These Girls - The Movie

On a Personal Note

2007-02-04T13:34:00.000-05:00

I won't be posting much on this Blog anymore - there just isn't as much These Girls news as there use to be. However I will post when things happen - so check in every once and a while. In the meantime I am going to be doing more frequent posting on my personal site All Things Hazlettian so if you have an interest feel free to check it out.

India Tour

2006-12-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

These Girls is going to several festivals in India. It already screened at The Kolkata Film Festival a few weeks ago, rumour is it was a sell out, and is going on to screen at both the Chennai International Film Festival (Dec 15-22) and the Bangalore International Film Festival (Dec 22-28). I am looking forward to getting some feedback from these screenings - if anyone out there attends, please drop me an email and let me know how it went.

Lazy Bloggers of the World Unite!

2006-10-22T18:45:00.000-04:00

Some people may have (or may not have) noticed that I have not posted for quite some time. Because to tell you the truth there hasn't been a lot of These Girls action lately and after the exciting summer of colourful posts I didn't want to fill up the blogosphere with tedious accounts of this filmmakers quotidian life. There will be real posts soon. Do not despair gentle readers - These Girls still has a lot of life left in it.

In the meantime, this man can get you a drink while you wait.

Spain Wrap-up! (Un poco tarde)

2006-08-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

Here I am posting about Spain - weeks late (Mexico City Wrap-Up jumped the queue). Better late than never and Spain definitely deserves a post. To start off with, it is rumoured that Spanish men are very macho - I won't comment on that but I think the stance of this Spanish Lion says it all.

The These Girls tour of Spain started off in Valencia. Even thought I was in Valencia for less than 24 hours I felt like I was there longer. Thanks to Carlos - our translator and guide - we learned more in a few hours than I usually learn in a year. Here is a photo of Carlos with Diana Sanchez - intrepid Toronto Film Festival Programmer and Film Circuit representative in Spain. We are standing on the top of the medieval gates of Valencia, while modern European progress looms in the background.

The screenings were held at the La Filmoteca and if I ever get any of the photos of me introducing the film - employing my halting and stuttering Spanish - I will post them. The screening went very well, and even with electronic subtitles (the dialogue appears at the bottom of the screen on a led type display) the humour translated and the audience really got into it. After the screening we all went out to dinner with the nice people from the La Filmoteca. Strangely enough I was not treated to Paella, which Valencia is famous for, but to some very nice French cuisine. However, Carlos - that walking encyclopedia - did give me a thorough run down of all the aspects of paella (type of rice, type of water, types of meats, how the surf and turf mix, which is now common, was a modern thing, etc.) Here we are after dinner, mugging for the camera. Thanks so much to everyone at La Filmoteca.

A true testament to Europe's sense of civilization - a sense that we barbarians in North America have never understood - is the train service. Here is my breakfast on the train (Renfe) from Valencia to Madrid - I love the tiny bottle of olive oil. It was hard to come back to the cattle cars that are offered on Via Rail, here in Canada, and Amtrack in the US.

Then it was on to Madrid and the screenings there. I was joined by Cam Haynes, mastermind behind The Film Circuit, and Sean Garrity director of Lucid, another fine Canadian film showing in Madrid. Here is Sean and Cam in the glass elevator of the Reina Sophie Museum - yes we took in some culture, Picasso's Guernica was showing with all the preparatory sketches. A grim and powerful reminder of the horrors of war - Guernica at the museum and Middle East crisis playing on CNN back at the hotel.

I don't want to make it seem like Spain is nothing but food and lions with big cojones but I do think that if you had to sum up the place in a word it would be - Jamón.

Mexico City Wrap-up

2006-07-31T20:52:00.000-04:00

The screenings in Mexico City went amazingly well. We had a great audience and there was a very lively Q&A after the screening. I managed to do all my press interviews and the introduction and Q&A (with a little help) in Spanish. So if there are suddenly strange quotes from me popping up - it was because I didn't know what I was saying. I met Luis Calazada (Quality Films) the Mexican distributor of These Girls and found out that it will be getting a commercail theatrical release there in September. He also insisted that we eat fried worms at lunch and I have to say they were tasty, crunchy and toasted outside with a soft pasty center. I will post any updates as I get them - I can't wait to see the Mexican version of the poster.

Above is a photo of the center courtyard at la Cineteca National - what a great place to watch a movie. Thanks to Ana Cruz Navarro, Mariana Padilla Lopez and Roberto Garza for hosting the festival and for taking such good care of us.

Thanks to the Canadian Embassy, Jeff Marder, Luis Archundia (academic Affairs and Audiovisual Industry Relations Officer) and The Film Circuit, Robin Rhodes and especially our driver (on loan from the Embassy) Ernesto.

Pictured here from left to right (and standing in front of The Beast). Ernesto, Jeff Marder, Robin Rhodes and Luis Archundia.

It was amazing to watch Ernesto maneuver The Beast through the crowded and crazy streets of the city. A space the size of a Volkswagen would open up beside us in full on speeding traffic and Ernesto would miraculously change lanes - every time I was sure there would be the sickening sound of metal on metal - but we bobbed and weaved through improbably calamitous situations with the grace of a gazelle. Ernesto had the manner of a true zen master, he never broke a sweat, and he never raised his voice - I never saw even a hint of stress cross his face.

