I was in a writer’s workshop and the “word of the week”, from which we were to write 2-3 pages, was ‘ART’. I wrote a pithy little dialogue which I came across a few years later while cleaning off a shelf and decided it would be a cute little piece for which to make my directorial film debut. I had directed stage several times, but never a film. Unfortunately, we couldn’t come up with a better title, so we stuck with the original ART.

I brought it to Florence Regina who agreed it would be a good first project for me. Florence brought on Marla as co-producer and through Marla we were lucky enough to get the amazing Gina Tognoni for the role of Barbara. I had been a fan of Gina’s from her days as Kelly on One Life To Live and was looking forward to working with her. The casting for Felicia proved difficult as we were lucky enough to have several VERY qualified ladies audition for us. After much discussion (and directorial indecision), we chose the classy and lovely Inger Tudor. Directing these ladies was an absolute pleasure.

We shot in one day on the Panasonic DVX100 shooting in 24P. Naturally, I made several rookie mistakes, but Florence had put together a phenominal crew and the shoot went fairly smoothly if you don’t count the blackout and the noisy painters next door. Thankfully Marla thought to bribe the painters with cake and silence ensued.

Overall, it was a terrific learning experience and I look forward to going back to being in front of the camera where I belong.

Thank you.

Wishing you peace and prosperity,
David Lipson