You guessed it.
We’re making strides on the new short scripted film, tentatively titled AK.
Last night I met with our two lead actors, who have been working on choreography for the film.
When I started the project, I wasn’t sure how to handle this part. I genuinely had no clue if you choreograph the actors first and then bring in the camera movements, or vice versa. It was a big chicken or the egg problem. Which should come first? (If you haven’t picked up on it yet, that’s a big part of what makes filmmaking fun for me. I love big challenges.)
Turns out, on this particular project, the actors have been choreographing stuff first. It’s been working well.
I’ve meet with them to watch what they’ve got, chat about their characters and motivation, and film the scene with my cell phone.
Together, we make teeny tiny tweaks and adjust the entire choreography accordingly. It’s a really cool dance, and the best kind of collaboration. As they work, I watch and take mental notes and ask questions.
Then we start over again.
They’re winded by the end of it.
These guys have been giving it their all, for sure. I’m so grateful. And all of this is done with a big smile and lots of laughs. To me, that’s the best kind of set atmosphere: work hard and have a great time while you’re at it.
Now, as a director-producer, it’s really helpful to watch this choreography take shape. It helps me think through the characters, their motivation, camera movement, and camera positioning. That way, I am better prepared to work with my crew.
Shooting with my phone gives me an idea of how we need to move when we’re on set, which will hopefully make filming much more efficient. I’ve already seen how the actors move, and I know that certain angles are going to work best.
That being said, I’m always open to better ideas on set.
As a director, I’ve got to hang on to the vision, make plans, and be ready/willing to adjust in an instant. The best ideas can come from anyone on set because there are so many moving parts in filmmaking. When someone shares an idea on how to make things better, I do my best to listen with an open mind and bend in that direction – if the suggestion adds to the vision.
It can feel like you’re taking on heavy fire. You’re pummeled by incoming questions, suggestions, and decisions that need to be made. If you’re not able / willing to be decisive on set, it can be tough. But if you’ve done your homework, you know what you want, and you’re prepared for the shoot it can be significantly easier.
There’s a fine line between being open to ideas and letting that influx of suggestions make a mess of the overall vision. (They say that a camel is a horse designed by committee.) Both the vision and the process are delicate things that also need a little protecting.
In other words?
Directing is a very weird and wonderful challenge.
(I’m totally hooked.)
As much as I would love to spill the beans, I will wait a little while longer before going into detail about the rest of what we’re doing behind-the-scenes. Things are still in development, which can mean it’s an ever evolving thing until, one day, it’s not. When that day comes, I’ll give you more juicy details.
Let me say this, though. Lots of cool stuff is happening. I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
‘Til next time!
PS: If you want to get involved with this project, we totally could use your help. I shared a list of things we need pretty badly right here, so dive in if you want to support the production. I hope you’ll join us!