I am awaiting some more lively photos to be emailed to me, so stay tuned for more Mexico stories.

Screening Alert! - Mexico City

2006-07-17T09:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, These Girls will be screening in Mexico City on July 28th. If you know anyone who lives there let them know. The screeenings will be at the Cineteca Nacional on July 28th at 4:30 and 7:00. I will be there as well to introduce the film and field questions. I have had a few days to practice my Spanish in Spain so I am ready for almost anything.

Sí, Estas Chicas mostrarán en Ciudad de México el 28 de julio. Si usted conoce a alguien que vive allí los avisan. El screeenings estará en el Cineteca Nacional el 28 de julio en 14:30 y 19:00. Yo deberé introducir allí también la película y contestar preguntas. He tenido unos días para practicar mi español en España entonces estoy listo para casi algo.

(Warning this is a machine translation)

Down Under July 12th

2006-07-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

These Girls comes out on DVD in Australia on July 12th (20th Century Fox). I have no details as to what will be on the disk. If you know anyone in Australia or have any contacts with Boreanaz fan clubs there, pass the word along.

Roo #1 "What's that Roo 2? These Girls is now available on DVD even in the outback?"

Roo #2 "That's what I'm saying - and pouch size as well"

Roo #1 "You don't say?"

Roo #2 "I do say"

Okay that's pretty bad but you try to imagine what Kangaroos might be thinking. This may have to become a regular feature here at thesegirlsblog. Matter of fact come back here on Monday and see the two Roos discuss Misandry as it manifests itself in both the text and subtext of These Girls.

Spain in July - Estas Chicas

2006-07-05T13:32:00.000-04:00

The dates and times for the screenings of These Girls in Spain are as follows.

Valencia

Wednesday July 12th at 8:00

Screening takes place at

Madrid

Thursday July 13th at 8:05
Saturday July 15th at 10:30
Screening takes place at Cine Doré

Las fechas y los tiempos para las proyecciones de Estas Chicas en España son como sigue.

Valencia
Miércoles, 12 de Julio 20:00

Madrid
Jueves, Julio 13 (20:05)
Sábado, Julio 15 (22:30)
Cine Doré

What's a Little Nudity?

2006-06-20T18:27:00.000-04:00

I have been following all the various discussions and comments about the nudity in These Girls with some interest. So far I have stayed out of the online discussions - happy to observe from afar, no matter how misguided or (in a few cases) sleazy the comments have been. However I've gotten a few direct questions and feel that I should throw some thoughts of my own out there. The first thing is that as a filmmaker I don't have any control over what happens to my film once it leaves the post production lab. How people react to it, or choose to interpret it, or these days how they choose to chop it up and (re)present it are out of my hands. The fact that people are doing anything with my film is a compliment (stay tuned for my next post on piracy).

*The following contains mild spoilers*
There certainly has been quite a buzz and reaction to David's nudity - both positive and negative. Some have gone as far as suggesting that David was manipulated into going as far as he did. This is an excellent rumor and maybe one which I should go along with (I could play the role of the cynical puppet master). Unfortunately, for me, the truth is less dramatic. David was very much in control of the situation – he is, after all, a very experienced and intelligent actor. The ‘jewelry box’ was his idea (I wish it was mine). In the context of the film I still think the nudity is pretty innocent stuff and I know that David wanted to have fun with the role. He knew it would be funny and he had the smarts and the guts to play it funny (with a little edge). I know there are ‘still frame’ images out there that appear to be very revealing but that’s not the movie – in the context of the film the scene is funny and a tease.

Hablas Español?

2006-06-12T18:11:00.000-04:00

In a continuing bid for world domination These Girls will be having special screenings in both Valencia and Madrid in mid- July (11-14). These screenings are through the The Film Circuit - (a distribution project run by the Toronto International Film Festival Group) and their international program. So if you are in Spain in July drop by. The cool thing is, I will be there, which means I will be in Spain. Ahhh, so making these films does have a benefit or two.

Yukon Film Festival

2006-06-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

Looks like I lied when I claimed that the North American festival run of These Girls was over. It will be playing at the Yukon International Film Festival in Whitehorse (June 21st -25th). The lovely and talented Holly Lewis will be attending and appearing on a panel about acting as well.

This is what it is all about

2006-05-21T19:21:00.001-04:00

Someone (accio angel) recently posted a comment drawing attention to a vigorous discussion going on about These Girls on the Bones website. As I read through the discussion, I realized that this is why I made the film in the first place. Even though the film is built primarily to entertain, it also deliberately brings up a number of issues and throws them out there for your consideration. I am so happy people are picking up on these subjects and discussing them - it is the greatest compliment. I hope to see more in the future, both out there and here.

Check it out at http://forums.prospero.com/foxbones/messages?msg=2599.1

Careful, because if you haven't seen the film this discussion does contain SPOILERS. Best to watch the film, then get in on the discussion.

DVD Warning !

2006-05-17T13:05:00.000-04:00

After a little investigation I can now report that the US version of These Girls does not contain the extras that the Canadian disk has on it. The Canadian version has a commentary track with Caroline Dhavernas, Amanda Walsh, Holly Lewis and myself wise cracking for your entertainment. It also has an on the set interview with the girls and a whole pile of deleted scenes. The US version has none of these goodies - so beware. The Canadian version also has the cover art with David shirtless - perhaps a further bonus for some - whereas the US version has him in a white T-shirt (must be cold down there in LA). I have no idea if Amazon.ca will ship to the US but I would advise getting the Canadian version if you want your money's worth.

