yay! im first to comment :-D omg everytime i read this blog I get a little more happy about the chooses that seemed to be completly insane to me at the begining o god i cant wait :-D only like 200 more days........ok i cant wait that long

-josh

Anthony, thanks for the info. I'm really getting excited about this movie. I can't wait to see everything your saying and hope it is as good as your making it sound.

Anthony you are too good to us. I hope everything goes well and as to winning any awards, this movie has the content to move mountains and will probably do that when the time comes. I hope everything is going well (but i can see that it already is)! Enjoy yourself, stay safe, and thank you a million times over for spoiling us with your blogs!!

~*Kayla

can't wait to see it either. Batman forever was great :)

Hi Anthony!
Its so great to hear about Rent and how you're doing. Also, thank you so much for updating so regularly. I can't tell you how much it means to all your fans. We really feel like we're part of the whole process.
~Lisa
P.S. Tell everyone else to write in their blogs too. I'd love to hear everyone's opinions and about the scenes that they're shooting without you (since you always give us suck a good idea bout whats going on when you're there.)

Greetings from Western Pennsylvania!

Your posts always make me smile. ^_^ I can't wait for the movie to come out since my total exposure to Rent consists of the internet, my copy of the OBCR, and a very energetic retelling/ amusing reenacting of the entire story by one of my friends who HAS seen it. I already plan to ditch classes on Nov. 11th to see the earliest showing I can. This is not an idea that pleases my mother. ^_^

But yeah, for we poor little Rent virgins loafing around the boonies of PA, this movie is going to be a godsend. Hm...Batman Forever is probably my favorite of the Batman movies too. It was absolutely beautiful. This is going to be great.

So...thanks for the delightful posts! They make my day. Have fun filming! *glomps*

-Mary

Hey, great to hear from you again. I was starting to think maybe you'd forgotten about us. ^_^

As always, it seems that everything's going well. If there's one scene I wish I could be there for the filming of, it's Halloween. I'm expecting details! ^_~

Take care of yourself and keep up the great work!

Thanks for the updates Anthony. I'm so exited about the movie! I REALLY appreciate you giving us all of the news on all the scenes. Keep going, have fun, and don't forget us!

i can't believe what anthony is saying. it just makes me even prouder to be a RENThead. :) it really sounds like they have a good thing on their hands. i was quite worried that it was gonna suck, but so far it just sounds great. thank you for your posts anthony. btw, did everyone read when Gwen Stewart wrote in Wilson's blog? That was pretty cool that she discovered the blog, though I'm quite :( that she's not doing the film. We shall see if Tracie Thoms (i believe that's her name) will do Joanne Jefferson justice. -- no day but today :)

Thank you so much Anthony for that update. It is wonderful to see how how this movie is progressing as well as seeing the tracks that will be on it. Please, Update whenever you get a chance--- And tell everyone else to!

wow it sounds like you are having a great time making this film!!!! a lot of people were really reluctant when they heard RENT was being filmed, and they all thought " its going to suck" but ill tell ya, when i heard about this project i was sooo excited!!! and with every passing day, and every update on the movie i get even more excited! this blog was such a great idea!!! kudos to the person who came up with the idea! and kudos to the cast for posting in it! hope all is well with you Anthony, and the rest of the cast!! cant wait to hear more about the film, and more importantly i cant wait for the film to be released!! talk to you later!!!
much love and peace
Ginno

Do I hear an Oscar buzzzzzz...

Hi Anthony!

First of all, I am new to this blog, but I want to say that I am very excited about the film version of "Rent". It's hard to imagine that someone so talented once played the great character Daryl Coopersmith - I lived on "Adventures In Babysitting" growing up But I won't talk about your former works here... I just want to thank you for all your delightful posts regarding the production of the film. You're fantastic! The movie, though due out in November, sounds wonderful - keep up the good work and can't wait to hear from you again!

Thank you again for the updates and take care!

