone. This place, which can only be entered into through some rift in the space time continuum in Iowa that really creates a reality that my no means know what the concept of normality is, this vortex or gateway is called Prescribed Films.

Prescribed Films is a indie film group and company that supports the concept of no or low budget feature film making. While the group consists of very talented and highly qualified crew and Talent and looks like a regular film set, in reality has been the metaphorical rabbit hole of film making turning my concepts and training upside down, twisted and kinked, to the point that these filmmakers are sane compared to the quote unquote filmmakers I am used and by no means are they conventional.  I had to learn very quickly what to eat and what to drink in order to survive this truly unique land of wonder.  Prescribed films is about being a family and not being defined by particular labels or ideas of film making while having fun and treating each day on set as an opportunity to run with the bulls or run among the stallions as this is about having fun, adventure, and for the mere thrill of being part of something greater than one person but about the ability of the team and family.  I had to quickly adjust to quirks lack of seriousness , while giving myself a just let go enema as I needed to quickly stop being a tight assed, anal retentive cunt who takes her job too seriously.  Every director has their on way of doing things and as was described to me we have many professional quality people who work with prescribed films who refuse to work on any other films besides prescribed unless they are very similar to the mission of Prescribed in order to avoid the politics, egos, and annoying I am all that attitudes.

While I have worked on many film sets this team this family working on "Demonica" is by far the greatest set I have ever been on.  I don't mean this as a slam to the wonderful people I have worked with in the past on various project.  If a film shoot can get me to not me an uptight tunnel visioned filmmaker especially as the Script and Continuity Supervisor by day 2 then there is true magic on this set.  While my continuity eye is key for this film, I am doing unconventional means of script supervisor paperwork and such and its okay. I hate to say it especially when I'm very OCD about stuff like this, that I don't have to be perfect. Just have to be who the director needs me to be.

While I am overzealous I am learning to relax breathe and take it easy.  I do not have to do everything and I( just need to enjoy the adventure.  Prescribed Films is a wonderful group to be working with and I am greatly blessed, honored, and privileged as a filmmaker to be working with this group and invited into their world.  This feature production is a journey on opening the mind and just flow and I know I will be learning a lot from these great filmmakers.

What is worse than Demons, Demons on roller skates.

 (picture is a general stock photo of me filmmaking in Utah nothng to do with Prescribed Films)

The directors Jason Bolinger and Insane Mike Saunders owned up to March of this year the Insane Asylum, a cult movie, collectable, and horror emporium in Ottumwa, Iowa.  If you are looking for a old cult or horror VHS or DVD let me know and i will see if he still has it for sale still as the still have merchandise available.

When I move out Iowas my place place is going to be a tribute to all film making.   Prescribed Film members also have nicknames that we go by and usually something that is associated with our live as people and filmmakers.  My film nickname is "Phoenix" as it is part of the logo for my company as well for me represents empowerment, strength, renewal and healing, life, and the ability to rise above and and overcome.  So as a filmmaker I am Phoenix.