Thoughts from the director

Hi everyone, this is Danielle speaking (writing?). I just wanted to share a few thoughts about the series, now that it's finally getting some air time.

It's incredibly weird/cool to actually see this puppy up and living on AfterEllen. Three years ago, when I started writing for the site, this was exactly the sort of thing that I wanted to do - to combine my love of film with a little filmmaking magic and yes, making fun of lesbian movies. Now, here we are in 2009, with my master's thesis project (yeah, I actually got to do things like this in school, be jealous!) finished and ready for the world.

I wrote this series while sitting in the Boston commons about a year ago. I came up with the idea one morning, and over the course of two days, I sat in the park and hashed it out, with the intention of making it an improv-driven movie (that is, the lines would be more of a guideline than gospel).

Then, once we were ready to go into production in November, we spent two full weekends (back to back) shooting at Katie's lake house, with a final shoot in February. I've never had more fun making a film in my life - we would shoot scenes, crack up laughing, and shoot more. A lot of it had to do with the fact that all these ladies are such good friends - and a lot had to do with all the improv-ing we were doing, but I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

As a director, you are always panicking about whether your movie is going to be complete crap. It's always in the back of your mind (well, mine, at least). Thankfully, the response has been good thus far - at least, out loud!

Rachel's Character

What was your inspiration for playing the part of Rachel in Making Gay Magic?

I used my experiences working with other filmmakers as an inspiration for creating the character of Rachel. The honest truth is film production is a stressful thing especially for the producers and directors who have to make sure everything goes as planned. I think even in productions I've been a part of it's always a struggle to balance being assertive without being too bossy.

As a director you want the job done right, but you also need to maintain the respect of your cast and crew. What was fun about Rachel is that I could just forget about being P.C. or about treating the "pretend" cast and crew in a respectful manner. If something went wrong on set for Rachel I just went with that anger rather than thinking about what I was going to say or do. I figured if this was Rachel's first film she probably had no idea how to properly manage people.

I have to be honest though I think it's really hard for any director to get the job done well and still have people like you at the end of production. How many of us haven't had a bad manager? How many of us haven't had a situation that didn't go our way but we had no idea how to control the situation?

Danielle also mentioned that the Rachel character is a exaggerated version of herself. I know that to an extent Rachel is also an exaggerated version of myself as well. -Rina

The Making of Gay Magic World Premiere is

today on Afterellen.com. New episodes every

Thursday starring the whole RetroReviewing Cast.

It's a mockumentary about the making a

Lesbian Film.

Check it out and don't forget to comment.

Thanks

YEAH DENAE!!!

Hey everyone this is Katie. Just wanted to say congrats to my girl Denae for winning the comedy competition and going onto the finals. I'm flying home just to see it!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DENAE FOR WINNING THE BEANTOWN COMEDY RIOT COMPETITION SEMI FINALS (Week #4)!! The final round of the competition is August 27th..Call in advance to reserve tickets to the final.
1-800-401-2221
Dick's Beantown Comedy Vault @ Remingtons $15 admission

Possible new comedy series on Afterellen.com

You heard it here first.. or at least rumor has it that the retro reviewers will be starring in a new comedy series on Afterellen.com. Hope you can check it out. Of course this is just a rumor....

Denae will be performing a Comedy Show on August 6, 2009

Denae will be performing in the Beantown Comedy Riot competition on Thursday, August 6, 2009. The audience has 1/3 of the vote, so the more people come out to support her the better her chances are of winning. Plus she's also wicked funny. Reservations are required so make sure to call for seating. She looks forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

BEANTOWN COMEDY RIOT with Denae Pachucki!
$1500 Cash Prizes for Funniest Amateur Comics
Host: Dick's Beantown Comedy Vault
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009
Time: 8:30pm - 11:30pm
Location: Dick's Beantown Comedy Vault @ Remingtons $15 admission
Street: 124 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
Phone: 8004012221