*It looks like Amazon.ca will ship to the US - so just point and clic.*

May 16th, 2006

2006-05-16T14:54:00.000-04:00

It's May 16th. Happy birthday Mr. Boreanaz.

The DVD of These Girls is now available all over North America so now there is no excuse for not having seen it (except if you live in the rest of the world).

Ask for it at your local rental place or put it on your Netflix list (or Zip.ca list in Canada) - or you can buy it online at Barnes and Noble, Amazon or any other online retailer.

Maryland Film Festival

2006-04-20T15:09:00.000-04:00

These Girls' last stop on the North American film festival circuit will be Baltimore. It will be playing at The Maryland Film Festival (May 11-14). There is no confirmed exact time and date but there should be one soon - just check out the festival website if you are in the Baltimore area.

I've been to this festival before and it is a lot of fun so I will be there to introduce the film and drink any free beverages that might be on offer. The program this year looks to be pretty interesting and they run a series of films presented and introduced by prominent people - this year includes John Waters (one of Baltimore's more (in)famous exports), Matthew Modine and Branford Marsalis.

The last time I was there I received a wooden crab hammer in my gift bag and I have cherished it ever since. I can't wait to see what we get this year. There should be a blog just for festival swag - as I an writing this I am wearing a pair of shoes provided by a viral marketing company at The Toronto Film Festival. Although nothing beats a crab hammer - great when dealing with hard shelled sea food and also handy in a dark alley when your 'next project' starts falling apart. Bring it on Baltimore.

Or you can use your teeth.

A Peek Behind the Curtain - DVD

2006-04-18T20:21:00.000-04:00

You heard it here first - the DVD of These Girls will have a commentary track. Not just the pompous writer or the egomaniacal director blabbing on at length about his or her contribution to the cinematographic arts but the three wonderful leads of the film - the people you actually want to hear on a commentary track. A sparkling, uplifting addition to any viewing experience, Caroline, Holly and Amanda will lead you through the film telling witty stories and super secret insider tales. I am there as well – trying to get a word in edgewise – strictly as a referee to keep the three powerful starlets from wrastling in the sound booth.

We recorded the commentary in Toronto in March and this is an actual photo from the session – I kid you not. This is a photo of film stars without digital effects.

A curious aside – I had been up half the night before socializing and hadn’t had time to eat breakfast before our early morning session – my stomach was growling so loud the microphone was picking up the sound and I could hear it in my headphones. I hope the sound engineer cut most of that out but I think we actually talk about it at one point. (No, that is not a plane landing on the building).

Whose birthday is that?

2006-04-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

Whose birthday is May 16th?

A hint - they are a celebrity and I am writing about them on this blog.

That DVD feeling! May 16, 2006

2006-04-13T13:23:00.000-04:00

Not that it is big news anymore but These girls will be available on DVD May 16th both in Canada and the US. Pictured here is the box cover for the US version - which begs a question. Why is David wearing a shirt? He is shirtless on the theatrical poster but not on the DVD box? Matter of fact, I've never seen him wearing that particular shirt - is it even his shirt, is it even a shirt or some kind of diabolical digital creation? There are probably some very good marketing reasons for this - however these are questions best left to the distributors (practicing their dark arts).

This could be the biggest scandal since they airbrushed what's her name's what's its name.

I think there should be a special edition where the shirt is actually a sticker which you can peel off once you get the DVD home from the store (if you are into those things).

Gone Fishing?

2006-04-11T18:05:00.000-04:00

Wow, I've really been neglecting the blog. It may look like this is due to laziness, sloth, or apathy - not true. The fact is I have been busy finishing up a screenplay and have had neither time nor energy to contribute anything worth reading to the blog. However there is some light on the horizon. Hang tight and I will soon be posting about more festival action and a whole bunch about the upcoming DVD release.

Hey, the spellcheck on this blog doesn't recognize the word 'blog'. Is that ironic or what?

Philadelphia Film Festival Wrap-up

2006-04-04T14:03:00.000-04:00

These Girls went over big time in Philly - big audiences, big laughs. The highlight of the festival, for me, was meeting David Boreanaz' mother Patti and his father Dave Roberts (pictured). I didn't know this, but Dave is quite a famous broadcaster and has done a bit of acting as well - the acorn apparently doesn't fall far from the oak. From what I understand Dave has been a broadcaster for a long time but he almost looks younger than his son David - which I know is impossible. I can only conclude that if David stays out of that blazing California sun he will age exceptionally well. David's parents seem like very nice people so you can see where David got his good manners (his mother asked me if he had behaved himself on set and I assured her that he did).
As well, they really know how to take care of their guests at The Philadelphia Film Festival - hats off to Guest Services. The Consulate General of Canada in Philly even had a little get together in the name of all things Canadian at the festival. A fun time was had by all.

Methodfest

2006-03-31T12:36:00.000-05:00

These Girls plays this weekend (April 2nd) at Methodfest - a festival dedicated to the actor and named after the technique of "Method Acting", the basis for which was laid down by Konstantin Stanislavski* (pictured). Contemporary "Method" requires a performer to draw on his or her own self, on experiences, memories, and emotions that could inform a characterization and shape how a character might speak or move. I am super happy the cast of These Girls are getting the attention they deserve because, after all, without them where would I be (there is no need to actually answer this question). So if you are in the LA area - check it out. Unfortunately I will not be there as I will be at the screenings this weekend in Philly.

