Clearwood Map Sketch

So, I recently found this in an old sketchbook of mine: an early concept I made for the layout of Clearwood (the small, woodsy town the film takes place in).

Take a look (click for larger view):

I'm guessing I made this around 2009-10, a few years before I finished the final draft of the script.  During this version, the town actually bordered an ocean on two sides (note the lighthouse and boat docks at the bottom), as opposed to its current version, which is now completely surrounded by thick woods on all sides.

In that same sketchpad, I also found the earliest known concept I made for the film (very similar to the poster concept you see in the background right now), but I'll save that for a later post chronicling the evolution of the film's poster (when I finally have the real "live-action" one available).

Anyway, that's all for now!

- Erik (Director)

First Video Preview: "Teaser Montage"

And now, without further ado, I bring you the very first video glimpse into…

"Down the Road"

Still not enough work done for a full trailer yet, but I'm very happy with how this little "Teaser Montage" turned out.  At the moment I'm estimating about a year still left till the final film will be completed.  It seems like a long time, but truthfully… I've never been this close before, and it's very exciting!

Teaser Montage URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLn8Z7koQlM

- Erik (Director)

Reference/Inspiration

Back again!  I've been so busy filming/editing the finale scenes that I almost forgot to do a post for May!  I'd love to share some of the recent edits I've been working on for the climax, but obviously it's all spoilers so… yeah...

I've been racking my brain to think of what I can share at this stage of production (mostly it's all still too rough or spoiler-filled to show).  So I thought I'd go a different direction with this post and show a bit of the reference and inspiration files I've gathered over the past few years, throughout the course of writing the script, all the way into production.  Whether they're about color, lighting, overall mood, or other various details, I'm constantly finding myself glancing back at these (and even adding to them) every now and then.  They've helped me a lot over the years in defining the look and feel of my world, and can hopefully give you a sense of my ultimate vision for the style of the film.

The first sheet is all about the small woodsy town of Clearwood.

One scene requires a rustic pier at the edge of a lake.

There are also many fog and weather effects.

And some scenes require rain.

But let's not forget... the mysterious edge of the woods…

And last but certainly not least…

The winding depths of the woods themselves…

There are hundreds of other files I've collected in my inspiration/reference folders, including photos, videos, audio recordings, and music tracks.  But I hope this simple collection of photos offers a nice, quick glance and insight into my goal for the overall feel of the final film.

As always, looking forward to posting more as it comes in.

- Erik (Director)

Props and Wardrobe

It's been exactly one year since I finished the final draft for "Down the Road"… one year where a lot has been accomplished.  And I'm still filming!  Haha!

I've been lagging behind with these updates recently so I thought, what a perfect time to resume posting!  So, for today's post I've gathered a small collection of behind the scenes photos revolving around the props and wardrobe of the film.  Have a look.

I'm going to try posting updates on a more regular basis from now on, shooting for around once a month.

As always, looking forward to posting more as we progress through the production!

- Erik (Director)