But once a concept was decided on, I actually became very excited.  It would have murder, comedy, chopped up body parts -- but then, we stepped back and decided on a much smaller film.  One location, a couple of actors, 4-5 minutes max.

That same day, I was reading Peter Biskind's Easy Riders, Raging Bulls and he noted that when director Robert Altman would drink, a kind of black hole would take control of him.  From there, I came up  with a concept concerning a man who has committed a violent act against his family because a black hole of anger had taken over.  To provide anymore details would give everything away.

Tonight, I had a meeting with Rob, basically to pick his brain about directing.  I simply wanted to know the basics ... blocking, coverage, shooting dialogue scenes, etc.  He gave me some great information which will definitely make the job easier.  He insisted that I not ask too many questions, so that the project is my own.  I assured him that I had no intention of asking him exactly what angles or camera movements to use in specific takes.  If I did that, I would have no business trying to direct.

The Starway family is behind me.  Mark Ross is on board as the Director of Photography.  Michael Caruso (Paul in Shadow Falls, Drake in The Twenty-Third Letter) has agreed to produce.  Rob and Barb will be executive producing, but are allowing us complete freedom and control.  There are also a couple of other crew members that might be involved, depending on the production's needs.  Mark, Michael, and I are getting together possibly next week to iron out all of the details.

It's really exciting and I'm definitely looking forward to proving myself as more than "just a writer" for Starway.  I appreciate the opportunity and it means a lot to me that so many people are ready to back me up, even for such a small project.