The headquarters for the Boy Scouts of America is located in Irving, Texas and so I met with them and we talked about my film, The Last Eagle Scout. At first, they were a little taken back by the storyline. Then, they persisted to know whether I was a participator in scouting at all. I told them that I was Mormon and served with the scouts in one calling or another in the scouting program for the past 12 years.
They said they held high regard for the church, especially during the turbulent times in court 8 years ago. They officially chose not to support my project, but told me that they could not stop me from making my film. Their only concern was that I represented the scouts with dignity. I hope to do that.
Obviously, the BSA are not in the film business. I realized that when I sent them a script all marked up with all the references to the BSA, but they didn't even have time to read it. My contact did say that if they watch the film and like it, they may think differently about supporting it. To this, I totally understand.
So off to pre-production we go. We officially have 2 months till shoot time. I am nervous as I can be. But eager to make this the best film I can. I will do my best to take out the "pop" and focus on the filmmaking.
Our crew will be small so as to be able to move fast. But the cast is large for an independent film. 60 speaking parts, several hundred extras, 23 shooting days and a lot of Advil. Wish me luck.