~Taylor~

Anthony,
I'm so thrilled that a friend refered me to this web site! Tomorrow evening I will be leaving on a flight to San Francisco! As my wish with the "Make A Wish Foundation" I will be playing an extra in filming Monday May 23t and Tuesday 24th! I am absolutely overjoyed for the experience yet to come!!! I hope we'll get to meet!
See you soon!

- Emily

Hey Anthony,

Just want to let you know that Australia is thinking of you to, I have been a masive RENT fan for the past 9 years, RENT was the first musical I had ever seen (Sydney cast), and falling in love with it so much I have now have performed in many musicals since.
the only word I can say to you is THANKYOU, and times it by a number only the universe knows. You have been such a strong role model for me! Ever since pressed play on my RENT cd ,Over the 9 years...As we all do, I have been through some tough times over my journey through life but all i would have to do is press play on the RENT cd and have all my worries fade away. I have worn both disc 1 and 2 of my first cd because i had played it so much but what can i say thankgod for Ipods : ) one last thing do you have any idea if the due release on the 11/11 is nationwide? or will I be waiting a good somtime after, I would love to find out if you have any idea :) so I can introduce my friends to the wonderful world of RENT. keep smiling, Peace and I wish you the best of luck.

Brett (Sydney - Australia)

Hello Mr. Whiteboy Spice!

I get so excited reading your posts, I have never in my life been more psyched about a movie! Have a blast filming, and thanks so much for keeping us updated...you rock!

Thank you so much for keeping all of us fans updated! I cannot wait for this movie. In fact, its going to be a field trip for the drama group at my college! I love this musical and cannot wait to see it with most of the original cast!

Thanks so much for keeping us up to date as to whats going on...i cant wait for this to hit the big screen...i already have that whole weekend marked off for at least 2 or 3 viewings...yes i really am that excited about it!!! Keep us up to date!!!!

Hey, there!

Anthony, I've been reading what you posted at the other blog you kept for a while - as long as they let you ;-) - where you were giving detailed accounts of what's been going on on the set... and there's but one major thing I wanna say: THANK YOU!
You have this precious gift for letting the feelings and atmospheres sip through your own words, and I'm extremely grateful for this very unique perspective on the filming of 'Rent' you're sharing with us. I think I'm one of the newest members of the huge 'Rent' family, yet I'm appreciating every single tiny bit of all this... I think the day the movie is released and we get to see it, we'll be all remembering your posts and thinking 'oh, this must be that detail Anthony told us about' and so on. And this also reminds me that I'll have to book a flight to an English-speaking country in advance, so I can avoid the wait (and dubbing?!) coming with an Italian release...

Andy

Hello Anthony!

Great to hear that the movie looks great. I can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks for the post :-)

This just keeps getting better and better. I swear. Anthony, FYI- some friends and I, after seeing you in Hedwig in Pittsburgh, changed the much overused "thank God!" phrase to "Thank Anthony!" It just stuck and we still say it, years later! Seriously, thank God for you! Thanks for updating and spoiling all your fans! You're incredible!

RENT HEADS- only 179 days till the movie!

**MEASURE YOUR LIFE IN LOVE... NO DAY BUT TODAY!

Wow... seriously bouncing off the walls now. This is making me go nuts! Why is it only May? I wish it was November...

At the risk of being cheesy- you've got tons of fans over here in Elgin waiting for this movie! I swear, half of my friends are counting the days, and obviously happy that most of the OBC(and a fellow person from Illinois :)) is doing the filming.

Hey Anthony, do you know if theres going to be a trailer anytime soon? I'm sure everyone is just as anxious for it as I am :)

I am a class A Renthead and god am I excited for this movie!!

*~*~Lauren~*~*

Mmm it's so nice to see another blog from you. It's so exciting to hear more! Over the Moon...hehe that'll be fun. Only thing to do is jump over the mooooooooo! I never quite understood that. But its still awesome. Hope you guys have fun. be safe. God Bless.
~ Lindsey C. ~

It's so awesome to hear about the progress of the film. Knowing how much is completed, and how much is on its way to being filmed seems to make the experience that much more real.

