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OCTOBER 31, 2016

Since the end of shooting block 1 back in August/September, we've been on pace to start our second block of shooting with very little issues arising as we prep.  The summer went very well with a few hiccups during shooting, but somehow with the weather not agreeing all the time and having several production challenges to face (kids on set, horses, rain, 10hr makeup, etc), we managed to get all the shots on our list.

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The actors that have picture wrapped are Chase Anderson (Young Link), Aislin Odell (Young Zelda), Jaylen Stoneburner (Young Malon), Christina Lambert (Nabooru), and Roderick Raff (Darunia).  Tifani Davis, who played and wrapped on the character Ruto isn't actually done. Though her onscreen work is finished, she will be returning to deliver the Voice of Navi in post-production. Our Saria, played by Cosette Payne, was due to wrap in August, but she is being brought back in our next block for one final scene before her screen departure.

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Since we wrapped on September 10th, I have been knee deep in prepping everything for the next block.  Not only am I writer/ director on this project but I am wearing so many other hats due to our budget and how very specific my vision is of this film.  Back in the spring I had a production designer on board to help out and to be on set, but she got busy with other work.  She helped with a few of the props, but she could not be as involved as we first hoped, to my sadness.  I am producing this film, and I have also taken on production design, something I am thankfully familiar with on previous work, and with that I am helping in costumes, props, and set dec.

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These past few months, I have been ordering items online and scouring Goodwills for the film. As Kyle Perkins (Link) has said many times, I am a Master Thrifter. Just last night, I took four different fur elements I'd bought from thrifting, Michael's, and eBay and made a really unique fur hat!  I've also been coordinating weapon props.  Not only do we need the nice, shiny "hero" props, but we also need safe stage-combat versions so our actors don't get seriously injured.  Finding just the right tools for the job has been taxing but a worthwhile hunt, and we think we finally have a solution.  I'm also excited about our stunt coordinator, who is just an amazing and cheerful man.  The actors are incredibly excited to begin learning and rehearsing the fight sequences.

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In other news, it's an odd feeling because we've already shot a good bit of footage that needs editing, but now we're back in pre-production while in post-production on our first half.  So there's the getting VFX some shots to start work, there's working with the editor, Eric Hengehold, after the 2nd, all on top of getting ready for another round.

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The biggest blow we've had is finding out on Oct 28th, that we likely can no longer shoot at one of our locations.  As early as a year ago, though, we'd already been scouting a lot of potential locations, and that day of the bad news I went and scouted another location.  I believe when big hurdles lay before you, they aren't moments of defeat.  You only fail if you don't try.  These are the times when you find out if you're a true filmmaker.  Filmmaking is a fluid art form, and changes happen all the way up until it's released in a theater (sometimes even after! Did you know Smaug in the theatrical release of the 1st Hobbit movie wasn't a wyvern? He had four legs instead of two!).  When artists are faced with challenges, you just keep plugging away at it.

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We start shooting again November 26th and then continue in December for the last, long haul before Christmas hits.  All I can say is that I'm excited to continue shooting this film with this crew.  It's been one of the best experiences I've had in this career.  We return with some new characters as well, including our Ganondorf (Alex Foor) and Adult Malon (Victoria).  We also get to work with the horse, Chewbacca, again, who (along with his trainers/wranglers) was a delight to have on set.  Chewy is an amazing animal and our first experience with him on set went unbelievably well!

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Until we shoot it's more costume making, prop gathering, script breakdowns, editing sessions, meetings with the other departments, stunt rehearsals, and so much more.  And only 4 weeks to go until our first day back.

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The band is ready to get back together, and in another month, I'll be sure and tell everyone here how it all went!  Expect another newsletter around November 30th!  

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Also, don't forget that YOU can help us with this film.  None of us want to part with our money, but a few dollars here or there, or a nice wad for some cool rewards?  You decide if you can help us finish this film.  Go to the "Donate for Merchandise" tab in the home menu to find out more.  I work at Amazon.  I am a third shifter, and I can tell you that I have been working a full schedule plus overtime every week to help raise funds for the next block of shooting, and I'm never too proud to ask for help.  So please, if you have a few extra dollars lying around, let it be a charitable Christmas season for you, and donate to something you and other fans or filmmakers like you want to see.

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Cheers,

--Stephonika W. Kaye

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