We’re shooting “AK” soon.
We’re moving so quickly now that it’s been tough to blog about it. In pre-production, so many details shift that it doesn’t make sense to share. And, honestly, some of it hasn’t been totally blog-worthy until now, such as the script rewrites.
In preparation for the shoot, for example, we rehearsed one of the scenes in the newest version of the script last night.
As the three of us – my leading ladies and me – talked, laughed, and discussed the script, I realized how drastically different this version is compared to the first one I wrote last summer.
Drastically different … meaning, infinitely better.
The story has more clarity around what happened before and after these particular moments we see on on screen. The characters on the page have more depth. The dialogue has more meaning.
What came out of those meetings and rehearsals got poured into the latest version. It took a while to get there – for a long list of reasons I’ll eventually disclose. But it’s with the help of people working on this film that we made the improvements.
For the record, this is one part of what I love most about filmmaking: the discovery and collaboration. It’s an obsession. I’m helplessly hooked and totally in love with the madness.
See, this short film started as a teeny tiny idea.
It was a vague thought that I needed out of my head; a reaction to what I saw in the media and my own life experiences. But, mostly, it was a theory about what could be made here and now, and what parts of the production would be most fun to figure out in the process, having recently wrapped a feature-length documentary.
While in the midst of promoting Brewconomy, I started hinting at AK.
Some people easily dismissed me and the film. That happens. (If it happens to you, keep truckin’.)
Eventually someone thoughtfully said yes, and the idea got some traction. The team slowly began to form. And with more people joining the team, the story and production took on a life of its own.
Together, we followed the clues.
We figured out what we would need to tell this particular story, working within our current constraints. We set a date, goals, and measurements for success. Things started falling into place.
It’s a lot of work and worry, mind you, but it’s also a ton of fun.
Want I want most is for all of us to talk away feeling great about the film, proud of how we accomplished this together, and eager to share the finished piece with the world. And, if I’m lucky, most people on the project will be eager to work together again soon.
I’m doing everything I can to make that feasible, given the constraints I have here and now.
On a grander scale, now I see a path ahead.
Finally, I know what I need to make these big dreams a reality. I know what needs to be done. And I know more about how to do it.
That’s what I needed.
I couldn’t pinpoint it because, well, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. (As someone said to me last weekend.) It was through taking action – trying, not overthinking – that I finally figured out a few things.
And, guess what?
Now I see the target. I’m going after it with all I’ve got. So, a fair word of warning. Where we go from here is pretty incredible.
Get ready.
Want to see your name in the credits?
We could use your help.
A long list of what we need to make “AK” is available here, however, cash flow is key.
You can share as much as you wish via PayPal right here.
Rest assured, all funds go directly towards making the movie. Every dollar helps cover the production expenses to create art that we hope will inspire you. We’ll put your name in the credits as a thank you.
Huge thanks to those who have already contributed! We’ve got a lot of great sponsorships lined up, too. I’m eager to start telling you about it.
Stay tuned!