Thanks for sticking with the fans, Anthony. You know we love you for it. :-D

By the way, I recently bought Look Around. I've been listening to it constantly, ha!

Anthony i'm so excited!!

:)

thanks for the updates, Im so ecited for the film, I havn't seen the show yet but i plan to this summer.

Please try to get others to post as well it would be nice to hear form others!

Wow. Hearing about this project makes this stressful day SO MUCH BETTER! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this with us. :D

Thanks for the update. You're a really dedicated writer, or it least it seems that way! :-)

Anthony, you're wonderful :)
Thanks so much for keeping us updated and putting in your two cents w/ the filming. You're missed over at BWW, but it's so nice of you to still update. It's greatly appreciated.
Much love and luck, Kellie :)

I can't even BEGIN to tell you how freggin' excited I am about this movie. I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, as many I knew were, but I've been hearing such great things from you that I think all of my fears have subsided. I just about started jumping up and down in my seat, squeaking when I read this!

God bless, Anthony. And continue the great work!

I think it's great that this movie is being made.
And honestly, I'm not sure I'd be seeing it if some of the original cast were not included...
especially Anthony and Jesse.

Much love,
KC

Anthony,
Wow. This is just amazing! I'm so excited about this movie! Your updates are really the high-light of my day! It's truly is amazing to hear about the whole experience of making a movie and one of this magnitude is just awesome. I love that you keep the fans informed. It's really...surprising at times to hear things from the actor's perspective. It sounds like everything is going well and I'm grateful for the updates. Oh! Exciting news! Well...compared to what you're doing, it might not be that exciting but my school might do "You're a good man, Charlie Brown" next year for our musical! I brought it up (not thinking that it would go over well) but my music teacher liked the idea. We just have to see if it's worth getting the rights and all that. Considering the small cast, it might not be worth it (although I think that even if we did lose money, the experience itself would be worth it) and seeing as how our school is already strapped for cash as it is, it might not be the best musical to do (finacially, that is). If we did do it, it'll be, without a doubt, the best experience of my life. LOL. I think that since you're sharing what's going on in your life, some of the fans should reciprocate. Well, that's enough about me. Just came but once again to show my appreciation and admiration. Can't wait for your next entry.
-Crystal

OMG, i am DROOLING!!!! this is the first comfirmation i've seen that you all are REALLY using all the songs in the film! i am ELATED. omg. there are no words to explain. im so happy youve moved to filming in NY, im sure theres no way we'll be able to tell it wasnt all filmed there. and gorgeous cinematography is one of those things that makes me love a film :D this sounds so amazing. keep up the hard work! all your fans are rooting for you.

good luck on that Tango, and the Riot!!!!!

Ok, so obviously Anthony, your post is postdated.

"Tango:Maureen" is done (and whoa .. what a dazzler!)

And "Over The Moon" was shot a few weeks ago already now ... 'the riot .. a little nutty' ? is that an understatement or what?

You so rock!

Don't forget to let everyone know that Stephen Goldblatt also won the Golden Globe for Cinematography for "Angels In America" ... such a masterpiece...

Keep us posted.

~R

Hey,
I just want to take this opportunity to thank you Anthony, Julie and the rest of the cast for making the "Rentheads" feel part of the filming of this very special project. As a Rent fan from Australia, it's been a project we've talked about, debated about, even argued about for some time, and I can't think of a better cast to do the movie. I'm sure it will be very true to what Jonathan Larson would have wanted, and I am looking forward SO much to the release. We Rent fans over here in sunny Oz, would love for you to come to open it here...will that be happening?
Best wishes for the rest of the shoot, and thank you for taking the time and sharing your experiences.
Much love,
Sarah E xxx

Thank you for another post Anthony, I'm so incredibly excited for this movie (I have never anticipated something this much my entire life). Hope you all have fun filming, wherever you may be. Elyse. No day but today.

