Journal June 2008
Crazy with Me, Myself & I
For the past three months, I changed direction a bit, and just finished directing myself, and a select group of fellow actors, in the comedy, ‘Crazy on the Outside’.   Let’s consider this -- actor and director?  What was I thinking?

Pre-Production:
At first, the scale of the project was a bit daunting and I felt overwhelmed, but as we got the crew hired, locations chosen, actors picked -- and the pieces started coming together, I became very excited to be at the creative helm.  The script was written by John Peaslee & Judd Pillot, and I play Tommy Zelda, a newly released prisoner who is trying to put his life back together with the support, manipulation or brute force from his devoted but fricken crazy sister, played by my Galaxy Quest buddy, Sigourney Weaver.  

Production:
Working with Sigourney again was a blast and annoying at the same time… she is very much like my actual sister, and yes – such a great actress.  Hell, I had fun with the whole cast as a fellow actor, and even more fun as the boss -- the man, the king of everything… the director!  The cast included, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ray Liotta, Kelsey Grammer and Julie Bowen, (my love interest in Joe Somebody.)  Kelsey, (who is much better after he suffered a mild heart attack, most likely caused by our craft service), was a huge comedy presence and a gas to work along side of.

As an actor, I really enjoyed working with the director.  I’ll be honest -- at first, he really irritated me.  Each scene, I would pretend to listen to his vision, and then when he hollered, “Action”, I did do what ever I wanted.  That really pissed him off.  After he threatened to fire me, I got along with him much better, and realized just how incredibly funny and brilliant this man truly is! Not to mention – quite handsome and a stud.

Seriously, it was the team that did it.  I was tremendously grateful to have the talents of Robbie Greenberg as my cinematographer.  I worked with Robbie on both ‘The Santa Clause 3’ and ‘Wild Hogs’, and besides just being a great guy, he was a wonderful asset to have by this first-time director’s side.  Chris Hayes on camera and Jay Levy, the camera assistant, were wonderful, as well.   All were like family -- but with better haircuts.  It is so much about the entire crew.  Sets and art and grips and lights – man, you really have to see a movie production working to really appreciate what it is we all do to entertain.

Post Production:
So now the filming is over, we had a great wrap party, and the editing has begun.  I enjoy this process of taking all the pieces, and putting the puzzle together -- but it sometimes brings up a few “if only” mumblings.  If only I would have gotten a wider shot of this, and how did I miss that, and so on…  I will keep you all updated as the film gets closer to the finish line.  Stay tuned! Might even consider showing the trailer here first…maybe…maaaybeee.