<p>jcarroll, since it’s your first project, I understand you’re doing it for the experience. If it’s really such a large project, do you think it’s a good idea to go in so unprepared? In August 2008, I decided to write and direct my first short film. I had minimal production experience, I had merely watched my employers working on commericals and films of their own, and felt like I could handle a short film. I spent months developing the idea, writing and rewriting the screenplay, and putting together notes and ideas of what I wanted to capture on screen.</p>
<p>Even though the screenplay was no more than ten pages, I decided to put out casting calls for the actors and search for an experienced cinematographer. Luckily, I formed a great cast and crew. Neither of us were professionals but it’s safe to say they had more experience than I did. They knew I was doing it for the experience so we all ended up working together, as a team.</p>
<p>I learned how to manage a production schedule, how to be efficient, how to talk to the cast and crew, etc. Unfortunately, this short film had many locations, and because we were all working for experience and credit, we had to finish filming within three, four days max. So, I had to think, how can I film in five or six locations within three days? I had to rent equipment (cameras, microphones), and each day cost me money, so how could I do this efficiently?</p>
<p>In the end, I learned more than you can imagine. Filming took roughly three days, and I still haven’t finished editing - because of university applications - go figure. With all that planning, I still wasn’t ready for what came for me. First day of shooting, on the first scene, we realized our microphone wasn’t compatible with our camera. I had to go down to the rental store, myself, and exchange it, while my cast and crew waited. Most importantly, I didn’t lie to them, I was completely honest. I didn’t want to give them false hope, and told them what the problem was. They understood. I always made sure everybody was comfortable, and that everybody knew what was going on. If there were any delays or problems, I immediately let them know. I listened to them, I was open to suggestions, and I did what I had to do - as a director and producer of the film.</p>
<p>Today, I’m working on many ideas for future screenplays. Next time, however, as a director, I will not start production until I know exactly what I’m looking for. As a first time director, I didn’t really know how each shot would look. I wanted to experiment with the camera, find the right image by being creative – that wasted a lot of time and I ultimately didn’t even know what I wanted. On a future project, I will basically visualize my screenplay, understand what needs to be filmed to tell the story better.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if this little story is out of order and not told in a better way. Hopefully, it helps. Good luck!</p>
That story definately helped me. Very cool, and very interesting, because, I’m pretty much in the same boat. 40 page script. 10 actors. 4 crew members. 3 1/2 days…O god. </p>