That was a line from the movie, if it stays in, and I keep thinking of it these past two days. Yesterday was our last day of filming Austenland. After the last shot, the crew gathered onto set and there was cheering, applause, some dancing to Nelly, and tears. I was surprised by my own emotion. I wasn't just tearing up. I was full on chin quivering, face hiding, throat sobbing. The whole project just felt so blessed. As so many people told me, this was one of the most enjoyable movies they were ever on, and many said it was THE most enjoyable. It was just such a lovely cast, lovely crew, lovely director. So great there were no huge egos to bring everyone down. The mood trickles down from the top, and our folks on top were relaxed, competent, and a joy to work with.
I'm so thankful I got to experience this. And I'm so ready to be home. Seven weeks is a long time to be away from half of my family. I want to run home and hug them and snuggle them and stay home for a long, long time.
This ending is so much better than the bittersweet sadness of the last day of summer camp. Camp never happens again, but there's still so much to look forward to with this project. The movie! There will be a movie! How cool to be with dozens of professionals in various fields, all working together to make something. And it's something we can share with all of you. And our families and friends. Perhaps I'll be able to go to a premiere! And that will feel like a reunion.
And there's still the wrap party. I have a new dress...
Can't wait to see the movie. I always recommend the book to people.
Posted by: Heather Moore | August 27, 2011 at 09:21 AM
i, for one, want to see the dress! i can't help it, i'm a girl :) i know it will be so wonderful to be back home again with your family and what an amazing experience you'll have to talk about! i'm so happy for you! CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE!!! you better believe i'll have a ticket for the opening show here in little old logan, ut!
Posted by: jen bryner | August 27, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Congratulations! Will you show it at Sundance first? I hope it makes it to ATL. The new Jane Eyre movie was only shown in ONE theater here. (In a city of over 4 million??!!) If I have to, I'll fly to SLC to see this!
Posted by: Nicolekrell_ | August 27, 2011 at 09:54 AM
I can't wait for this one to come out. I hope it comes to my city too!
Posted by: Laree @ Ever Heard of Euless | August 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Thank you for sharing about filming and your exrerience. It has been such a lovely treat to read & experience the fun.
Posted by: Connie | August 27, 2011 at 10:09 AM
So exciting! This has cheered me up. :)
Posted by: Christen | August 27, 2011 at 10:44 AM
I love the book and I can't wait to see the movie!
Posted by: Loretta Torossian | August 27, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Congratulations! I'm so excited to see the movie. Do you have any idea how big the release will be?
Posted by: Annie | August 27, 2011 at 11:06 AM
yeah for you and back to the land of your wee ones and a big one too. Loved getting your take on set and can't wait for more. Safe travels.
Posted by: amy | August 27, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Woohoo! I too hope it comes to my town.
Ah! I love a new dress! Post a picture if you can!
Posted by: Ruby Diamond | August 27, 2011 at 01:15 PM
Oh, I cannot wait to see it. I cannot wait to OWN it. I am glad it was such a wonderful experienced. I am sure it is going to be fabulous. I cannot wait!
Posted by: Tasha | August 27, 2011 at 04:49 PM
Maybe an LA premiere? I might have to go ogle from the fan section. :D So happy that it went so well for you. I can't wait to see it!
Posted by: MelissaPete | August 27, 2011 at 05:13 PM
I'm so excited! I can't wait to see the movie! Every time I'm in a bookstore I go and find your books and nudge them into a more noticeable position on the shelves.
Posted by: melody | August 27, 2011 at 05:52 PM
That sounds like so much fun:)
Posted by: Bryan Beus | August 27, 2011 at 08:32 PM
Is it a wrap dress?
Posted by: Cait | August 27, 2011 at 09:23 PM
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Posted by: d | August 27, 2011 at 09:27 PM
I have so enjoyed reading your updates from one set and I'm happy it was such a great experience for you. Enjoy the wrap party - hope you get to have a few more sausage rolls and Mr kipling cakes :)
Posted by: Alexa | August 28, 2011 at 01:29 AM
This has been so much fun to read about! I am so excited to see it! I also want to see the dress if at all possible. :) I love you!
Posted by: Ashley R. | August 29, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I am so happy that you were able to have this opportunity. And I'm glad you'll be back with your family soon; I can't imagine how tough that has been. Austenland will make a fabulous movie and I can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Melissa Lemon | August 29, 2011 at 09:25 PM
I'm going to miss the Austenland filming posts. But I'm glad you'll be home with your kids. (And I can't wait to see JJ Feild in this!!)
Posted by: ldsjaneite | August 30, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Hi!
Does anyone know where to get the book Austenland in the uk? I can only find the ebook version which can be very annoying!
hehe :-)
Posted by: Flick (That's my nickname!) | August 31, 2011 at 07:30 AM
It's been so fun to share the journey with you. I would give a lot to have been a fly on the wall to watch everything unfold. Hope you get to help with commentary on the DVD! And can't wait for the movie to actually come out now!! Safe traveling home to your family.
Posted by: Anna | September 01, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Thank you so much for all you have shared from your experience. It all sounds so magical and I love that you've had it. I can't wait to see what happens next with the film!!
Posted by: Miss Erin | September 02, 2011 at 09:09 AM
Did you even get a chance to be a Tourist over there? I hope it wasn't all work and babies to love. At least the food was yummy. What an amazing experience. Besides crew members did you get to spend anytime with the producers and other executives? Have you started brainstorming your next adventure for when this one comes to a close? I don't think your book release parties will be nearly long enough to cover all the gushing you are going to spew when we get to see you in person! Welcome home safe and sound.
Posted by: Danylle | September 02, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Just read Austen and as I bought it to see what all the chaos was about. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait for the movie when will it be out? congratulations what a reward for all your hard work! Xxxxxxx
Posted by: Kathryn | September 03, 2011 at 08:40 AM
I can't wait to see the movie!!!! Oooh, a new dress... Awesome!
Posted by: Alexandra Wood | September 04, 2011 at 03:19 PM
I was a little surprised to hear how quickly the filming went. I always thought filming a movie usually takes closer to 3 months. Do you know? Is that the normal time? I am very excited to see the movie! My 14 yr old asked if I would take her. I told her YES! (since it sounds like it will be appropriate) I hope you are loving your kids and husband right now!
Posted by: lotzofunmary | September 04, 2011 at 07:28 PM
Thanks for taking us with you! It's been a great trip : )
Posted by: Lisa | September 05, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience! I think you are such a wonderful, FUNNY, bubbly and talented person and that you fully deserve any good thing that happens to you! I loved the book, so I'm SO excited to see the movie! So happy for you!!
Posted by: Amy | September 11, 2011 at 10:08 PM
So happy for you Shannon. You are quite a woman.
Posted by: Beth Lemon | September 12, 2011 at 11:19 AM