*A little known fact: In his time, Stanislavski's original ideas on "Method Acting" were considered progressive because they replaced earlier techniques involving pliers, metal clips and steel cages.

Reviews!

2006-03-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

Here are links to some of the reviews that have just come out on the eve of the Canadian release. And I know what you are thinking - all of these reviews are positive, how could that be? Well to tell the truth there have been a couple of not-so-nice reviews (some 'nay sayers', some 'kill joys', some 'party poopers' ) but it is not my job to promote my detractors. I am sure, somewhere out there, my evil twin has a site with links to them. In the meantime let's accentuate the positive.

The Toronto Star

The Calgary Sun

The Coast

CBC.ca

Vue Weekly

The Georgia Straight

How Do We Rate?

2006-03-22T10:02:00.000-05:00

In the United States : According to the MPAA These Girls contains the following - Teen sexuality, nudity, language, and drug content. I don't think this has any bearing on the U.S. DVD release.

In Alberta - once upon a time, a very Liberal province for film Classification - we get the 18A - you can't see this film without an adult if you're are under 17. I myself can't imagine too many 15, 16, or 17 year olds going out to the movies with parents or aunts or legal guardians. Here is what they had to say about the content - which, to me, sounds more like a list of selling points to the teen audience than a warning.

Content Elements:
Frequent use of the sexual expletive, some in a sexual context; frequent use of crude sexual language
Infrequent weapons and hand-to-hand violence-some blood
Portrayal of sexual activities between adults and minors-no nudity
Buttock nudity in a non-sexual context
Frequent portrayals of illegal drug use for recreational purposes involving minors

Thematic Elements:
The journey towards maturity
The exploration of adolescent sexuality
Using sexual power to manipulate others

Classification Rationale: Rated 18A for frequent coarse language, portrayals of substance abuse and sexual content involving minors, and mature thematic content.

In Ontario - which has had a very conservative classification policy in the past - we rate 14A. If you are under 14 you need to call your favorite uncle who likes to corrupt his nieces and nephews.

In British Columbia we rate 18A as well but they have by far the most detailed breakdown of "contentious material". Also they get the award for using the most outdated terminology. Who says 'fisticuffs' these days? - I guess it is 'British' Columbia. Read on...

The determinative classification rationale was sexually suggestive scenes involving minors. The following is a list of the most contentious material noted by classification staff:

Approximately four sexually suggestive scenes involving minors;
Nude breasts and buttocks in a sexual context.

In addition to the foregoing content, classifiers noted the following:

Approximately 91 instances of coarse language including blasphemy;
Three instances of drug use depicting characters smoking marijuana;
Fisticuffs including a character being hit in the head with a tire iron.

What I can't understand is how buttock nudity can be 'in a sexual context' for one person and in a 'non-sexual context' for another? Maybe I am showing my naive side.

Canadian Release - March 24th

2006-03-22T08:57:00.000-05:00

These Girls opens across the country on March 24th. It will be playing in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and Mount Pearl. I had never heard of Mount Pearl before this but an internet search assures me that it is just beside St. John's, Newfoundland. So we are indeed opening from coast to coast. Here is a convenient map so that you too can find your way to the theatre.

Here are links to a couple of articles about the film that came out in the last few days.

MSN Sympatico + The Edmonton Sun

Courting Controversy - Nuts to You

2006-03-20T18:27:00.000-05:00

I know I mentioned in an earlier post that a little controversy over These Girls would be a good thing - behold it has come to pass (in various forms). There have been some morally outraged reactions to the film here in Québec - a province where moral outrage is supposed to be dead and buried - a claim that, I assure you, has been exaggerated. However my favorite so far is a discussion currently unfolding on the IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base). Some sensitive type has taken offense to David Boreanaz's shaved pits (as seen in the trailer)? This of course is certainly a topic worth going to the mat for and has elicited quite a few comments. And although there was a particularly well argued reply from someone going by the name of canadian goddess19, I believe the final word belongs to scotthall82 who states "i shave my nuts...and girls love it...". You cannot make this stuff up, and really what can anyone say after that?

Philly Fest!

2006-03-20T16:27:00.000-05:00

These Girls will be playing at The Philadelphia Film Festival, which runs from March 30th to April 11. The film will screen on April 1st and 2nd. Fans of David Boreanaz may know that Philly is his hometown so maybe he will show up for the screening. I will be there for sure if that makes any difference. Looking forward to taking These Girls to 'The City of Brotherly Love'.

How Much Fun Was That?

2006-03-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

The Kingston Canadian Film Festival was so much fun I have yet to recover - or to post. A great time was had by all - starting with a contest in the local paper, The Kingston Whig Standard, whereby the prize was dinner with Holly Lewis and myself. We were a little surprised, upon arriving at the restaurant - Chez Piggy - that we would be dining with a Catholic Sister and priest. After the initial surprise we all had a very nice time. Although during dinner we never spoke of the explicit nature of These Girls it did occur to both Holly and myself that there may be trouble at the screening after. Turns out our new friends enjoyed the film along with hundreds of others at the gala screening that night.

Later we had a few drinks at the reception and met this friendly fellow to whom Holly took a shine.

