The Vineyard (Exposition)

"VineYard" SET WRAPPED! 3Minute Short (In -Post preparing for the Festivals)

* Production-March 2008

* Screened April 10th, 2008

• Starring Yaritza Thompson, Lesha Santiago, Ronnell Thompson, and Raymond Santiago (Voice-Over) Elana Cooper.
• Director: E. Cooper Director of Photographer: Elana Cooper Second Unit: Ben Jaffe, John Reichel Written By: Anthony Maples / Elana Cooper Production Assistant: Yahdee Thompson Still Photographer: Ches McCleggan A pretty tough set, with grass and wheat above our waistline, however we made it through and learned several valuable lessons. Another period piece about a Father and Son who returns to their Vineyard unexpectantly... I was surprised at my reviews! I received 13 reviews (amazing in itself) with more than half ranking the: Story/Characters, Cinematography, Editing, and Overall assessment of "The Vineyard" favorably high. However, not all the reviews were favorable but more than half were. YEAH! Honestly, I was shocked. So many outrageous things happened. The Cast was amazing!!! The little girl who played the abused laborer (Leysha Santiago) was outstanding. She took direction well and was an absolute natural. Not only that, on camera her beautiful features were magnified. What a blessing! This little one was referred to me after my lead child actress had to drop out. It is not easy casting children including family members (of course, recasting happening up until the day of shooting-However, that was a great lesson for me). The day, before the shoot the male, child actor was replaced!! Thank the Lord for "Pabo" Raymond Santiago another Thompson family member who was willing and ready to stand in and take over the role. The husband and wife Team, Yahdee (Yaritza) and Ronnell Thompson, not only put forth a great performance in front of the camera but behind the scenes filled in as Production Assistants besides giving outstanding performances! Kudos to Yahdee in her Debut Lead performance as, the Woman Laboring in Fields. In addition, after we wrapped I let the camera role and found that one of my extras, Tabitha Bernabe (She's actually a very accomplised artist-but she did me a favor) had quite a flare for high drama and boy did she pour it on with Jon Reichel to egg her on. And guess what? I found a way to use their performance within the footage; they call that a happy accident, I call it Jesus! Thanks Lord.