This was the first time I'd worked with many of the actors in this film. The lead actress, Skye Matheson, I met her the night before at a cold reading. She was impressive onstage and I needed a lead for a script that hadn't been written yet. A lot of pieces just seemed to come together with this band of actors and crew.
The first evening was spent writing the script. After a brief brainstorm session, I stepped away to write it. When I presented it to everyone, people were generally pleased. With one exception. Larissa was originally cast as an aerobics instructor..the confidante of the main heroine. She hated the role. Found it obvious and simple. And she was right.
With little time, I quickly decided to switch roles. Our badass gun runner would become the aerobics instructor. Larissa, would be the gun runner. And with that little change, both actors found their groove and created vivid characters that went beyond anything I'd originally given them on paper.
As a side note to all this, while shooting the film we realized that George Lucas was across the street watching us. Yes, that George Lucas. He watched for about 5 minutes, and all the while I exaggerated my actions conveying the unspoken message, 'Look at me, George! I'm directing! Just like you!" Yes, I have my pathetic moments.
But in the end, I introduced myself to George and followed up with a phone call to Skywalker Ranch. That got me a great story and a signed letter from George Lucas. That's kinda cool, isn't it?
