The Mill and the Cross

We are so going to see this movie this week.  Maybe even today.
Michael York, Rutger Hauer & Charlotte Rampling . . . yes.  Doing Breugel, oh yes.

Casting Swordspoint Audiobook 2

First of all, my deepest thanks to everyone who posted or sent me suggestions for actors you thought could voice the characters in the 5 chapters we're doing Full Cast for the Swordspoint audiobook (narrated - and all the other 18 chapters entirely voiced - by me). Even when we couldn't get your specific actors, your thoughts were so useful, because they helped both my producer and me to get a sense of how you all see those characters - it did make a difference who we did consider, in the end.

We've got a glorious bunch of possibles now, and are going to be confirming them all this week. 

But I just had to sneak in and tell you about someone we auditioned lately. A really fine actor, possibly not unknown to you (though not on anyone's list; he's worked with Sue before, and she loves him).  It was by phone, from our recording studio.  He read Richard St Vier.  I put my scarf over my face so that Sue, who was directing him, couldn't be influenced (for good or ill) by my expression.

When the call was over, my first words - and I pray you will not repeat this to anyone - were:  "I am coming in my pants."

Yes.  That sexy.  Maybe it was the headphones.  But you'll be listening to the Book on headphones, won't you?

Is it  really my idea of Richard's voice?  Maybe a little richer and deeper that I imagined.  Richard's hard to nail - I'm not even sure I'm succeeding as I read the text - though my Alec is just fine, thanks.  I think it's going to be a real challenge for the actors to do those two - especially as they're only doing selected scenes.  And in the end, I think it's important that their appeal communicate to the listener.  You can have any reaction to the characters you like - I know there's a Team Richard and a Team Alec - and a Team These Guys are Appalling What Do You See In Them! - but I need them to be Hot.

My fingers are now firmly crossed!

Here are some photos of me in my wee recording booth in Brooklyn.

Japanese teapot? You can pack socks around it.

If you've been wondering what to bring me on your next trip back from Japan - may I suggest a red clay teapot?  Kind of like this one, but without the dorky painting?   Over there, they are very cheap.  We had one I loved, but I broke it.  (Note:  Tile kitchen floors are charming, but bid farewell to anything you drop on one.)  I've been looking everywhere here for one, from the Japanese Mall in New Jersey to various online places - but apparantly they are just too commonplace to bother importing.  

Ours was a bit more lowslung - and smallish, so that it held just 2 cups of tea, which is perfect for 2 people, as the technique is to pour out each pot before refilling it.

Just sayin'.

P.S.  Of course I'll pay you back!  I'm shameless, but I'm not that shameless.