"Love's Invitation" - Short Film, Top Ten Winner, Best Screenplay. Boulder Shootout 2009

Hey Steve:) Yeah, I was really happy to see Stu in a dramatic role. I think it might have been his first! Though, I knew he would do great. On set....his humor could not be kept at bay:)

So, this is how the elements worked:

They had a list of 11 elements, we had to use 5. Those 5 had to include 1 phrase, 1 prop, and 1 location. You could chose what the remain 2 were. One item had to be shown in the first 30 seconds of the film:)

1. Phrase - they only had one phrase and it was "Bon appetit" (Julia Child movie brought that on)

2. Prop - paint brush. We used that in the title shot.

3. Chief Niwot Statue. Just had them walk by in montage

4. Girl reading on bench. Wasn't fond of having to use it, but it went in the montage.

5. Quote on building. This worked perfectly, became the closure of the montage.

I knew that we would be able to work elements into the script in the montage section. The poem sequence was a second option, but I absolutely did not want to touch that and in the end I didn't have to. The requirement to have something in the first 30 seconds really scared me, but it worked out:) And the phrase was at first irritating, but I think we used it well enough:)

Overall, I think the five elements worked well it the film, either enhancing it or at least not detracting anything from it.

-ryan

Hi Anne:) thank you so much for watching and for you compliments. I really challenged myself to do as you noted - let the images, music, and poetry tell the story rather than a lot of superfluous dialogue, especially for something tender as death and awakening.

That being said, I'm looking forward writing my next short film, having it be longer and trying to write more involved dialogue, yet keeping it potent.

Sharon, thank you so much for the vote of confidence and encouragement!:) You make me want to get moving on a screenplay:)

-ryan

Lar, thank you for watching and for you compliment:) As some might guess, while not literally in some ways, the film is a reflection of my own life dealing with darkness. So, I'm touched that others are moved by it and hope it brings some light into their own darkness should that have any.

-ryan

Thanks so much, Balder:) So much depended on Stu and Hokai's acting, as well as getting those shots right. I'm very grateful for our whole team doing such an amazing job on all accounts. Looking forward to sharing the next film with you:)

-ryan