Wow! I was excited about this before, but reading about how much you've gotten done has gotten me even more excited! I can't wait to see this. I mean, I was too young to see the original cast perform and now I finally can! Rock on! Thanks for the update, Anthony.
Love, Laura
PS: Mark is my favorite character! ...just thought I'd let you know. -^_^-

YAY! thanks so much for the post Anthony! You made my day! I'm so glad it's going well. And with everything you've been telling us, this movie is going to be more incredible than I could ever dream (and believe me, I've dreamed a lot!). Thanks again for posting and I can't wait to find out more!
love
Chelsea

Hey Anthony,

Thanks for the info as always. :-) Always such a pleasure to read. It's been really great being able to have this little peak into the making of the RENT movie. Although tonight we get our first real glimpse of footage on Access Hollywood which I can't wait to see. :-D Anyways, take care and have fun with filming the riot scenes and Over the Moon! Sounds insane but fun.

Best wishes
-Mika

Anthony!
you are so kind to take time out of your busy schedules to let all of us know what is going on. I can't tell you how much rent has meant to me and how inspiring all of you are. I can't wait for the movie i've wanted to see the the obc for so long! thanks again for keeping us all updated! I can't wait for more!
-rae

Hope you have a blast filming and thanks for the post. We all appreciate it and look forward to future posts and, of course, the movie. Take care.

Anthony ~~ I want to add my thank you to all those others above me for sharing the making of the amazing movie with us.

I so look forward to seeing this and you in it - it'll be like we're friends and that I know you personally - when I finally do get to see it.

I'm in awe of the talent in this production.

Thank you, so much, for sharing this with us.

~~Bobbie~~~

I can already imagine how beautiful the scenes are. I am counting the days!!! Rent is so beautiful, and if anyone but you original(mostly) guys were trying to pull this off, it would be a dissapointment, but you guys are the real deal
sara

Anthony,

i just wanted to thank you for putting us rentheads at ease.
the thought of them making a movie terrified me (specially when i heard that justin timberlake, christina aguliera and beyonce? where gonna be in it) but y ou just put me so at ease. its so reassuring knowing that the cast who worked iwth jonathon originally is so behind this project.

on behalf of rentheads all over the world. us who truly appreciate the beauty behind the play and appreciate everything that the play has to offer. thank you for putting me at ease.

-wendy-

Anthony,
Thank you for your insight on the filming of "Rent" the movie. I consider myself somewhat of a "Rent-head" (no disresprect to TRUE ones)having only seen the production various times in LA, La Jolla (LA Premiere) NY and London. I was VERY concered when I heard a film was being produced as I was not certain if the true bohemian essence would be appropriately captured much less respected. Well, after seeing the excerpt on Access Hollywood, (was it?)I for one am RELIEVED to hear not only the majority of the original Broadway cast has been cast but Mr. Columbus will remain true to the original concept. Knowing that has brought me to tears as I don't know one person who cannot relate to this amazing musical in one way or another.

Thanks Again Anthony! I look forward to your blog and perhaps one from Jesse L. Martin regarding your experience on this much awaited film.

Thank you

Thank you so much for the update. The more I hear, the more excited I get for this film to come out. I already have plans to travel two hours to see it on November 11th with my best friend!

I'm counting the months, weeks and even days until the movie's release. I've been a RENThead for just over five years thanks to my chorus teacher introducing me to a RENT medley. I may have had a late start (only since late 1999) but the show has been a large part of my dramatic development and a favorite in my collection of showtunes. I can't wait to see it unfold on the big screen.

YES! *dances that the Mark Roger fight is done...has a certain affinity for it....don't ask*
Sounds great...and amazing...and terrific, specatular, thrilling...*inserts synonyms here*
Yay, can we hope for a photography book, Anthony? As a grand-offspring of a professional and semi-professional photographer, I'm always interested in different point of view. Besides, I've barely left Florida, anything that takes me to New York, or Italy, or France, or Eygpt. or any islands is good to me.
Yay for "Over The Moon"....*looks around, smiles* MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (and I will moo in the movie theatre)

Yay! I check back here after so long and there's TWO new updates...life doesn't get any better than this! You're the best, Anthony, thanks for updating for us!!! =8-D

My sisters middle school choir is doing a charlie brown medley and she WONT STOP SINGING, driving me nuts. You're a much better charlie brown than she is.

