Gloria del Pacifico film seminar

End of last year, I was proposed to start expos and seminars about the film but time was tight and many things were restraining these from happening. Now its different and gave the first of many in schedule. This time at the Joint School of the Armed Forces (Escuela Conjunta de las Fuerzas Armadas).

200 + attendees among some civilians. A packed house meant a lot of interest and its a heart-warming experience to see interest in history and "Gloria del Pacífico". Showed a bit of scenes that were already finished and colored-corrected. Had the chance to talk about the process of creating the film, how it all came together, how my idea started, the hurdles passed in general and the mission to make audiences in Peru reflect on the errors made in the past and how we can avoid them now.

I can't stop mentioning my friend and fellow history-buff Peruvian Navy officer Captain Juan Carlos Llosa, who gladly invited me to the event.

Starting the seminar

A packed house of around 200 people.

Showcasing scenes of the film.

Shaking hands with people of similar history interest.

Ballroom gala scene: Timotea Vernal's dreams

Preparing these last weeks for one of the last "connecting scenes" or "pickup shots" -whatever you call it- and it has finally arrived.

This last thrusday and friday, we shot a connecting scene of one of Timotea Vernal flashbacks and another Alfonso Ugarte flashback with his mother Rosa Vernal.

Small scene onscreen but quite heavy production-wise for we had to gather mostly light-skin people with the actors as it was a high-class ballroom gala party in Iquique thrown by the governor. Back in the XIX century, class differences were quite marked specially in race and skin color so the historical accuracy demanded it.

Props and stuff were brought in and all the women's wardrobe done in the past months were used. Looked awesome onscreen! The male wardrobe was rented. Planned to make them too but if it was just gonna be used for these scene, it wasn't worth the expense.

Lighting the scene was quite tricky as -not being a built set but an old house- we couldn't hide very well the light stands so some shots need rotoscopy to delete them digitally. Another pain in the ass, but....there was no other way around it. No rigging was allowed in the ceiling for the house is protected (its a landmark building).

Expected to start filming by 11am, we ended up shooting around 4pm...way much late than expected as hairdos and makeup of all extras and actors took quite longer. Even with many make-up artists onset. Also, women were the most time-consuming, as petticoats, undergarments, collars, hair-locks, bags, gloves and hand fans required much assisting. Regardless, the scenes ended up looking beautiful.

The gala ballroom scene.

Last directions before filming.

Checking the wardrobe.

The dresses take first seat in these scenes.

Supervising the makeup.

Some extras practicing the moves.

Used an old wheelchair to follow the actors move freely around the ball room.

Giving directions to Bolognesi and Weguelin.

Sweating under the lights. Weguelin and Bolognesi.

René, dance expert, teaching the moves to the main actors.

Before the dance scene.

The good old clapboard.

Young gentlemen and their ladies.

   

Screen capture: Timotea Vernal and her chaperone Lucrecia.

Screen capture:Alfonso Ugarte, her mother Rosa Vernal and Timotea Vernal.

Screen capture: Alfonso Ugarte meets Timotea.

Screen capture: Bolognesi talking with Carlos Weguelin.

Screen capture: The ballroom gala party scene. Dozens of extras.

It's a wrap! Most of us all for the last picture of the filming day.

Almost reaching the last post-production process

As we reach the last portion of Gloria del Pacifico's post production process, website development and all written media is produced. Interviews are coming like meteors showers and thinking on just giving out two more for the remaining month and part of March as I don't want to saturate the public's eyes and ears with overexposure.

Meanwhile, the brochure we made back in 2012 is simply up to standards. The website keeps and the respects the same design. Here is the cover. Sharing permission is allowed within Wikimedia Commons license.

Brochure cover for Gloria del Pacifico.

Radio interview at Radio Santa Rosa

And another interview today but this time on the radio. " En Frecuencia" show at radio Santa Rosa to talk again about Gloria del Pacifico. Could explain more in detail stuff about the film as more time was available and keep thanking some of the people that supported me all these years with their presence and participation. :)

Another TV interview at No Culpes A La Noche

No Culpes a la Noche TV show with Mathias Brivio tonight at Canal N. Thirty-minute interview and able to talk more things about Gloria del Pacifico.

TV report for Gloria del Pacifico

More than pleased for today's TV exclusive report. Another one of more to come in the next weeks.
Extremely happy to witness the reaction natiowide right after and seen on Twitter, Facebook, this blog and the website. More than 350 emails and contacts asking for more info about the film and congratulating the effort.

I thank each and everyone of you who wrote and expressed their admiration and support for this.
Finally...another dream coming true...and for my beloved nation.

Gloria del Pacifico film score sessions

A new year. A new set of 365 days to do much more for everyone and for oneself. Family time was interrupted by a slight swell in the throat only to develop in a full flu near new year's eve. Just coming out of this nasty illness today.

Today was the 5th day of Gloria del Pacifico's film score recording sessions. Micky Tejada's music captures close emotions to what I want to portray in the film. Sometimes it takes time for a musician to understand you but he was quick to pick up what was needed. Specially now that time is truly a matter. Really need to rush this out and finish the film post-production process for the music was the last thing that was holding me back.

After first recordings of timbale drums and percussion, tuba and trombone sessions were covered today. Hot in here like hell but the sound was super cool. We are simply doubling certain parts to make them sound like a full orchestra (overdubs) because budget doesn't allow contracting 120 musicians at the same time. Done overdubs back in the 90's when I used to record my rock band Alter Ego so this isn't new but quite a familiar technique.

I'm very excited about how all is developing. Can't wait to see this finally done and mixed with the film's images.

Thoughts

Reaching the end of 2013 in a few weeks and I'm getting close to the ending of the post-production process. Still a few months away from it but since April 2013, the act of being here sitting everyday in front of the computer is paying its toll on me. The carpal tunnel syndrome is kicking in I guess for my wrist and forearm feels quite stressed and like if a nerve is being pressed inside. Not to mention the eye strain  and headache. Still a few things need to be covered and help was coming my way from a person I believed in which offered support. A heaven-sent support which truly made me happy and calm but, in the end I guess it was all just talk for the person just disappeared without any explanation. All support is welcome but only destiny shows who's who in life and I feel its very wrong that a person plays with one's hopes and needs in these times of known stress. Sad but that's life.

But still, this is something I fought for for years and without much support it's all progressing. Slower perhaps than I expected but God above provides sooner or later. Total believer on that. I just hope its soon. After 4 years, its truly physically draining but its a goal I have placed on me and it will develop fine.

Honored

November 27, Infantry Day and there was a special ceremony held at the Infantry Legion attended by many officers and ex Commander-in-Chief's as well as a representative of the one in office now.

Was invited to showcase parts of the film and I feel joy to be decorated and honored for " Gloria del Pacifico" and how it will serve the nation. Also joined the Legion as an honorific member. Good to see many officers and former ones that have helped in a way to make this endeavor a reality.