That's all from me from now. I'll make a new post after production ends!
Now is the time to make that new post since production is now officially done!
So we wrapped up yesterday on a four day shoot which is hectic. I'm only so used to 2-3 day shoots so to do a four day shoot is INSANE. Nevertheless, the cast, crew and I survived.
I must say that this had to be the best crew I have worked with in my life. I'm not just saying that because I was the director and I gathered this crew. But the fact everyone was just so chill and so fun to work with. I had an absolute pleasure working with a fantastic cinematographer & first AC, an enthusiastic first AD, an incredible producer, a wonderful soundie, a dedicated production designer and so forth. I got my crew from people in my year and we come from different friendship groups. I was lowkey worried that my crew wouldn't bond well because we weren't super close- but I could say after this production, I could definitely see myself sitting with them at lunch times and at lectures in the future.
That being said- the crew was just so good that I felt like trash compared to them. I felt so damn unprofessional on set. I didn't talk much to the actors. I didn't explain what I had envisioned in my head properly. I wasn't firm enough. Although, it's like I shouldn't be hard on myself as it is my first time directing a proper short film and I didn't walk into film school wanting to be a director anyways. So I think my work is of a good standard.
There was one incident during the shoot where my actor said that my blocking for him felt unnatural. Then suddenly him, the cinematographer and first AC all fired all their different suggestions to me and I blanked out. There were just so many voices going all at once I didn't know what to do. Thankfully, my first AD pulled me aside and asked me what I wanted straight up. I told her what I wanted and she let me have a quick break while she talked to the actor and the rest of the crew.
This entire film has been a learning experience.
I'm off to edit this film soon as we head into post-production. Once I'm satisfied with the picture, I will pass on the film to my soundie who will edit the sound, my composer- who will compose music and my colour grader- who will grade the film.
I'll probably post updates about my editing progress
Edit: Nearly forgot my favourite moments on set.
My first one has to be a conversation with my sound guy/boom operator during lunch time.
Sound guy: So does your laptop have audacity?
Me: THE AUDACITY TO DO WHAT? I BELIEVE MY LAPTOP HAS THE AUDACITY TO DO ANYTHING.
Sound guy: No, I mean 'Audacity' like the music app to record sound.
(At that point my cast and crew started laughing and it's now an inside joke between us all)
The second one has to be the third day which was the only day where we moved locations. We were pretty tired so at the end of lunch break (at the second location) our first AD started playing 'Eye of the Tiger' on her phone and gave a super motivational speech to all of us to get our energy levels running.