Intro and gallery / Synopsis / Cast and crew / E-mail exchange / Reviews E-mail exchange between Ate de Jong and Michael Lally On 11/03/00 Michael Lally at Lally@xxx.com wrote: Luke Perry is a good idea. Not what I was picturing, but I think he could be a great Bob, if he's willing to stretch himself to create this character. Sorry to hear Discovery is such a physical burden. You'll find a solution to fit Fogbound into the schedule. You always do. On 12/31/00 Ate de Jong at fdutchman@xxx.net wrote: It's tiring filmmaking isn't it. Strangely enough, specifically acting is more tiring than anything else. I start to understand that you rather be at home. I see that on my horizon also. I already -- tonight being New Years Eve -- would rather just be nowhere, just by myself, and the kids. Just was in Venice with my two daughters. My oldest, almost fourteen, is only interested in shopping, and disagreeing with everything. We probably weren't easy teenagers, but I certainly wasn't materialistic. One night I was so angry because she terrorized her little sister, that I smashed the bathroom door. The Venetian glass in the door shattered with a dramatic film effect. It silenced them for a few minutes. And silenced my credit card for a bit longer. But beyond all her me-me-me, want-want-want, I do see an emerging adult. Fascinating. It'll take a couple of years --and I'm afraid it will get me irritated a lot, however she's becoming totally her own. And that's good. As we start shooting in less than two weeks, I relate everything to Fogbound. My anger reminds me of Leo. My daughter's behaviour of Annette. Above all accepting the forces of nature. Hope you have great fun with the family. Truly best wishes for you and all your beloved ones. And I'll make sure you can come to the shoot for a week. On 1/03/01 Michael Lally at Lally@xxx.com wrote: Once I punched a hole in a wall right by my older son's head when he was about 17. He didn't talk to me for months (went back to college afterwards) but it changed our relationship forever, for the good. I don't punch holes in walls any more. I look forward to visiting the set. Happy New Year. On 2/26/01 Ate de Jong at fdutchman@xxx.net wrote: It's all shot now. We were barely finished when someone called me and said the lab was on fire. Happened to be the building next door. Can you imagine? The lab is a thorn in my side anyway, they managed to damage the last day of shooting, so we might have to correct all kinds of blue spots later as digital effects. But it pisses me off because there will be a quality loss, and why should the film suffer quality loss because they make a mistake. But re-shooting is unthinkable, set up the set again, bring the actors back etc. Anyway, we've shot the film. Luke appreciated your visit enormously. After you left we shot the French Revolution scenes. 16 yr old Annette was absolutely stunning; I mean both in looks and in acting. Ben won his Olivier as best supporting actor for Arthur Miller's All My Sons. He deserves it. Great guy. And Orla is calling almost every day to ask how things are going. I'm glad she's in another town; I was getting too close to her. I'm in London for a few days to be with my boys. On 2/27/01 Michael Lally at Lally@xxx.com wrote: Hey man, sorry to hear about the lab trouble, what a bummer. You have such a good attitude about these things, taking them in stride, which I guess is what a good director has to do. I'd be tearing the lab down by now. And good news about Ben, confirms your instincts hey? Can't wait to see a rough-cut. But will. Supposedly work next week on this new TV show. The lead role I was supposed to have, turned into a recurring character with a six show arc, and seems now to be turning into one scene with possibly more in the future depending on the network honchos and the chemistry and etc. Ah, show biz. But we love it! Hope all is well in London, and hopefully we'll talk when you get back and see a rough cut yourself. On 3/13/01 Ate de Jong at fdutchman@xxx.net wrote: JMichael, last scene in Fogbound I have Luke standing with a bicycle against blue screen. Do you have any suggestions what the background should be? Can't figure it out. I think it should be nature. But should it be like green fields, an eagle, sunset at sea? Sometimes I think it should be the launching of an Apollo or something. Any ideas? On 3/14/01 Michael Lally at Lally@xxx.com wrote: I like the green fields or green hills or even green mountains with a castle in the distance, best of nature imagery, although a forest from a distance seems interesting too. But the image that first came to mind was one of a hand writing out an extended mathematical formula on a blackboard, or even better on glass from the other side of the glass (ala Picasso painting on glass for the camera). As for the Apollo image, that's cool too, though it brought up for me a shot of stock car racing, with the inevitable crash (i.e. the Columbia launch where the rocket exploded and fell back into the sea!). I don't think I'm being any help, so I'll think more about it and get back to you. On 6/23/01 Michael Lally at Lally@xxx.com wrote: Ate, I'm back from DC and will try calling you tomorrow or next day. Jaina told me the reaction to the LA test screening wasn't what they wanted but still it was heated and passionate. That sounds right to me. It's a unique flick and I wonder what European audiences will think of it. I wish I had been there or had sent someone, but I didn't get the date and time until too late. But I can't wait to hear it from you, so I'll call soon. On 6/24/01 Ate de Jong at fdutchman@xxx.net wrote: I've gone through test screenings several times. Remember the one on Drop Dead Fred; the cards indicated it was a picture for woman over 35. And when the film was released the theatre was filled with kids and young adults. However I don't want to ignore the results in an arrogant way. It doesn't matter that four old ladies ­ way in their seventies -- stumbled out of the screening once Orla starts to talk about the dangers of orgasms. They are not our target audience. But the last scene - Luke on the bike against the sunset - was overwhelmingly seen as a phoney. It might be better to cut it. I'm over the test screening shock now. At first I wanted to jump off the Santa Monica Bridge, and I can't swim. Now I believe the test screening, if put in the right perspective, just reinforces the reality that Fogbound is a unique picture that will anger and upset some people. And hopefully stimulate and delight others. previous page / next page