For What It's Worth

Interviews of my friend, Harikumar Pillai

2011-11-21T17:24:00.000-06:00

http://ackernon.com/2011/07/interview-with-harikumar-pillai-pt-1

http://ackernon.com/2011/07/interview-with-harikumar-pillai-pt-2/

I met Harikumar at Sundance 2010 when we spoke after the 2nd showing of Peepli Live for which he was Production Manager. We also spoke at length during the Sundance awards. He was very intent and fascinated by the concept behind Oklahoma Movie Makers group here in Tulsa.

Book Review: The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Book Review: otherwise known as "How to tell your friends about a great book, without giving away the ending".
I'm sitting at home, on Facebook, minding my own business, when my eye is drawn to one of those interminable (and usually inane) adverts on the right side of the screen. You know the ones, right? Well, this one says something to the effect of “Want to appear in my next book?” How could I resist? People keep telling me I'm a character. So...

I slowly slid the cursor over to the ad (I've never done this before!) and gently clicked as if it would explode my laptop. I was taken to a page on www.marcussakey.com that told me how I might possibly be in the author's next book, maybe even the protagonist – personally, I think I would make a better antagonist – who could resist becoming a “corpse or a complete bad-ass”. Just read the book, write a review and post it everywhere you can think to post it. Hmmm, I think I can handle that much.

Off I go, my girls in tow, to the local B&N to get said book. Now you might be saying, “Wait, you could have gotten it used on Amazon!” or “Wait a couple of weeks and pick up one at the used bookstore!” Well, my answer is, I am too intrigued, by the title alone, to wait. We do belong to nation of people who stand in front of the microwave and yell “HURRY UP!” Instant gratification, that is the thing by which we will catch...oops, off-track for a second there on a Shakespeare tangent. Hate it when that happens. Don't you?

We got back in the car and (I want an autograph, Mr. Sakey. We had to drive 14 miles round-trip with no a/c in 104 temp.) I told my oldest to open to page one and read the first sentence. I am a strong believer in the “grab them at the first sentence” school of writing.

Excerpt: “He was naked and cold, stiff with it, his veins ice and frost.”

Okay...he got my attention. I was not disappointed with the start and couldn't wait to get home (aside from escaping the sun) to dig into the book.

I am the type of reader that likes to savor every word, lingering over it like a ripe wine. Mr. Sakey makes this very difficult to do. This story grabs hold of you by the nearest appendage (careful there) and takes you on a wild ride through one week in the life of Daniel Hayes, beginning with him waking up, freezing cold, bucknaked, and on the wrong coast. More than this, I will not reveal.

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes has so many plot twists, it will keep you dizzy. Then, just like a lover, when you think you have finally figured it all out and can get comfy... BAM... off you go again, 'round another corner, into the dark.

Okay, I said I wouldn't say anymore but...one thing to watch for, dear reader, is the jaw-dropping bit at the end of Act Two, Part 1 (Don't you DARE cheat and flip to that page!) and of course, the ending, which Mr. Sakey pulls off very nicely. He, like a magician, has you looking in one direction and then shakes it up and you are left saying
“Uh...what just happened?”.

I once advised, as an aspiring screen writer that one needs to have a certain number of Oh!, A-ha, Oh No and the big one, lots of DAMN, moments built in, to make the ebb and flow of your film keep the viewer glued to the edge of the seat. The Death of Daniel Hayes has at least one of these on almost every page. I kid you not.

I was glued to the pages of this book despite having other things I had to get done. They would just have to wait....kids hungry - a wave of the hand and “You can cook”; laundry – “What laundry? It's summer. What do you need clothes for?”. Lucky for my husband that he was in Canada all this time or he would have had to pick up the slack. ::Insert evil laugh here::

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is much more than a “page turner” or any other cliched review pap.

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey is unbelievably believable. A joy ride of intrigue, blackmail, undying love and revenge. Get it. Read it. You won't regret it. But you might regret it if you don't. ::Insert another evil laugh here::

Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to teach the youngest how to do the laundry so I can read it again. Peace.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Requiem for an Era

2011-07-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

I sit here remembering watching the first lunar landing. Since then, the launching of deep space satellites and telescopes has been about all the good NASA has done. No disrespect to our brave astronauts intended. They have done good works.
However, we, as a nation and President Obama (ever notice how it was President Bush and now it's Obama?) have had to make hard choices in recent years (that others turned a blind eye to) due to the deficit raising it's ugly head and even larger this time. In prior administrations they acted like they were handed a blank check and told "Go have fun."

