It’s a wrap! and in the can! — Two Films …
It’s strange that I’ve been wanting to make my first movie and made two!
The A3F group had a 24 HR. Film Challenge last Saturday. It was so much fun and pretty exciting. We went to the kick-off party on Friday night and got to meet a bunch of great people. There were over 200 people attending in a small bar area. So you met people one way or another. On Saturday, we got our Theme, Prop, and Line for the 24 HR challenge. So we went right to work writing and finding wardrobe and props. We finished in good time and got “ALMOST DEAD” submitted on time!
Then on Sunday night, we started shooting the IFP/Phx Fall Challenge with a theme of “Buddies”. We cast last week and got some fresh faces that we thought would work well together. We added a few extras and we were on our way. We met at 10PM at our coffeehouse location, set up and started shooting around 11 PM - and …. we finished by 2 AM — I feel in great time. Everyone worked so well together, took direction beautifully, and everything went off without a hitch. So, “PERFECT SUBSTITUTE” is finished and will be submitted to IFP/Phx next week. The coffeehouse we used for our location looks beautiful on film. I want to thank the McKays for letting us use it. If you are ever in Phoenix, stop by Mama Java’s Coffeehouse, 3619 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ for a cup of java and tell them Michele from Perfect Substitute sent you!
I have the bug now. I’ve learned so much about filmmaking in those two shoots. Organization is KEY!!!!!! If I can emphasize on element of filmmaking that can make or break you - it’s being organized. So much time is wasted if you are not ready to go at shoot time.
I edited both films (using Windows Movie Maker) and learned quite a bit as well. I need to work on lighting. I really need to take the time to set up the lighting perfectly. Right now, I’m using DIY stuff, but if I get going on this really seriously, I’ll buy a professional light kit. I was concerned about my mic that I purchased, but it worked fine. The DIY boom I made works great - try one - they are not costly at all, look pretty professional, and very easy to make.
So … all in all - I’m on cloud nine right now. I’m taking a little break to re-coup my sleep and energy, but I’ll be back making more films.
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