This is me and Lorraine Hopkins from the Film Circuit vying for the big guy's attention. I have to admit that he did have a smooth soft face.

More on Kingston in the coming days.

"This is a funny, funny film."

2006-03-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

Last night was the Montréal premiere screening of These Girls - a mix of promo giveaway winners, friends and crew. It went really well; a good time was had by all and there were lots of big laughs, topped off by some very nice comments after the screening. It marks nicely that zone between my ownership of the film (artistically) and the next step in its life where it is taken by the distributor and sent out there to fend for itself in the big cold dangerous world of the multi-plex. On one hand I know there is nothing more I can do but I still have anxious feelings about it - I still feel responsible. So on the eve of our theatrical release here in Québec it is nice to be cheered on by the words of a reviewer who really got the film - check out Dave Jaffer's review in Montréal's Hour Weekly .

Soundtrack Fact - The Von Zippers

2006-02-28T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hard as we tried to keep the soundtrack as female as possible - after all These Girls is about three girls coming of age - there had to be a male counterpoint. There had to be a music that spoke of maleness - a musical representation of David Boreanaz's character - Keith Clark. A friend of mine had lent me a CD from the Calgary band The Von Zippers which I played every morning during production. I used it as my rock and roll reveille - having just purchased a new powerful computer speaker system I could crank it up to the point where it would literally shake the ants out of the rotting foundation of the tiny cabin I was staying in. Now The Von Zippers are the rock solid backbone of the These Girls soundtrack - intensely played and meticulously recorded, they really give tired old rock and roll a kick in the ass. I've seen this film more than a few times but every time I hear the opening cords of Friday is the Spice of Life I want to jump out of my seat. Other tracks included in the film are Cracked Judy, Common Sense Party Theme, and Perfect - all off The Crime is Now! album. The Zippers are a bit shy so it is hard to find their stuff but hopefully I will be able to direct everyone to a sampling of their music soon.

Behind the Scenes - Donnell MacKenzie

2006-02-27T20:59:00.000-05:00

Because of production delays we were shooting mostly in September but into October - and September in New Brunswick, although nice, can be pretty chilly. When we were shooting the scene where Gruber, played by Donnell MacKenzie, is in the water by the dock the water was mighty cold. We had a lifeguard on set who - based on the temperature of the water - suggested it was prudent to not keep the young actor in the water for more than five minutes at a time. Luckily there was an outdoor hottub very close by and inbetween takes we hauled the blue lipped shivering Donnell out and threw him in the hot water until he was once again pink as a lobster and ready for another take. In this photo it looks like he is being taken to set against his will.
Photo courtesy of Colin Berry

Sex - Since We Were on the Topic

2006-02-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

In a continuing effort to get the word 'sex' into as many posting titles as possible I would like to continue to discuss the issue. In yesterday's post I alluded to the fact that some people expressed reservations about the These Girls script due to the subject matter. One issue in particular was the concept of young girls having sex (and even more to the point - their first sexual experience) with an older man. Although I never took any kind of official straw poll on the subject I am not surprised by how many women I have spoken to that admitted to having been with an older man early on in their sexual lives. As surely as the comedic setup of These Girls is an artistic exaggeration it is, without a doubt, founded on a kernel of real life truth.

Sex Sells! or Sex Sells?

2006-02-25T17:41:00.000-05:00

One question about These Girls that has come up at several festival Q&A sessions is one about how hard (or how easy) it was to put the financing together. The answer isn't as obvious as it should be. I originally thought that it would be easy to raise the money for a teenage sex comedy - after all, are they not a popular type of film these days? I was shocked (at first, then just mystified) to find that many people had strong reservations about financing the film - some people just found the subject matter too risqué. I eventually convinced enough people who hold the purse strings that the resulting sex scenes would be funny and not at all offensive. And so far I have not heard a single comment or complaint about the subject matter. The one scene in the screenplay that was hardest to sell is now the scene in the film that consistently gets the loudest - even raucous at times - laughter. Part of me takes satisfaction in knowing I was right about how the scene would make the transition to the screen, although deep down inside I still secretly hope that at least someone will take offense. And of course, whether or not a sexy premise sells movie tickets is another story.

A Call For Photos

2006-02-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

I was wondering if anyone out there was at the Toronto Film Festival screening of These Girls. There were a lot of photos taken that night but I have never seen any of them and I don't have any of my own. If you have any send them in and I'll post them.

The Jump - Back to Basics

2006-02-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

People stop me in the street and ask, "What's happened to you , man. You used to be funny." This has given me pause for thought (first off, because I don't know these people) and as I look back on all the reasons I started this blog (self-promotion, self-aggrandizement, self-service) I realize that I have indeed strayed from the path of funny. And I'll tell you the reason why (not an excuse mind you, but a reason). The reason is that when your film is being sent out there to the screens of the nation (as many as 30 in total) a filmmaker starts to get to feeling the twin rushes of excitement and dread. The excitement part is the thrill of having your creation seen by thousands of people but the backdraft of dread is that your creation is going to be seen by thousands of people, some of whom are not as polite or kind or supportive as your mother or your girlfriend. So it feels like the rush before the bungy jump - but in this case I have no idea if the rope is actually secured to anything. So maybe I've lost a little prespective but who can blame me. However, I'm putting this pressure behind me. I am going to enjoy the ride whether I am snapped away, at the last seconds, from almost certain death by the elastic cord of mass approval or mashed, face first into the ground at one hundred miles an hour. Bring on the funny.

