Truly A Team Effort

By Gerald Martin Davenport on October 1, 2011, Updated November 21, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Dateline

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Location

On set of Petite Chardonnay at Lucchesi Vineyard & Winery, Grass Valley, California

I spent over an hour contemplating a philosophical essay to explain my life and what this movie means to me; but it either was too sappy, to psychedelic, or just a bunch of rambling from a crazy person — which this may well end up being anyway.

Saturday was a defining day on this journey we take together — hand in hand and side by side — to complete a project we all hope, pray, and dream it will be an epic, break out, life and career-changing film.

At the helm of the ship, so to speak, I have a responsibility to keep abreast of everything, but that is not possible when we are spread out and with the number of souls we have involved, so I rely on a few people to keep everyone in line, but mostly I rely on each person’s own inner conscience to be self-motivating, disciplined and caring and no one has let me, the other members, or themselves down — the attitude, the feeling, and the excitement on everyone’s face, in their eyes, and their body language shows me that we have an energy, a buzz, a camaraderie that is truly heartwarming.

I am touched that we had people step up to take on new jobs, positions, and responsibilities and to have the rest of us welcomed them into their new role or position with open arms — that tells me that everyone is giving their highest standard to give this movie the best chance it can have to be great.

As always, thank you for being you and everyone was beyond compare; however, there were a few noteworthy people to mention this week that went outside their comfort zone.
Lisa West for taking on the 2nd AC position when McKenna Whiting took over the Script Supervisory role because Krystina Mae stepped into the Marilyn role with flying colors.
It was also the first time we got to see Gretta Sosine, Gary L. Conover, and Michael Klemp, bring their characters to life that allowed Karly Avva to be Chardonnay.

Not forgetting Rob Tillitz and Cynthia Gatlin for their special moments. Oh my gosh, I am tearing up now.

I hope no one is offended they were not mentioned this week, but there is plenty of time for that and if you know me at all, you know you will get your toast as big as the sun, on top of which thanking each person every week will kind of lose its meaning and power. but you were all fantastic from the photographers to the PA's; the Makeup Artist's to the craft and Audio, the only one who honestly did not do much was me. You honor me by giving me the ability to do my job, which I have not yet figured out what that is. Maybe I am the weakest link.

God Bless and thank you for another memorable day, it was truly a team effort.
in post, I WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!

gerald martin davenport
your most humble writer, editor, and director of Petite Chardonnay.

krystamae says: October 2, 2011, at 10:03 am
As I thanked you, Gerald on FB, I think it is worth another post here. You had faith in me and trusted and believed I could do it in such a short period of time. With very little preparation. You gave me a piece of Hollywood today and you have no idea how much I appreciate the privilege of not only working for you but to be in front of the camera. I will not forget this honor and how you jump-started my other career. Thank you! 🙂

I had no doubt in your ability after the auditions and it was my pleasure to watch you finally work.

Rob Tillitz says: October 2, 2011 at 10:11 am
Rob T. It is all you skipper: we’re there cause we take direction well. Simple as that. You hired people with a professional attitude, and in this business, the epitome of that is taking directions. Therefore, this movie and the attitude you saw on set and liked, is only a product of your direction.:-)R

editorgerry says: October 2, 2011 at 10:22 am
it is. Sweet! thank you for giving me perspective Rob.

cynthia says: October 2, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do what I love acting ! God bless all of you !

krystamae says: October 2, 2011 at 4:20 pm
You were SO amazing! 🙂

Gwen and Kameron says: For me and my family it is an honor to see the work and dedication that everyone has brought to make this film the success that it needs to be. Without you, we wouldn’t have this opportunity!

Patricia Collins says: October 2, 2011 at 7:06 pm
I said on FB…there is a special aura around this film. I feel it and everyone else does too. Great casting, Gerald.

Scott fs says: October 3, 2011 at 9:00 am
Truly a splendid effort by all. I was impressed by the professionalism of the cast and crew. Excellent acting makes such a difference, doesn’t it? Brendan was a professional as always, Jim Heck was there to fill out the photographic possibilities. Todd Boyd is handling the boom well and using the field recorder with aplomb. The rest of the crew did an excellent job as well. And the acting…what can one say. Kudos all around. Acting can make or break a film; on that basis, this will be a great film indeed. This is truly a giant step for Gerald, perhaps not an overnight success, but a success nevertheless. And on top of that, Producer’s award for a little film called “The Watering Hole.” Glad I got a chance to be in the company of such great folks

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