Seriously, don't we have enough things wrong with America that should be fixed? Before we take over and populate some other planet, where only the elite receive a decent education(hmmm sound familiar)? Where ground level and in the sun is the worst place for a human being to be and the rich build towers in praise of themselves and put up a boundary between we "less fortunate" people and themselves, while we fry and gasp in the yellow air?

NASA, the dream, will never die from the hearts of Americans and will rise again as the phoenix from the ashes. For now, let's focus on Earth.

Another Poem

2010-12-31T10:21:00.002-06:00

Angel at First Light

City of lonely hearts,
in the dark.
I fall to pieces.
First impression,
judgement.

Disharmony is dead,
dear boy.
The trial is...
redemption.
Redefinition.

Are you now or ever been
untouched?
Longing through the
looking glass?
Epiphany.

Five by five or
last date?
Parting gifts?
No, ring of love!
Sanctuary.

I've got you
under my skin.
I will remember you,
my beloved hero.
Eternally.

By Susan L. Sybenga
December 30, 2010

Plagarism

2010-06-09T08:09:00.002-05:00

It was brought to my attention that I had been plagarized recently. I ran the gamut from flattered to angry throughout the day yesterday. The Ahmedabad Mirror, a subsidiary of Times of India, printed (online) an article I wrote and posted here on April 15, 2008 about making films without a budget. I had written this piece, at the request of a friend, for the Ahmedabad Film Festival. Apparently, someone directly involved with the festival, one Shiladitya Bora, took the piece and submitted it under his name.

I have received an apology from the newspaper, printed today. Now I would like to get an apology from Mr. Bora and perhaps some compensation for the fee he received for the piece. We shall see what is forthcoming.

Review of film, Peepli Live

2010-02-01T09:39:00.001-06:00

Peepli Live
Sundance Film Festival
Yarrow Hotel Theatre
Park City, Utah
January 29, 2010

Plot Summary On the eve of national elections in the Indian village of Peepli (a fictional village), two poor farmers, Natha (Onkar Das) and Budhia (Raghuvir Yadav), face losing their land over an unpaid government loan. Desperate, they seek help from an apathetic local politician, who suggests they commit suicide to benefit from a government program that aids the families of indebted deceased farmers. When a journalist, Rakesh (Nowaz) overhears Budhia urge Natha to "do what needs to be done" for the sake of their families, a media frenzy ignites around whether or not Natha will commit suicide. The media attention then ignites a frenzy of political attention.

Written and directed by first timer, Anusha Rizvi and produced by AK Productions.

The film is poignant when you consider the plight of the real farmers that are committing suicide because they are losing land that has been in their families for countless generations as well as the sole means of supporting their families. When you see what Rakesh sees in the village of Peepli. When you realize, as he does, that Natha and Budhia are not the only farmers suffering this problem in Peepli, you cannot help but feel a sense of helplessness to know how to effect a change for them. How many of us even think about the person who plants, nurtures and harvest the food we consume with such abandon on a daily basis?

However, Anusha has done a brilliant job of making us laugh through our helplessness. The idiocy of the responses given to Natha as a possible solution, thrown out in an offhand way, almost in jest. The process of the brothers to decide which of them should do the deed. The frantic, obnoxious and wholly obtrusive ways of the media in taking what is a small tragedy and turning it into a national circus. The desperate attempts by politicians, all the way to the top of the political food chain, to somehow either control or benefit from the outcome. These are made comical with the magical musings of Anusha's script and direction. And yet underlying the comedy is still that sense of “Should I really be laughing at this? This is tragic.” And still we laugh.

I had a chance to speak to Anusha Rizvi and the Casting Director, Mahmood Farooqui after the viewing. We were the last people waiting for a ride at the front of the theatre. Anusha is bright and engaging. I enjoyed talking about her film. Sadly, due to the lateness of the hour, I did not think to ask her what is next for her. I will look forward eagerly to her next film. Kudos to Aamir Khan for finding this talent and bringing her to our attention. And kudos to Anusha and Mahmood for bringing to our attention the talents of so many unknown talented actors. Onkar Das and many of the other cast members are highly trained and skilled theatre actors, according to Anusha. They perform classics of Indian literature, as well as Shakespeare. I would very much like to see their performance someday. And I must say their skills translated very well to the big screen.

