Getting Gaught - The Production Finale on 11/20/09

We were really trying to shoot this last scene before the rush of the holiday season. When it’s that time of the year, people begin to make plans with friends and family or they’ve committed themselves to “holiday entertainment”, it is hard to do business. However, the Creator has blessed us once again and everyone was locked in for the shoot on November 20th. We’ve been anxiously waiting for this day to arrive and it we still couldn’t believe it that it had! No more scheduling dates, confirming cast and crew availabilities or chasing down locations. Yes indeed, there was a sense of joy and relief. However, the day was touched with a little sadness. After 5 or 6 months of working with a group of individuals, striving for the same goal each one determined to give 150% of themselves while, at the same time, bonding together then coming to the realization that “it’s over, done and finished” the letting go can be a little difficult. With those months working side by side with cast & crew, you become emotionally attached to the routine of the project and people. But that “letting go” and onto the next gig is normal for actors & the production crew. That’s the way it is working in the film world. The positive thing is that hopefully relationships were built and business connections made for the possibility of working on each other’s future projects.

The intimacy of small, independent films allow for more one on one interaction where people are forced to deal with each other good, bad or indifferent. The sole purpose is to make a good film and we were blessed to have assembled a fabulous collective of cast and crew who believed in what we believed in with “Getting Caught”. We were back at Kesha & Alex’s Newark, New Jersey apartment. We love it there, the vibe is so serene and Kesha is always accommodating, the gracious hostess that she is whatever we needed she provided without question. Jerry was the first to arrive bringing in the film equipment, then CB, his Administrative Assistant made his way in shortly thereafter. They quickly began to prepare the set clearing the area and creating Mike Andrew’s apartment.



Before CB got himself ready with the script, release forms etc., he had to make that Dunkin’ Donut breakfast run (He always remembers Amanda’s (Jenny Rivers) whole wheat bagel with cream cheese!). Akineyle Stephen, our resident photographer wanted some fruit, however, the deli shops and mini grocery marts in the area either don’t sell fruit or sell really weathered looking fruit, let alone anything nutritious. Anyhow, luckily Kesha had a ripe mango that she gave to Akinelye to eat. The actors, CJ, Amanda and Derek soon made their way in. They were looking cheerful and energized for a full day of filming. They settled in and had some breakfast, got into wardrobe and once Jerry and Gary, our Director of Photography were set up they were ready to shoot.







Making his acting debut, Larry Meracado (The Policeman) arrived earlier to get a feel of what it is like being on a film shoot. He had some business to take care but returned when it was time to film his part in the scene. Mr. Meracado did a wonderful job on camera, convincingly so since he is an actual Newark police officer!
Before we realized it, lunchtime was upon us. This time Jerry offered to make Lunch interesting by suggesting something other food alternatives. Ahhhhhh…”CHINESE!” everyone replied back. It’s easy, simple and everyone is familiar with it. We ordered a lot of food with plenty leftovers, once everyone had their fill, it was back to work. Our “fearless leader” is always on point when it’s time to work, it’s time to work, so he gently but firmly gathered us all back on set. We put in 4 more hours and once Jerry and Gary were contented with the playback, we began to break the set down and clean up. Tired and exhausted, everyone still found a little energy to say his or her goodbyes and exchange contact information. It was a perfect ending to 7 months worth of filming, but our work has just begun. There is now the tedious task of bringing the story to life in postproduction. With our team of creative and talented crew they are ready to face that challenge head on.

We want to once again extend our most deepest and heartfelt thanks to all those who made the production of “Getting Caught” happen: CJ Maldonado, Amanda Yachechak, Derek Brantley Vanessa Morales, Renada Romain, Joey Mintz, Keisha Zollar, Claudia Mora, Todd Gardner, Tee Alford, Larry Mercado, Michelle Lorelli, Christopher Cunningham, Douglas Sines, Wang Smith, Daniela Miura, Johanna Trejos, Amanee Rice, Danielle Howard, Carlton Rosebure, Juan Silva, Celeste Lisa Simpkins, Shala Abbasi, Akineyele Stephen, Shakira Gill, Kesha Lewis & Alex Estrada, Hiram Ortiz of ASH Lounge in Bloomfield, NJ, Mr. Eddie Nicholas of the Neighborhood Childcare Center of Montclair, NJ, Joshua Suggs of Delta’s Restaurant in New Brunswick and DJ Manny for his assistance along with Mr. Felice Tanga, owner of Club Dolce in Elizabeth NJ.