Another Successful Week Brings Us Closer to Wrapping Principle Photography!

This update is long overdue so, for all of you out there who read my posts, please accept my apology.  I will make it up to you by making this post extra juicy.

Since our last update, the crew finished a major push in principle photography bringing the film to about 95% complete.  We shot interviews and events locally in Laguna Hills for seven days over the first week in October, winding up the week with an awesome Q&A event, featuring Louix.  I want to thank all of the members of the crew: Ali, Vincent, Zimmaron, Markus, Lisa, and a special thanks to Laurence Poncin and all the ashram volunteers, who helped feed us and make sure the week went smoothly, and gracefully.  We couldn’t have done it without you and we are so grateful.

The first day we held an casual picnic at Mendicino Park in Laguna Hills, where we played some frisbee, had a delicious lunch, and shot some impromptu interviews.  We then headed over to La Serra House, where we had a bonfire in the fire pit, sang songs and told stories.  Ali did an amazing job with the lighting and everyone was amazed at how beautiful the patio looked.  Ashleigh and Eileen from New York were visiting and gave Louix some beautiful gifts.  I just finished looking at the footage at it turned out amazing.  

The next day we shot interview with some of the ashram residents, which looked beautiful.  A big thanks to everyone who agreed to speak with us.  You all were amazing. We then got together some of the ashram residents and had our first small-group interview, moderated by Zimmaron.  It was a good idea in theory, and there was a decent amount of usable material, however it looked a little bit to much like a talk show (the "Zimmaron Show" anyone?) and so we need to go back to the drawing board to figure out a better way of shooting the group format.  Oh well, a lesson learned is a lesson worth having, as Louix always says.

The next day we shot an interview with Louix, which was incredible as usual.  He makes his interviews look so effortless;  I am always astounded at how eloquently and masterfully he speaks!  I have never encountered an easier interview subject to work with.  It is truly a privilege.  That evening we had our usual ashram group dinner, and we relaxed and told some more stories. There was so much good food that week.  We joked that the ashram should start their own vegan catering company!

That weekend we had two public events, both of which turned out amazingly.  A huge thanks to everyone who came, it was much appreciated.  The first event was a guided meditation, led by Louix, followed by the Q&A the following evening.  Both events went beautifully, and we collected some great footage.

Coming up we have another trip to San Francisco to grab a couple more interviews, so more info on those to come.  I will say that one of the subjects is Christopher Tompkins, a UC Berkeley professor who specializes in Sanskrit and Tantric history and sacred texts.  He is currently translating never-before translated texts on Spanda, the vibration of the universe.  I am really looking forward to talking to him, and look for a clip of the interview coming soon… Until then, may all love surround you…