That Was Fun

2006-02-21T13:56:00.000-05:00

Congratulation to all the winners of the first thesegirlsblog contest. Strangely enough we had a proxy intervention from Belgium (on behalf of a Montréal friend) and somone from Ottawa taking away the goodies this round. It hasn't been announced yet but there will be a print sponsor for the English premiere in Montréal so you can try to get a free ticket that way or you will soon be able to pay to see it here in Québec.

Contest - Montréal Premiere

2006-02-20T13:45:00.000-05:00

*contest closed* As promised I am running my own little unofficial contest here at thesegirlsblog. Up for grabs are two invites (for two) to the Montréal premiere of These Girls on March 2nd. All you have to do is be the first or second to email me (XXXXXXXXX) with your name and address (you can make up a name as long as I have an address to mail the invitation to). So if you live in Montreal throw your hat in the ring - don't worry, no one will come to your house and no salesman will bother you. There are actually a lot more invites to be had by going to the official website and getting in on the givaway action for all the premiere screenings across Canada. *contest closed*

A Note From Our sponsor

2006-02-19T23:10:00.000-05:00

In a effort to keep this blog looking clean and commercial free you will notice that there are no adds, pop-up windows or links to sponsor sites. We would like to appear to be high minded in this matter but the fact is we are selling one thing and one thing only - ourselves. We hope our policy of commercial clarity aids in your enjoyment of this blog. We also hope you enjoy this pleasing picture of a polar bear while you are waiting for a more interesting post.

Multi-talented - Caroline Dhavernas

2006-02-18T19:32:00.000-05:00

The French version of the official website is up and so is the French trailer. For those who don't know, Caroline Dhavernas is from Québec and her first language is French - although you wouldn't know it by listening to her speak English. So when they make the French version she does her own dubbing (that process whereby they replace the dialogue in one language with another). As an interesting aside, if you observe Caroline interacting in English and then in French she actually seems to have two distinguishable manners, one for each language. There are several well founded scientific theories that explain this phenomena but it is plainly verifiable that she is equally talented in both languages.

Photo Opportunity

2006-02-17T19:46:00.000-05:00

In an effort to be responsive to our audience's desires (both conscious and subconscious) we frequently conduct extensive surveys to determine the best content to be posted on this blog. Not so surprisingly the numbers are telling us that we should post more photos of David Boreanaz and less of me and Mark McGuire. So here is a photo of David with Colin Berry, who plays Donny Chesniak, taken at the These Girls party at the Toronto Film Festival - talk about mugging for the camera. I'd like to know who was taking the picture. (photo courtesy of Colin Berry)

Red Carpet Watch! - Montreal

2006-02-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

As we approach the March 3rd Québec launch of These Girls there is much excitement in the air. We are planning to have both French and and English Premiere screenings here in Montreal - we hope to see all the available Montréal cast and crew out there for this event. On my own initiative, I am going to be running a small and totally unauthorized contest whereby I will be giving away a couple (2) tickets to this event on this very blog - stay tuned for details next week. Come and rub shoulders with film elites and adoring fans alike.

Soundtrack Fact - Bettie Serveert

2006-02-15T18:48:00.000-05:00

I've got this friend Pete (this is not a photo of Pete) and he is a music fanatic (a very mellow guy but a maniac when it comes to music). Everytime you go over to his place, Pete has to introduce you to something new he's dug up - it could be anything from driver training records to classic rock played by a sitar orchestra - really it could be anything. However no matter what the musical treat for the night is he always manages to play a few tracks from Bettie Serveert at some point. So when I was looking for tracks for the film their name came up. Pete insisted I try to find a place for their music in the soundtrack and once we got into the editing suite with a few of their CDs it was obvious. We even had a chance to see them live in Montreal at that same time and chat up the band - Pete couldn't make it as he had just had a fairly serious industrial accident (don't worry he's better now). Bettie Serveert are simply an amazing band live - highly recommended. Two tracks made it into the film, Smack and Have a Heart, both from the Log 22 album. Find out more about Bettie Serveert (and even maybe where that curious name comes from) at Bettie Serveert.

Valentines Day Reflections

2006-02-14T17:34:00.000-05:00

Now that this blog has been around for a while, people are asking me, "Can you keep it up?" People are stopping me in the street and exclaiming, "Where do you get the stamina?". I shrug off these comments as the utterances of people who don't really know me. I will be entering something everyday, at least until the Canadian release, even if it means posting relatively slight material only vaguely linked to These Girls. But just so I don't disappoint I am also including an image of the French poster for These Girls, which has more to do with contemporary Valentines Day - French being the langue d'amour - than the icon of the third century Roman Christian martyr (a guy who looks like he could use a few cinnamon hearts).

Announcement - The World! (so far)

2006-02-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

So far These Girls has been sold to Quality Films in Mexico, Alphaville Films in Brazil and to Palace Film in Australia. Where next? If you have any suggestions as to where These Girls might be appreciated in the world let me know. If you come from somewhere in the world These Girls is not yet available let me know and I will see what can be done about that. I know that there are David Boreanaz fans out there across the world, so speak up and be heard. As territories are sold I will post a photo depicting a well worn cultural cliché about those countries as well.

