Shooting is complete. I can breathe again. So...

I have time to actually make my first official written entry into the Rent Blog. It's been a long and an amazing road making this film. I've had some of the best experiences of my cinematic career. Every day coming to work has been a real joy, because I'm working with eight cast members who are incredibly enthusiastic and committed to their performances. I can honestly say that in over 20 years of making films, I have never seen a situation like this, where actors who aren't shooting on a particular day, show up on the set, staying for three or four hours, to support their fellow performers. I'll be shooting a scene with Idina and Tracie, and Adam and Anthony may come by the set, even though they are not working. That is real devotion to a project. All of this somehow translates to film. Each frame is filled with emotion and dedication.

As an obsessive Rent fan, part of the thrill in completing this film, is knowing that in a few months, I'll be able to walk into a movie theater, and watch this film again and again. When I first saw the play, I wanted to come back the very next night Hell, I would have stayed and watched it again, if there was another performance. Somehow, the knowledge that Rent is playing all over the country, at our local cinemas, is very exciting. Now it will be possible to re-live the experience whenever we'd like.

Several days ago, we finished shooting the "Rent" number, which is ironically, one of the last things we shot in the film. It is such a rousing, intense opening for this film. The dailies are very intense and visually exciting. It will be a strong opening for the picture.

Having finished shooting "You'll See" with Taye Diggs, I was struck by his strong musical talent and charm. Also, Taye has an amazing sense of humor, one of the funniest people I've ever spent time with. I don't think a lot of people know that about him. It would be great to some day see him in a comedic role.

The other cast members, as I've said many times, have made my life as a Director very easy. Anthony Rapp lives and breathes the whole spirit of Rent. For me, Anthony is the heart and soul of this group. His focus and intensity are amazing.

Adam Pascal is the only person who ever could have played Roger. He brings an honest rock and roll sensibility to the role. His voice is powerful and awesome. He's a terrific actor.

Idina Menzel is incredibly funny, incredibly charismatic, and has one of the strongest voices I've ever heard in my life. She sparkles onscreen. She's totally unique, and very real.

Wilson Heredia...well...no one looks better in a dress, male or female. And he is absolutely heartbreaking in his performance as Angel. Every nuance and moment of reality that Wilson brought to the stage, he brings to this performance.

Jesse L. Martin. Every time Jesse sings, I'm overcome with emotion. His vocals are rich and filled with intensity. Yet there are two sides to his personality. When he sings "Santa Fe," you get caught up in the charm of his performance. But in the "I'll Cover You" reprise, Jesse can actually make you feel the depths of his pain.

Tracie Thoms, one of our new cast members, is truly one of the brightest new, young performers I've seen in a long time. I think Tracie truly has it all. A gifted comedic actress, she's also an extremely realistic and sensitive dramatic actress with a voice that will make Aretha Franklin jealous.

Rosario Dawson, obviously one of our new cast members, has done a phenomenal job in her portrayal of Mimi. Her vocals on "Out Tonight" are stunning. And she has brought the character of Mimi to life. Her performance is astounding.

As you can tell, I am pretty effusive in my praise of these cast members. But they are all future cinematic superstars. On a personal level, they are also a wonderful group of people. It has been an honor to work with them.

Jesse came up to me at the wrap party in Santa Fe, and said I should form a repertory company with all eight actors. The possibility would be exciting. We could shoot different types of movies together. What do you think? A "Pulp Fiction" or "Star Wars" kinda thing with the Rent cast?

Anyway, now that shooting is complete, I'll log in from time to time and let you know how the editing is going. Thanks for your interest. See you soon. Chris.