?b?I shot and directed my first film?V? this weekend and feeling like everything went completly wrong. On the surface, it looked like a real film was being made ( mini DV ) but on the inside, it was a complete mess. I own the XL2 and my co-producer owns everything else. I mean, it's overkill on how much gear this guy owns. The problem is, he wants to bring all of it to a shoot. Shit we don't need. Shit that just takes up space and time. I feel like we were not a team by mid day. I felt he spent too much time trying to light scenes or set up flags and scrims, etc. This was only a tiny part of the script we shot and the owners of this little coffee shop were kind enough to loan us the place for the day. I didnt feel my friend respected that the owners wanted to go home after over 8 hours of shooting. I didnt do enough takes and settled on 3 at the most the whole day. I see everything now. Much clearly when I step back. It sucks but I do. I feel like shit. I feel like my co-producer is going to have to take a hike. this is MY film and if I have to make it with Home Depot lights, and homemade gear, then I will. But right now, I just want to climb under a rock and forget about making films for a few days...
Hi!
Maybe you'll feel better about it once the editing is done! Did you finish the whole film or just a shoot day? Just my opinion but it's always good to spend alot of time with somebody your doing a film with,..wether it's a producer or director. It's important to know what kind of a working relationship you will have with that person. You should know, if he or she is going to do something you dont care for, how to address this person on their level. That way no feelings get hurt, and everyone can come to the same conclusion. And it shouldnt be just 'your' film..even if it is..I think you might want to consider it as 'our' film instead...because it's not just yours..it's everybodies that's involved! Don't worry...eventually you'll get back into it! Making movies isn't always fun ?:D?
Stv
That's one of the problems with low-budget shoots. At least if you're a producer with millions of dollars and one of your crew is screwing up the shoot you can sack them, but when it's a few people with no money using their own equipment you have to put up with it.
I do get annoyed with people who spend forever messing around on a free location and consequently screw the owners around for no good reason though.
shady, I think your instinct is exactly right. Go climb under a rock and forget about filmmaking for a couple of days. I'm serious.
Then climb back out, shake out your body and head, and start editing. Don't dump your co-producer. Not every shoot goes exactly as planned. A HUGE part of making movies is learning how to overcome all the problems that come up. Lose the attitude that it's YOUR film. Making a movie is a collaborative process. A really good director learns to work within the process.
I know how frustrating it is waiting for the lighting people to set up and tweak - it cuts down on the time you get to shoot and tweak performances. Comprimise can lead to a great looking film with great performances. Now you know how long your co-producer takes you can schedule more time in a location.
There is nothing more difficult than your first movie except your second, third and forth. But if you work WITH the problems, each one gets a little better. I've been directing theater and film for many years. At the end of a show I have never felt everything went completly right.
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