WhiteBoySpice,

I am so glad to see a post from you. It certainly has been a while. With the website starting and all its just cementing the fact that this movie is actually going to be out in theaters. So glad to see you writing again.

Jack

anthony-

i am a long-time fan of rent... i've seen it over a dozen times, and it played a big part of my adolescence. i have met so many friends through this show - actually, when you played at uncommon grounds ofter market days in chicago a few years ago, we went to watch (bravo, btw...) and i just wanted to say that i was VERY skeptical of a rent movie from day one... until i found out that so many members of the OBC were onboard. when in the history of movie musicals has that happened? never! it was a bold move, and reassures me that this film will be the next level for this show!

anthony,

just wanted to say i'm a big fan, and i loved your episode of "the x-file" a few years ago.

im not sure if you will even see this post, but on the off-chance that you do: whats it like working with chris columbus again, being its been almost 20 years since "adventures in babysitting"? is there a sort of "short hand" between the two of you in terms of being directed, since you've worked together already?

thanks!

-rod

I can't ay I'm a die heard fan of yours.... but i absolutely love oyu in Rent and I'm probably going to have a panic attack the night it comes out.

I'm really excited to see all you guys do your thing. As everyone else, I don't know if you'll read this, but if you do, do you think this production will convey the same spirit as the stage production? I'm glad to see from your list of songs that nothing's being drastically cut or changed. Hope all is well! You rock dude.

i'll admit, i was a little nervous about rent becoming a film, but once the casted the obc, i was estatic. i have total faith that this movie is going to be amazing. and from what you've said, it will be. i can't wait for the release.

anthony!

i'm a huge fan of all your work, and i'm sooo looking forward to the movie. and i can assure you, it will be my all time favorite, since rent is my all time favorite musical! i was actually lucky enough to meet you after one of your AMAZING performances in little shop in LA. if you remember, i was one of the 5 screaming girls who sweet talked their way passed the stage door, and wouldn't shut up about how we did charlie brown over the previous summer. ( :

best of luck on all your future projects, i know i'm looking forward to them!

-Jessie

OMG. Rent Blog. So happy. In tears. Love you so much. Thank you so much. I shall read this religiously.

*hugs*
~Lausy~

Anthony,
i am a huge fan of your work and this film seems like it is going to be incredible! I can't wait to see it because I am a huge Renthead and so are a few of my friends! We can't thank you guys enough for everything that you've done! Keep up the awesome work!

Jaimie

Anthony,

First of all many thanks for your message and I've heard the cinematographer Stephen Goldblatt has done 'Batman Forever' and 'Angels In America'.

I think that he has done an amazing job of bringing 'Rent' to the big screen with Chris Columbus directing.

At the moment I'm planning a secret surprise for you but I'm not going to tell you.

Anyway until next time.

So long Daryl Coopersmith,

Lwazi

Ah, okay so I have been on a mission for the past...five hours to get as much information on the movie as possible (no not just for me, my friend lacks on having a computer...thing) anyway, I just wanted to let all of you know that I am so completly excited with what I am hearing. I cannot wait to see the trailer and thank you so much for being enthusiastic about the movie, like you wouldn't be. I cannot wait to see how years of waiting have paid off come Novemeber and I am glad that the original cast members will be playing the parts of the beloved characters. Updates are amazing so please continue them.
All the best,
Jen

Wow, thanks for all the information on shooting the show. I cannot wait to see the movie, my friends and I have been talking about since we heard. I greatly appreciate you taking time out of you busy day to give us the info.
Love,
Meghan

Anthony,

I saw RENT for the first time on my birthday in 1997, and have never been as moved by another performance. The fact that there will be a RENT film for us to enjoy is a gift, and I have always appreciated your incredible talent and that of the rest of the cast. Having had the opportunity to meet you during a Gay/Straight Alliance meeting at my high school that you attended and Jesse Martin at a cafe I worked in (around the same time), I feel that you all are truly wonderful people who take the time to address important issues (or just say a friendly hello) to those around you-always- and that is quite admirable.

