September-December 2005

ELP moves full speed ahead with the editing process and finishes out 2005 with rough cuts for 5 sections of the film, approximately 55 minutes. Wow! So much work...and still plenty to come.

Highlight of this fall was undoubtedly our amazing trip to Atlanta, GA, where we spent three days following James around--watching him in action on a gig, seeing his home and meeting his family. We shot 5 hours of footage and already edited it down to a great 11 minute piece on Atlanta's best balloon twister.

ELP had great hosts in Hotlanta who helped us keep down expenses and showed us around town. We repaid them with swag and free balloon twisting lessons. Thanks Jason, Michael (and co.), Stacy and Beth!

Our Terrific Hosts in Hotlanta

Jason Thomas showing his Wash U pride


Michael Bergman shows off his balloon likeness


The classic balloon dog


Gaspar supports Eliot Lives with his new swag


Stacy Braukman and balloon Sandra Bernhardt

Filming "The Magic of Mr. Me: Featuring One Cool Clown"


At the Atlanta Boys and Girls Club


A happy balloon recipient

Meeting the Family


James Sister-In-Law


Nephew and Niece


James Passing the baton to Leron

May-August 2005

The editing process continued this summer with the help of our assistant editing team. Two new Boston-based editors (Ann and Ann) helped us string together new sections of the film. After much tweaking and late night editing, we completed a 20 minute rough assembly of the film, which we hope will attract potential investors.

Laura, our New York-based editor, helped us finish editing one of our main stories. We celebrated with a trip to the Brooklyn Cyclones game. Cyclones won.

A sweet Power G4 Macintosh with Final Cut Pro is the latest addition to Eliot Lives. It helped us complete the open of our film, which features a quick look at how novice balloon twisters do when handed a balloon and a pump.

March-April 2005

Welcome to ELP's Assistant Editing Team!
Sara and Naomi meet for an intensive work weekend of editing with Assistant Editor Laura as well to do pre-production work for our three new Assistant Editors. Paper edits for two new sections of the film are handed off to the new editing team! We are still aiming to complete the film in time to submit to the Sundance Film Festival in September 2005.

Music and Animation!
Jason DeWaard begins composing music for Section #1 of film. Animator Eric Rosenbaum starts preliminary work on creating an animated open for the film.

$$$$
ELP does serious brainstorming about how to raise the necessary $40K to complete the film. Aside from small fundraising parties this summer, we are hoping to find a investor who would really like to see this film achieve its potential...if you know of anyone who may be interested (or if you are interested yourself!) please email us. And remember, you can always check out our SUPPORT THE FILM section of this website.

January-February 2005

TWISTED Does Dallas
ELP completes its 7th major shoot with a trip to Texas. First stop was in Dallas where Sara and Naomi followed up with John the Balloon Man, a reknown twister and gospel balloon minister.


David, John the Balloon Man's grandson, gives ELP a hand with audio.


John the Balloon Man


Dallas Twisters Jam

Twist and Shout 2005
ELP brings a team of five, including new crew members Kendra Dorty, Lacy Pischke and Raj Daftry, to the internationally known balloon twisting convention, Twist and Shout. Some amazing balloon twisting, fascinating interviews and 37 more hours of fantastic footage! Many twisters were excited and anxious to see the final product--we are well on our way!


ELP Austin crew


Brian tests out the balloon throne


Charlie outside ELP's hotel studio


Interviewing in Studio 535


James shows off some new creations


Vera's competition piece






1st Place winner--Large sculpture


Raj takes a sip from a giant balloon beer mug


Lacy gets close with balloon Brad Pitt


ELP's Austin crew learns the three-twist dog