Pre-Production Update - Set, action design, script, schedule and actors!

Matt here with a quick update on what we’ve been up to this week. With We’re All Gonna Die’s theatrical run simmering down and Freddie’s Creator Clash fight coming up, pre-production on Nail House has been ramping up. Here’s a quick bullet point list of everything that’s going on:

1. SET:
Our production designer, Erik, has brought on a wonderful set designer and they’ve already made incredible progress fine-tuning the set. We just got some new sketches in, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Here’s a sneak peek:

2. MORE SET:
Yung and I took a day to tape out the measurements from the older blueprint and used all the boxes we had to get a sense of the space. We just want to make absolutely sure the scale of the restaurant is going to work for what we want to do—before we greenlight an expense that’s going to be six figures.

And it’s feeling good! It’s beginning to feel like Mama Wong’s. It’s beginning to feel like we’re going to have a real home for this film.

3. ACTION DESIGN:
While Yung and Freddie are focused on boxing training right now, we’re still ideating on the various fight scenes in the film. We’re currently focusing on the kid’s fight at the top of the movie, as well as Jimmy vs. the lawyers. Just wanted to share these incredible fights from the brilliant Sammo Hung. Somehow, this film was a blind spot for all three of us—but the style, energy, and comedy are so aligned with our aesthetic.

Watch here

4. SCRIPT:
Will and I have broken out all the remaining bits that need to be rewritten and came up with a game plan to get it done. Long story short—we’re aiming to have a version finished by the beginning of June that, at the very least, removes all the old action scene ideas (WAY TOO BIG BUDGET) and incorporates our internal notes. We simply need a script that more accurately reflects the budget as we begin exploring possible outside financing.

Then, in July, we’ll do a full punch-up and polish once Freddie is back from Creator Clash.

5. SCHEDULE:
Due to availability for our stunt team and the need to carve out time for choreography and rehearsal, we’re currently pushing the start of filming from early September to early October. This will shift a few things and likely means we’ll be shooting a week or so after Christmas.

6. ACTORS:
Can’t say too much yet—but we’ve read an actor for Piedmont and one for Freddie’s brother, and we’re very excited about both of them. Once anything is finalized, you’ll be the first to know.

That’s it for now! I’ll also be posting a great discussion with Erik and Bongani later today, where they talk cinematography considerations and set design challenges.

As always, thanks for the support!