Lunch with Aamir Khan at Sundance

2010-02-01T09:36:00.000-06:00

My Date With Aamir Khan
(ahem...our date, na?)

Okay, if you want to be picky about it...

Our Date With Aamir Khan
(but it doesn't have the same ring to it)

Take a small group of, say 4 or 5, completely diverse people from across America. People who would never otherwise form a group or mingle socially. Throw them together with one dynamic personality admired by all of them and what do you get? A new family. Bound together by a unique event that may never again come to pass for them. But this same event will bind this small group in a way that even family cannot break, bend, nor join. A unique fraternity. This is their small but unforgettable tale.

Dateline: Park City, Utah; Hotel Park City, Sundance Film Festival
January 30, 2010

I am the first to arrive, as usual 20 minutes early. I am greeted by the friendly hotel staff and told to make myself at home. I proceeded to the nicely appointed lobby with it's roaring fireplace, plush seating and grand piano. A stupendous view of the ski slopes shows through floor-to-ceiling windows at the far end of the room.

It is not long before Katherine arrives. She is carrying a vase of roses. As she takes a seat near me, she informs me that today is Tiffany's 25th birthday. “What a great gift she is getting for her day!” I think to myself. I haven't even met Tiffany yet this bonds us together. My birthday having only been 19 days ago, I consider this day a belated birthday gift as well. As I found out later, this was an early birthday gift for Praveer, who's birthday is in three weeks.

Katherine and I, having only spoken over the phone to coordinate this meeting, make small talk by way of introduction until Tiffany and her guest, Megan, arrive and join us. We spend about ten minutes chatting. Then things start to happen.

Binky, Aamir's manager, approaches. She introduces herself to each of us and asks if we are all here. “No, Praveer should be here soon.” No sooner does someone call his cell, then in the door he comes. He is carrying a plastic bag with a birthday cake for Tiffany. Praveer hardly has time to draw breath, when there is a sudden flurry of activity. Three bodyguards appear on the heels of a dynamo.

I look up and there he is, Aamir Khan, looking smart in white pant and apricot sweater. He shakes our hands one by one and suddenly all the nervousness I've been carrying since this meeting was arranged, all the sleepless nights worrying about how to act or what to say, are gone. There is something so normal, so average, so “regular guy” about Aamir that one is instantly put at ease. It is clear from the moment he appears that he is master of his universe and all is well in it.

A word of advice. If you don't have quick reflexes, be prepared to get left behind. No sooner are the introductions completed, then we are wisked off to a small sandwich shop in the hotel and seated around a prearranged table with exactly the number of chairs needed. I have to admire the efficiency of his staff. Another thing I notice is that as soon as we are seated, the bodyguards fade into the background. If you look for them, there they are. But never obvious or intrusive and always with a gentle smile and a nod, if you catch their eye.

Aamir sits at one end of the table, back to a wall. The rest arrange ourselves and settle in. There is a bubble that seems to descend over our table. The world no longer exists. We are here, Aamir is with us and the rest is forgotten.

Katherine presents him with a t-shirt from Georgia Tech. Tiffany gives him a cowboy hat from Texas and I give him an “Oklahoma Dirt Shirt”, dyed with the rusty dirt of my home state. I also give him a package of messages from friends I've made in his chat room and blog, and other things. He takes the time to look at each one and listen to the explanation of what it is, then sets it aside with a promise to look more closely later.

Now everyone has experienced the awkward silence at the beginning of any such gathering. That moment when no one knows how to start the ball rolling. I can tell you, this did not happen. Aamir was always aware of each of us. Always prepared with a question, fixing us with his bright, intense and intelligent gaze, he asked his question. Addressing you by name he asks “What do you do” and without wavering, actively listens while you answer. You can see that he is not forming his next question, thinking about what is on the menu, or worried about the time. He is there, for you, until you are satisfied to release that gaze, happy in the knowledge that he actually heard what you said.

