The microclimate in the remote area of Maui's beaches (surrounded by lush mountains of rainforest and flora beyond adequate description on a blog) has been a dynamic challenge for the exteriors we are shooting. Sun across the bay and hard rain on the left side of us that comes and goes without much concern about our lighting continuity (LOL) has heightened the work for both cast and crew. Every second of sun is used and if we have sudden rain... we just have to re-shoot the master and coverage quick-like-a-bunny and it gives deeper meaning to one of my lines of dialogue: "Time Is Precious". The photo above shows me in costume as Henri Vollard sitting in a straw hut (with a blue umbrella to keep the wardrobe dry) beside screen writer (of FINDING GAUGUIN) Stephane Gauger. We shot the coverage of this crucial scene once in half sun, half rain, and a whole other set of coverage in light rain. Getting golden work from everyone, in spite of, or possibly BECAUSE of the tremendous obstacles...
These guys (that I call my Maui Mafia) are just a few of the enormous group of native Hawaiians who are making this film possible. What a kind and genuine people...The making of this film would be impossible without the hundreds of generous, hard working people of Maui. By the way, they gave us a happy, song filled Luau after our wrap last night; a truly refreshing and amazing blessing. I feel like I have come home in an un-transmittable sense. And I thought I had seen the most beautiful geographic scenery on Earth when I spent months on both north and south islands of New Zealand. The remote Maui beaches rival ANYTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYWHERE.
Bob Taicher
Bob Taicher is co-director and Executive producer. We met ten years ago at Michelle Phillips' "Last Full Moon Of The Millennium" party and the night we met he gave me a script which I read THAT NIGHT in Michelle's "GOLD RECORD ROOM” office. Bob hired me as soon as I finished reading the script and now "SHUT YER DIRTY LITTLE MOUTH" will have it's official release this coming Autumn. I Love and Respect Bob as a dear, kind and brilliant man as well as a magnificent artist. It is a pleasure to be working with him again--this time with practically the entire Taicher clan either behind or in front of the camera.
Don Taicher as Paul Gauguin
At 72 years of age, Don is blossoming in too many ways to describe. He carries this film with his portrayal of Gauguin. This is our first collaboration and I am sure it will not be our last.
Alexander Taicher as Adam
Playing the role of the young artist Gauguin is mentoring, Alex is, at 20, in the process of creating a remarkable film debut. A natural. A hard working complete natural. We completed work on our first scene together last evening and we are having a wonderful time preparing for the scenes we have ahead. He is a beautiful young man inside and out.
Glenn Shadix on a remote beach location on Maui
Yes, I dyed my hair and lost a few pounds (I weighed in at 185 lbs. as of this morning) and am enjoying the work on this picture more than anything I have done since BEETLEJUICE. Too bad I have to deal with such a tough location as I end my four year sabbatical! LAUGHING OUT LOUD. More of the incredible cast and crew as time permits and the adventure continues. So many of this wonderful ensemble will be at my party at The Roosevelt later this month and what fun THAT will be......Love to all--GS
