Last minute craziness!

The last seven days have been nothing short of the biggest rollercoaster ride of my life! The roots of independent movie making starts with highs and then the lows....you have the high that you want to make a film and that it's going to be a great experience and then the low kicks in when you realize the gargantuan task that lies ahead of you. Budgeting, crew, cast, auditions, script rewrites, equipment rental, locations, camera, sound, make-up, grips, props, wardrobe, meetings (begging!), scheduling, battling paid work to make your unpaid film happen....et al. The list goes on! Just when you think you have everything secured, something comes up that makes you take two steps back! But then another turn of events happens and this is where movie-making comes into it's own. Just when you think it can't get any worse, someone offers you something for free, or their time for free and you realize that you're not alone in this. I have been nothing short of overwhelmed by peoples generosity in our wonderful town of Wilmington. Film is not dead, not by a long shot. Our crew base here in town and also within the state keeps film alive in NC.

This past week we have acquired a Script Supervisor and a Key Hair and Make-up for the shoot. We have also finalized our Grips for Shawn and his Gaffer. This was the last of the crew positions that needed filling and now we have our crew.

Tonight I meet with my 1st AD, Craig Rogers and we will knock out the shooting schedule ready for next week.

Tomorrow night we have a rehearsal with the cast. We will be covering individual scenes with each actor. And also discussing Wardrobe fittings.

Tuesday Shawn and I will try to meet for a shot-by-shot walk thru of the film at the HOUSE location, where we will discuss our shot list and camera set-ups. I am hoping that Craig will be able to join us as well to familiarize himself with the location.

This week, the final 5 days....Craft Services, confirming the shooting schedule, props, set dressing, wardrobe, rehearsal, equipment pick-up and getting ready for the shoot.

I can't quite believe that the last two months of prep have gone by so fast!

Here's to the highs and lows of production week!