His face is animated. You can see the impact of your words on him. He hides nothing. To make him genuinely laugh or gasp with surprise is a treat. A small gift between friends. And friend is what he is. Even if you never see him again, you know, for this moment in time, he is your friend.
He has put his cell on silent mode, as have we all. But occasionally he will answer it. Conducting this bit of business or that, arranging something for later with his wife, answering some necessary question. He does not linger on the phone. His time is ours and he will not waste it.
We are so engaged in conversation that the menus sit idle on the table in front of us, forgotten. The first round of beverages half gone before we remember we were supposed to be eating. I know, you want to know what he had – to be honest all I remember was the Diet Coke he drank. Don't ask me what he ate, I was so enchanted by the conversation I don't even remember what I ate.

We discuss books. I must remember to check out Harry Crews. Aamir tells us how he sought out the author in Florida many years ago when he was in the states and about his unique stories. Other authors are discussed as well. Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, etc.

Then a tension filled moment when Aamir asked the group as a whole “What do you think of Obama?” Knowing full well that we were not going to agree, we exchanged glances nervously. Everybody knows that the two subjects forbidden in the polite company of strangers are religion and politics. But we couldn't exactly refuse the topic. So what followed was a gentle disagreement of opinions. I, for one, was glad when the topic was dropped and we moved on to another. Don't ask me what opinions were voiced by whom. I don't feel it is my place to tell you these things nor to editorialize on said opinions. Let's just say we all know where we stand and let it go at that. Hmmm?

We discussed the state of health care in America, Praveer and I taking two sides in a heated discussion about medical treatments and the lack of understanding of homeopathy and a strong disagreement on whether said natural remedies actually work. Praveer is a doctor, you see, and I was raised to believe in natural healing and have seen it work in cases that were given up by the medicos. I believe Praveer and I are still friends. Haha. I would tentatively assert here that Aamir was on my side of that discussion and agreed that homeopathic treatments do have their place in the treatment of ailments.

Education was covered as well. With Tiffany telling us about her studies that have lead her to China and her desire to return there soon. Aamir was very interested in the Chinese and asked many questions.

Somewhere in the middle of this, the waitress brough Tiffany's cake, candles alight and set it in front of her. She made her wish, blew out the candle and Aamir, solo, sang Happy Birthday to her. It was a touching moment and I wish I had it on video.

Well, we eventually decided we better make a move. The little shop had been closed for some time now. Aamir called for the bill and without a word paid for the entire meal.

We then went outside where a photo op was arranged. Now I will say, for all the teasing of my friends about my height, that Aamir never even batted an eyelash. He put his arm around me like we had know each other for years and stood there for several shots taken on my camera by one of his bodyguards.

We then returned to the lobby, where Aamir commandeered the chess set, took it to the window seat where Praveer and he sat down to an eagerly awaited (well, on Aamir's part anyway) game. Praveer was already convinced he would lose in ten minutes, but held his own quite well for more than an hour.

Before the match began though, everyone brought out dvd covers etc. and Aamir autographed each and every one.

Tiffany and Megan took their leave to return to Provo and Katherine and I settled in to watch the match. Occasionally, we would make some remark to Aamir and he would break his concentration to answer. For the most part we just chatted amiably and using three cameras filmed the game. My camera ran out of memory so I did not get the “fatal move” by Praveer, nor the final outcome of the match. Aamir won. Any doubt? But I am hoping Praveer will remember to send me his file so I can put that together and post it online (editing out the unexciting bits of course.)

This lunch meeting was scheduled to happen from 2PM to 5PM. It was 6PM before he left us. Hugging each of us in turn, he rushed off in a flurry of activity, literally running for the elevator to not be late for the Awards Ceremony. But he still took the time to promise to try to get us all tickets to get into the awards.

And he came through! No sooner did I return to my hotel when I received a call saying come to the Racquet Club Theatre. Vijay, the bodyguard, was waiting outside for me with my ticket! I was impressed. It would have been so easy to say he would try to get us in and then go off and do his thing. But no! Aamir is true to his word. Even in the rush to get ready, which by the way gave him no chance to change his clothes, he did what he said he would do.

Aamir Khan is an intelligent, gentle, kind, thoughtful and incredibly dynamic soul. He is everything he appears to be and more. I was left, at the end of this incredible day, with only one impression. So overwhelmed by the whirl of events. So stunned by his perfect humanity and attentiveness. I could only say “He is just...awesome. Awesome.” As the days pass from here, I'm sure, in moments when I am not thinking of anything, a scene from this day will play through my head and details I forgot to write here will come back to me. These thoughts, I know, will bring with them that same warm feeling and sweet smile that they gave me that day.