Soundtrack Facts - The Sunday Sinners

2006-02-12T13:55:00.000-05:00

The overwhelmingly positive response the These Girls soundtrack is getting means a lot, because the editor, Ben Duffield, and I went to a lot of trouble to come up with just the right mix of energy and attitude to keep up with the film's three heroines. I wanted a soundtrack featuring predominantly female artists that rocked and even on a relatively low-budget I didn't want to compromise quality. We listened to a lot of stuff and went to a lot of shows over a period of many months.

One of the great finds during this search was The Sunday Sinners, who I just happened to see at a show here in Montreal where they were opening for Holly Golightly. After my ears stopped ringing and I came to my senses I knew we had to include them. I gave Ben the Demo ep I bought at the show and we ended up using two tracks in the film, A Sinner's Prayer and You Child. There has been a lot of talk about some bands coming out of the Montreal music scene which is all fine and well if you are in the mood for a nap but The Sunday Sinners are made of tougher stuff. So go to their shows if you can and buy their music - these people are not to be trifled with.

Announcement - Kingston Film Festival

2006-02-11T15:24:00.000-05:00

These Girls will be the Gala opening film at The Kingston Canadian Film Festival. It will screen on Thursday March 9th. I am very much looking forward to attending the screening, Kingston just being a train ride away from Montreal (Rumour has it that Holly Lewis will also be at the screening). If you are Canadian you know that there are two main reasons you would travel to Kingston, one is Queen's University, which has quite a good reputation and the other is The Kingston Federal Penitentiary, which has a different kind of reputation. I am glad to be going as a guest of the festival and not of the federal government - as much as I do like hobbycraft.

Announcement - Watch Out America!

2006-02-10T14:07:00.000-05:00

These Girls has been sold to Ardustry Home Entertainment for the U.S. territory. Here is a quote from my own personal press release "The United States of America is a constitutional federal republic, situated primarily in North America with a population approaching 300 million. It comprises 50 states and one federal district, and has several territories with differing degrees of affiliation. It is also referred to, with varying formality, as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., the U.S. of A., America[1], the States, or (poetically) Columbia." As you can see it's a pretty important place and we are thrilled that the American people will now have unrestricted* access to These Girls.

*Some restrictions may apply, i.e. sometimes money may have to be exchanged for access.

Career Update - Amanda Walsh

2006-02-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

The lovely and talented Amanda Walsh is about to be exposed big time to the American public. Her new show Sons and Daughters is hitting the airwaves as a ABC midseason replacement Tuesday March 7th. Created by Lorne Michaels it looks to be pretty funny. I don't know if we will be seeing it up here in Canada but we can hope it gets picked up.

The photo was taken at The Toronto International Film Festival where These Girls had its world premiere. As you can see it's tough slaving under the yoke of glamour but Amanda does a great job of it - it's too bad Holly Lewis was leaning over trying to get some gum off her shoe when this one was taken - she could have been a contender.

Photo courtesy of The Gate.

Soundtrack Fact - Someone is Listening

2006-02-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

After the San Francisco screening of These Girls the following was posted to sfist by a satisfied audience member.

"We want to note straight out of the box that we loved -- LOVED -- the soundtrack. " - posted by Jeremy on sfist.

It's always nice to know that we here at the Motion Picture Soundtrack Division of Red Devil Films are doing our job properly.

(Legal note: not Jeremy's, or any other audience member's whether actual or implied now or in the future, actual ear)

Announcement - Canadian Release!

2006-02-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

Why all the dancing? Well, it's official, These Girls will be hitting the cinemas in English Canada March 10th and in Québec March 3rd. There will be more exact information on the website closer to the date. If you want to see it in your community, you can wait patiently (risking disappointment) or take positive action - I suggest a strongly worded letter to the mayor or city council.

What's in a Name? - Indiefest

2006-02-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

Film festivals are all different - each has it's own particular feel, whether it is the programming that is different or the size or how much money they have or don't have, or if they are about business or about art. I have been seeing a lot of the films here at San Francisco Indiefest and I have to say that it is totally true to its name. Even though These Girls is a small independent film we did have some money, whereas in the case of a lot of the films here, the filmmakers didn't have two sticks to rub together - but they still made these interesting films that despite the low budget still hit all the same emotional, dramatic, or comic notes as any other film. This is the festival that plays those films and I am thrilled to be included in their company. Huzzah Indiefest! (the photo is an artistic one, taken at the festivals Big Lebowski party - this was the bowling part)

Anatomy of a Festival - Indiefest

2006-02-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

These Girls had it US premiere last night at San Francisco Indiefest in the historic Castro theatre. Before the show an amazing old Wurlitzer organ rises out of the stage and campy showbiz tunes fill the air - it is like getting the fans going before a hockey game. The screening was great and we shared a lot of laughs - those wacky girls! After the question and answer a man came up to me and asked me if my real name was William Hazlett? I immediatly thought "Shit it's La Migra!" Turns out I had dropped my wallet somewhere and it was turned in. Thanks Indiefest patrons for being so upright. I blame new and unfamiliar pants.

Just when fortune seems to be shining on me I get to the opening party to discover that it started when my film was screening and the Indiefest patrons, whom I was just getting to like, had finished off all the free sponsor booze. It was as if alcoholic locusts had descended on the joint and licked it clean. There was a cash bar that had a few beers left but that was cold comfort indeed.

