MOVING FORWARD

Now that the elections are over and the smoke is clearing, we are gearing up to replace the investors we lost in the econmoic crunch, and re-set our start times.

To the loyal supporters of our project, we move forward with confidence and optimism into this brave new future, embracing all the slaps and tickles which accompany first times.

new photo!

I liked this photo so much I want to feature it and Linda, who will play Elinor in Slap and Tickle.

REASONS TO FILM IN THE HUDSON VALLEY LINKS

Please check out our list of links to film friendly businesses in the Hudson Valley. A great place to live and make movies!!!

MIKE ORANGE AND MARY AURINGER!!!

Mike Orange is the winning bidder of the Stone Ridge Library auction. Mike will play Mr. Sneed the barman and he has purchased the female role of Lucy McMurty for his daughter Mary Auringer.

Thanks to Mike and Mary, for their generous donation to the STONE RIDGE LIBRARY BUILDING FUND. We look forward to having you on set!

The Stone Ridge Library is a 501(c)3, donations are tax deductible.

SUZANNE HILLEARY!

We met with SUZANNE HILLEARY yesterday, Sophia and myself along with JULIA NORDMAN, a PA from Germany who was an exchange student locally a year ago. Suzanne has agreed to come on board as our music supervisor with STEPHEN GEORGE producing all of our studio sessions. Suzanne is the founder and president of WACBIZ a Writer's and Artist's Cooperative located here in the Hudson Valley. It's amazing to have so many stellar music and film folk as neighbors. One can make an entire film in the Hudson Valley.

Including GAIL ANN DORSEY (Bowie's bass player), who now lives in Kingston, and whom we hope will come on board both as musician and in a cameo role.

We're taking this period piece featuring a family of indigent/immigrants; forced and unforced, Black, Native American, and Irish, who compose Maggie's immediate family, and we're adding a contemporary Irish rock sound track to it. Irish because so much of the family is, and also because the penny whistle (fife) and drums are so a part of much indigenous music. It's also a seamless way to draw the lessons of the past into the present. So much has changed even as it remains the same. Ah, life!

Suzanne greeted us with enthusiastic news of phone calls from SINEAD O'CONNOR'S management requesting a hard copy of the script. GERRY LEONARD (AKA Spooky Ghost, Bowie and Rufus Waignwright's musical director/guitarist) and BLACK 47 have checked in. And LAKESHORE RECORDS has asked for a first look at our soundtrack!

Thanks, Suzanne, for boosting our profile in a whole new world.

THE BIDDING STARTS SOON!

The Stone Ridge Public Library, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next June, is holding an auction to cast two speaking parts in SLAP AND TICKLE to benefit the building fund. MR. SNEED, the barman and LUCY MCMURTY the proprietor of the pool hall are on the block. Are you a closet thespian? So ... you wanna be in pictures? Here's your chance to benefit an excellent cause.

My soapbox: Libraries are the last bastions of democracy. Equal and open access to information levels the playing field. SUPPORT YOUR LIBRARY!

For more information contact: The Stone Ridge Library

IT'S COMING TOGETHER!

Dion Ogust took these stunning photos of Linda Powell and Caitlin Quinn at the home of celebrated writer and friend Laura Shaine, formerly Cunningham (Author of: Sleeping Arrangements, A Place in the Country, Dreams of Rescue).