Thank you Aamir, for one of the best days of my life. You are just....Awesome.

Tulsa to Albuquerque

2009-05-23T19:18:00.002-05:00

More tomorrow.

BBIF 2009 Pictures

2009-04-19T08:17:00.002-05:00

Picture #1 is at Honor Heights Park, Muskogee. Azaleas there are in full bloom. Lovely!

Picture #2 is Jamestic standing in front of the Five Tribes Museum. Small, but well organized. Jamestic was amazed to find out that Native American people also held African slaves back in the days of the slave trade.

Picture #3 is the primary location for the film festival. The Roxy Theatre.

This is the first weekend of the festival and next weekend will be the "big" weekend. More people in attendance, more films and other activities. More pictures as I get them.

Poem A Day Challenge - Day 8

2009-04-09T08:50:00.003-05:00

Yes I know I haven't posted for Days 6 or 7, but the prompts just didn't prompt anything from me. So here is Day 8:

Routine

I told you not to do that
I said it long ago
Please don't turn I Love You
into nothing over time

don't say it in the morning
again at dinner time
you take away its meaning
and make it a routine

When I say I Love You
I feel it deep inside
You may have notice lately
that I say it less than you.

Say the phrase repeatedly
it loses all its luster
Only speak it when you feel it
and always then with gusto

I told you not to do that
I said it long ago
Please don't turn I Love You
into nothing over time

Poem-A-Day Contest - Day 5

2009-04-05T09:25:00.000-05:00

Landmarks

I've heard it said so many times.
To give directions you must plan.
If telling a gent, say three blocks west.
Use landmarks for women, but never men.

He'll not get lost, he will insist.
Drive three blocks west and one more south.
Give detailed address, house and street
and not on paper, but by mouth.

When doing the same for any lady.
Say pass the park, and then turn right.
Look for the house with the ivied lamp.
She'll note this down and keep in sight.

And when the appointed time arrives,
Who will be late, can anyone guess?"
Couldn't see numbers in the dark." he'll say.
She arrives early. “Where are the rest?”

Poem-A-Day Contest - Day 4

2009-04-04T15:35:00.000-05:00

Her Name is Dog

She is indescribable,
a freaky little thing.
She turned up in the yard one day
and been here since the spring.

She's short and wide, pug-faced and white
and has the strangest features
A ridge of fur along her back
makes her a freaky creature.

Her legs can't be four inches long
She's wide as she is tall
The brightest eyes gaze all around
as if she gets it all.

This is no dog, my friends all cry
She has a sense of humor
Everyone says she's human
I swear it's just a rumor.

She's sharp as a tack, and oh so smart
although a bone treat hog.
I named her Lil' Bit for short
But always call her Dog.

Poem-A-Day Contest - Day 3

2009-04-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

The Problem With Being a Married Woman

Ring....RING......RING...Hello?
Good morning, ma'am. Is your husband at home?
No, he is at work. May I help you?
No, ma'am, I really think I should speak to him?
SLAM! Well, what was that all about?

Ringing. State Farm, how may I help you?
This is Mrs. S. I was calling to find out...
Why is my name left off the insurance to my car?
It's not his car, but mine, you know.
Sorry, company policy, have him call. SLAM!

As days and years, even decades pass by
I realize that before I married I was
an intelligent, capable human being.
Once I said those fateful words
I Do, apparently I became an idiot!

Writer's Digest Poem a Day Contest - Day 1

2009-04-01T08:48:00.001-05:00

Origins

Mother,
you are my life and my source.
you have been my chart and course.
You built me up when all seemed lost.
You gave your all, regardless of cost.

Mother,
without your love there is no past.
for me you were first and will be last.
I can't repay all that you've done.
It's due to you that I have won.

Mother,
you are my life and my source.
you taught me all, oft with gentle force.
For years and years I was a dope.
But now, To be like you is all I hope.