I Finally had enough beer to shake off the cash bar blues and had a nice chat with these ladies from Skratch Magazine. Although it does look like I'm just being creepy and listening in - really they did talk to me, really.

Then I had enough beer to start thinking that I could be funny when 'posing' for this photo with Indiefest programmer Bruce Fletcher.

Tempted by the devil herself - boy did I tell her off.

A These Girls Announcement - Poster

2006-02-02T12:51:00.000-05:00

The These Girls official poster is now online! The production company website also has some pictures and other info. The link is in the sidebar as well.

Soundtrack Facts - Ephemera

2006-01-31T12:02:00.000-05:00

Yet another coup in the battle to acquire strong songs for the soundtrack was the discovery of Ephemera. I stumbled across this Norwegian group by typing "Girl bands" into Google and searching through thousands of hits. They had some MP3s on their site and I was immediately taken by their sweet girl pop sound (all mixed down with a Stereolab kind of feel). I was surprised to discover that they are almost unknown here in North America.

They contributed the song, Girls Keep Secrets in the Strangest Ways, which - you wouldn't know from their photos - underscores (and beautifully) one of the only 'sad' moment in the film. I think it is time to scoop up on what's going on in Norway. Check them out at Ephemera.

Those Girls

2006-01-31T11:28:00.000-05:00

I just realized that for a blog devoted to a film called These Girls there are precious few photos of girls on it (none in fact so far). Here is a photo from The Toronto International Film Festival of the principle cast and me. These kinds of promo photos are kind of strange because I would get a call from the film's publicist to show up at such and such a place and suddenly I'm being ushered into a room with the cast for a photo session. Then I realized that Caroline, Holly and Amanda have been in makeup for hours and have dressed up expressly for this - however I have just rolled out of bed and my eyes aren't even open yet. I sometimes would get a blast of coffee moments beforehand or David would let me have something off of his breakfast plate, which seemed to follow him magically everywhere. Stranger still, I don't even know who owns this photo and I will probably get my ass sued for using it.

Behind the Scenes - Cast

2006-01-30T10:52:00.000-05:00

In order to give you a little taste of the behind the scenes action I thought I would reveal some moments that we, the filmmakers, shared but are not usually available to you, the audience. The reason you don't often see this kind of material revealed is because actors are shy people and often very aware of their image - and in this day and age who can blame them. So, here is a photo of Paul Spence (Fubar, Pete Tong) before going into makeup and late for work again. (I didn't ask him where he got the truck) All I can say is, "Dude, put a shirt on".

Actually, once Paul got over his - night out with the locals - he eased into his role as Lenny, the semi-dangerous biker, with grace and, dare I say, vigour.

Titles Teaser

2006-01-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of frames from the opening titles sequence - every set of titles is animated and it all blasts by to the tune of Combat Baby by Metric (that's the band not the curiously rational and efficient European standard of measurement adopted by the Canadian government in the late 1970s) You can check out the song (and others) on Metric's website at http://www.ilovemetric.com/music.html

The titles sequence is a true work of art designed by a couple of fine young Montrealers who go by the name Le Club Social. It goes by pretty fast when you see the film in the theatre - although it looks awesome when it is big. I am sure that when it comes out on DVD, people will want to own it just so they can watch the titles sequence over and over and over - I know I will. If you click on them they should get bigger and easier to see.

A These Girls Announcement

2006-01-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

These Girls will have it US premiere at San Francisco Indiefest! The film will screen February 2nd and 5th. I will be attending the festival and will be posting a festival diary. Check out the festival website.

http://www.sfindie.com/indiefest06/

A These Girls Fact!

2006-01-27T13:21:00.000-05:00

Here is the first in a hopefully informative and stimulating series we are calling These Girls Facts!

These Girls was shot in Shediac, New Brunswick, a small fishing and tourist village on Canada's Atlantic coast. Shediac boasts to be the Lobster Capital of the World and a testament to the seriousness with which they take their boasts is the worlds largest lobster, which guards the entrance to the village.
In this photo Producer, Andrew Noble (on right) and Production Manager, Donald Tétreault discuss trying to get lobster into movie. Either the lobster was too big or the camera was too close, one way or another there is no lobster in These Girls.

Proof Positive

2006-01-26T11:11:00.000-05:00

Just to start off, here is proof positive that I directed These Girls. That's me in the baseball cap 'directing' David Boreanaz. If I recall correctly, the conversation was something like this.

David: Is this the part where I turn into a monster and kick everyone's ass?

John: I think we'll save that energy for the next scene.

This is, of course, completely untrue. Transmutation was never discussed although David insisted I looked quite a bit like Mark McGuire or an extra from a civil war drama (on alternating days). I have had actors turn into monsters on set before without being requested to do so - its not pretty - but David was a pleasure to work with.

And just to show you that I look nothing like Mark McGuire here are photos of 1) a Mark McGuire impersonator, 2) Mark McGuire and 3) Myself.

These Girls - The Blog

2006-01-26T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here is my first attempt at building a personal blog for my film These Girls. Hopefully as it evolves I can get some of the other people involved to put in their two cents, every once and a while. I will attempt to post updates regularly and point out all those other sources of These Girls information that are out there, e.g. the official website which should be up soon. I will try my best to actually give information that you can't get anywhere else and drop some trade secrets. So let's begin...