"Sounds" Promising!

 

An exciting news update from the official website of my short film, "Cereal for Dinner":

Before I update you on "Cereal's" status, just want to thank everyone again for their EXTREME patience - it's not easy to finish a film, let alone start one. And if you're still visiting this site and looking forward to seeing "Cereal for Dinner" reach it's completion, I am indebted to your support and understanding.

I have been trying to get an engineer to work on the film's audio design and mix for a few months now; however, due to budget constraints and lack of time, I was unable to find someone to commit. Enter fellow filmmaker, cinematographer, and editor, Corey Snyder, who flew in to save the day!

Since Friday, after a meeting to discuss the goals, Corey has been working on mixing the voices in the edit, to make sure everything sounds level, crisp and clear. The next steps will be the hardest: layering sound effects and music along with the voices to create an atmosphere that will bring "Cereal for Dinner" to life.

A big thanks to Corey; be sure to check out his other work here!
And stay tuned as we get closer to the premier of the film. I'm excited to finally bring the finished product to everyone!

New "Cereal for Dinner" Site!

Good news: my NYU 16mm thesis film, "Cereal for Dinner" (formerly titled "Day of Embers") is nearing its post-production completion!

It's been a long time coming, and I appreciate everyone's patience as we work on the finishing touches of sound and color correction. This site is a way of paying my respects to a group of fantastic people that have helped in so many ways to make this film happen.

So, without further adieu, I invite you to visit "Cereal for Dinner's" official website! Here you'll find everything on the "Cereal" world:

• Trailer
• Production Stills
• Schedule
• Film Supporters
• Cast/Crew
• Updates on the Film's Progress

Later on, we hope to keep track of film festival entries, as well as premieres. In addition, I have added links to our crew's professional websites, so you can check out what else they've been up to.

Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions or leave suggestions about things that can be added to the site. And most of all, thank you once again for your ongoing faith in the film: it's a long journey, but it's worth the time. I hope you will agree.

DOE Update: New Title Christened + Music

Just thought I'd pass on the good word that my film DOE ("Day of Embers") has officially been re-titled "Cereal for Dinner."

This was a decision made based on the following:

a.) "Day of Embers" sounds like a post-apocalyptic epic thriller, whilst my film is about two kids, a sprinkler, and a lawnmower that happens to catch fire. It doesn't need the fanfare.

b.) I wanted a title that tied into the childhood theme and that meshed with the message; I was having dinner with Ryan and my producer, Josh, when I started talking about my family (which is what the script was based on) and the fact that we were so chaotic and odd that we used to eat cereal for dinner frequently. A lightbulb appeared over each of our heads, and the title was born.

In addition to re-vamping the title, I have been trying to rework the edit to make it shorter and more engaging. Unfortunately, I can't do any sound design until the edit has been finalized, and it desperately needs it better sound. In some ways I feel this is hindering the actual editing process, but I have no choice but to cut what I can as is.

One thing I have been trying to do to help with the flow is to incorporate some music beforehand to get a feel of where I want it and how it can be utilized to affect the emotions portrayed onscreen. Ryan has put together one main theme to use throughout to represent the kids; it has a very bittersweet, ethereal, summer sound. I am also experimenting with some other songs he's created before that are more fast paced (see original trailer) to hype the energy up for the scenes with the parents arguing and lawnmower climax.

Check out Ryan's new track (and other music) here!

"Day of Embers" Edit Halfway Done!

Just thought I'd share with you all the good news; I have finished editing the 1st half of the film, and will be done soon! Once we have this 2nd edit completed, sound design and color correction will begin. I am trying to find time in between working my 10 hour days (and that's when I'm lucky to get out on time) so that I can get this baby going.

For now, I can use all of your help in trying to find a good title. I know I've said it before, but "Day of Embers" just ain't cuttin' it. It doesn't do the film's story any justice, which at the very basic is a story of a girl growing up and facing everyday family problems. I had toyed around with "little earthquakes," but you guys tell me what you think.

Meanwhile, I'll continue to keep everyone posted! Thanks again for all your ongoing support!

"Day of Embers" Trailer Out!

When a mini disaster strikes, Katy's family undergoes a true role reversal. Why can't she just be a kid?

"Day of Embers" [Working Title]

DIRECTOR: Tara Rose Stromberg
EDITOR: Phil Chernyak
PRODUCERS: James Morrison, Joshua Goolsby
DP: Andrew Willis
MUSIC: Ryan Haupt

ACTORS:
Gianna Dafflisio (Katy)
Jason Schulmann (Peter)
Chris McNamara (Glenn)
Rebecca Hailey (Lorraine)

"Day of Embers" + Prospectus

The script for my NYU senior thesis, "Day of Embers" [Working Title] was something I had been working on for almost a year beforehand, inspired by true childhood events at the Stromberg household. Everything was shot in New Jersey in September of 2007 over a span of two weekends.

But it took a lot of pre-production to get this project off the ground. At the time, I was still in college and was also assistant producing the A&E Biography on Jennifer Lopez. I was aided by my producers James Morrison and Josh Goolsby, as well as Amos Poe (my thesis professor) and my dad, Jim Stromberg, who worked pretty much as field producer in NJ.

Below is the film prospectus that was sent out to potential investors the summer before the shoot. It was sent within a school folder, accompanied by a personal letter from me and a DVD of my works. As a result of our presentation, along with a stipend from Tisch School of the Arts, we raised $3,000.00 for the budget!

Thanks to everyone who supported us. More updates to come soon as we keep chuggin' along!

P.S. Anybody got any ideas for a new title? Something that really fits the story...I think "Day of Embers" is a little too

Film Updates To Come

I have to take the time out to not only acknowledge my fellow film-sters, but also remind everyone that "Day of Embers" [Working Title] is still chuggin' along. There have been so many updates in the past year or two, both with my works and those of friends (Daydreamer Productions) and I think they deserve some recognition. We are, after all, filmmakers, and we're working hard every day to pursue our visions. And we have all of you to thank!