So, the writer-director is done with his first day of shooting. And what has he learned…this filmmaking thing is hard work.
Well, no shit Sherlock. I could have told you that before today. But though I’ve worked on low-budget sets before (I helped film- and acted in- “The Case” series I’ve been scoring), being in charge of one seems to bring some more edge to the proceedings. You’re expected to know what you want, and not really dilly dally in how you get it. It doesn’t help when you have an actor call you an hour before you’re supposed to meet telling you he’s got nerves about knowing his lines. That’s where a little bit of imagination and patience goes a long way; we only got two and a half pages done, but what we got works (or at least it will until I start editing). The sound is going to be an experience to work on- a lot of noise, and I’m not too keen on using the camera’s sound, but it should be interesting. A lot got done. Not as much as I would have liked, but such as the nature of the beast.
For those who don’t know, “Unwinnable Hand” (subtitled “A Thriller in Two Movements”) is a short film script I wrote back in September- it’s since gone through a handful of drafts, each one improving- for myself and three friends to act in and film. It’s the story of three friends who are getting together to play cards before they get to an assignment from work. Their aggrevated about their job. They’re asked to do too much work in not enough time. They play cards as they complain. Anyone who’s read the script- which I’ll post online after it’s done- will know there’s more to it than that. A second “movement”- which I’ve already begun- will follow exploring these characters and this situation further. Inspired by diverse films like “Office Space” and “GoodFellas,” I think I’ve expanded on this very basic idea in an interesting and intelligent way. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’ll hopefully make for an entertaining and well-crafted film.
So what did I learn today- don’t bite off more than you can chew. Creating quality art takes time, and no matter how long it takes, stay the course, don’t get frustrated (you’ll get more out of your crew), and roll with the punches. Because in the end, that’s what I hope to do with this film- create art, even if it’s a little fun. I’m not aiming for “Citizen Kane”- just aiming for an entertaining movie. Thank you to Ron, Dave, Mike, and Jeff for their help today, for their support in the past, and assistance in the future.
Brian Skutle
www.sonic-cinema.com
P.S. I’ve actually videotaped a little video diary with my immediate thoughts about today. Expect it on the DVD…seriously, you’ll see it. I might even make the audio available online before that.
P.P.S. I would like to apologize to the actor who called me an hour before shooting. I misrepresented his worries in this blog and apologize. I have corrected this post accordingly.