Long Dark Way Poster

2009-03-03T04:42:00.002-06:00

Long Dark Way Final Shooting Day

2009-02-08T18:34:00.002-06:00

Had the final shooting day today. Went back to Liberty Towers and reshot some scenes with the wonderful and talented Renee Weygandt. Also had fun throwing a very large teddy bear named Buford down the stairwell to get the sounds of "Danny" falling. Buford sacrificed his nose to the film. What a trooper. Now it is all in the capable hands of our editor, Greg Raw. After a final film is put together, will be ready for scoring. More adventures to come.

I Love But Mustn't

2009-01-04T10:36:00.000-06:00

I Love You, But Mustn't

The feelings arise in my heart
against my will
What do I do with them?
Should I let spill?

I am not free to express
all the love in my soul
I see you, speak to you
and my heart is full

I am not free to feel
I love you but I mustn't
I cannot help myself
My heart runs away with me.

So I must go away
never see you again
It breaks my heart so
but there is naught to be gained.

We cannot be together
our two worlds separate
perhaps in the next life
the Gods will change our fate.

1/4/08

Long Dark Way Shoot Day #10

2008-10-17T21:39:00.002-05:00

Only two scenes left to do now. Here is a picture of tonight's work.

Long Dark Way Shooting Day #9

2008-10-13T21:59:00.002-05:00

Only three scenes left to shoot. Plan on being done before the end of October. Here are some pictures from tonight's shoot.

Long Dark Way - Back on track

2008-10-11T20:27:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture from the reshoot of the shop grate scenes done on Day 5. Great job, Zane.

Sux To Be Me

2008-08-29T01:13:00.002-05:00

Friends, if you are actually reading these entries. I just wanted to post something here to let you know , I have not been well. I have been suffering from an intestinal issue that is increasing in severity. Yes, I have gone to the doctors. Tests, so far, are "inconclusive".

To add injury to insult, I damaged my right big toe yesterday, removing large of chunk at bottom of same due to clumsiness. Went to doctor for that and now also have large lumping pain in my right upper arm from the damn tetanus shot. LOL

No one would argue that the title of this entry is correct right now. LOL

Long Dark Way Day #7

2008-06-30T22:04:00.002-05:00

Tonight's shoot was short and sweet. Only took two hours total to get all we needed. Thanks to my old employer, we were able to use an office there. It's been four years since I worked there, but everything seemed to be exactly the same. Even the stacks of books in the library haven't been moved in all that timem it seems. Felt like I had never left the place. HaHa

Patricia, Renee, Sonja, Greg R., Brian and Jamestic. Thanks for your talent and efficiency.

It will be some time before the next shoot as there is a holiday coming this weekend and the girls and I are traveling to Austin, Texas to visit family there for a couple of days. We will leave this coming Thursday and return on Saturday. Then I have to get serious about finding the last few locations we need.

Until then, friends, rest well and have a great time.

Long, Dark Way Day 6

2008-06-24T22:11:00.002-05:00

This was supposed to be Day 7, but Monday's shooting was cancelled due to sickness (not mine). so that was rescheduled for Friday.

Tonight was a very small scene in a bathroom. Thanks to my chiropractor, Dr. Fred Bogan at Alliance Chiropractic, we were able to get in and done in three hours.

Thanks to Renee, Sonja, Greg, Brian and Jamestic. Good job.

Still needing a location for the dress shop and Rachel's house for the end of the film. Everything else is essentially finished.

From here will be sound effects, pickup shots (that's going back to locations and getting little things to cut to or scenes we missed) and voice over work. The end is in sight.

Long Dark Way Day 5 Pics

2008-06-22T19:54:00.003-05:00

Patricia Robinson as Gloria

Richard Green as Security Guard

Zane Berlin as Danny

Lisa Metzger - 2nd Assistant Director

Greg Hisaw - location coordinator, extra, boom operator, grip, cast coordinator, and much much more.

Long Dark Way Day 4 Pics

2008-06-22T19:38:00.003-05:00

Still haven't recovered my energy from nine hours of filming on Day 5, so will have to just post pics from the last couple of shoot days. First Day 4.

Renee Weygandt as Rachel and Brian C. Jackson, Sound Engineer - in hurry up and wait mode.

Gregory Raw - Boom Operator. Lighting Director and Editor

Karsyn Weygandt - yes Renee's daughter - as one of Abby's friends.

Brian C. Jackson

Sound check time.

Lyudmilla McCoy, as another friend and Kelli Kickham as Abby.