I am so so very excited for the film, and I have no doubt that it will have as great an impact as the show.

Julie, Brooklyn NY

Wow...just- wow...
It's been said, over and over, but I'll say it again: I'm SO excited for Rent to come out as a movie...I'm a devout fan of the musical, and so I wasn't a bit anxious about how it would be when I found out most of the original cast would be in it. I just- the musical brought so much to the people who have seen it; just the whole message behind it- and especially Jonathan Larson's own story that goes with it- and so, well, I'm glad it's going to be more widely spread and...I'm just EXCITED!
Wow, I sound like a squealing fangirl- which I am, I'll proudly admit. I've been addicted to the OBC CD since I first heard it a few years ago, and...alright, I won't write my essay here, but- just- THANK YOU ALL! It really means a lot, to everyone.
~Molly

as many others have said they will, lets all promise that we will moo at the top of our lungs when we all see this incredible movie!!!

xoxo
Grace

Aw, Tango Maureen. I have got to dig out my CD, cuz I need some serious Karaoke time now. Good job, and uh.... HURRY UP!

Hey Everyone!
First, let me just say that I am LOVING this blog! Such a great idea!
I have a question: as I was just listening to my soundtrack and counting down until the movie (too long!), I'm wondering how "Season's of Love" is going to be incorporated into the film. On stage it makes a great opener for act 2, obviously, but it is somewhat seperate from the flow of the storyline. Will the film keep it in it's show order or use it elsewhere? Just wondering! :-)

Anthony. Thank you so much for the info, i've just checked out the trailer and OH MY GOD, i was about to cry just with it, i guess i have to take kleenex with me at the opening date. It's really cool that even when you shoot u keep sending us info, thanx a lot, and thank you and the rest of the cast for making this giving yourselfs and the 110 % in every take cuz that will be showing every day in my dvd player. take care..and if i haven't thanked you..thanx!
by the way mexico cant wait..i guess will have to go to the border to see it

Anthony,

In a previous blog, you wrote about actors singing all day. Are some of the songs being sung live on film, rather than lip-synched?

Bill

That's a good question from Bill, I've been wondering the same thing. Put it in your next post?

Do you read these? Haha. I hope so.

Jesus, I wish I was you. ANY of you. Preferably one of the girls, but I'd settle for a penis if I could be in Rent with all of you. Hehe.

Being on the set sounds AMAZING, especially being with (most of) your family, wow. I only wish I was lucky. You have had such an experience, it must have changed you so much...it touched and changed ME, and I've never actually been in it (though I strive to some day).

The memory of the show, with the help of the film, WILL LIVE ON.

Have an amazing time

Love Always and Forever,
~Serena~

I really can't wait to see "What You Own". That has to be my favorite Mark and Roger song in the whole thing. It was one of the first songs I learned when I was trying to memorize the cast album. (Almost there!)

You guys are really wonderful to be doing this. I've been showing the trailer to any person who I can show it too (even if it includes chaining them to the comp. Um, I mean... what prisoners?). This movie will be a great way for people who normally wouldn't be able to see Rent to see it.

omg, i recently just saw RENT and boy, did i love it!!! i am practically in LOVE with the soundtrack and fantisize meeting all of the oringinal cast members (ok, so i'm obsessed!) my friend Stephanie also saw it with me and we vowed to see the movie togather. i just wanted to know i support you and all of the cast members (encluding the crew)110%. please share this comment with the other cast members and sent them my love and good luck. by the way, i LOVE la vie boheme!!!! c u l8r, cant wait 4 the movie!
x's and o's
mary (number 1 12-yr-old rent fan :) )