Well, that elusive first draft of the script is finally done!
Everything is going better than I had expected. I figure that as I get more momentum on this project, and with reasonably good planning, I'll have something I can really be proud of.
I'm getting some trusted friends to give me feedback on what I have now. I need the input to help me chisel out the final shape. I know that I'll have to do some rewrites during filming, but I'm more worried about coming into the shoot with a script that I won't have to punch too many holes into.
This is exciting stuff.
I did some tests with the new equipment and we're well on our way. Once we get the casting going, then I'll sit with Jaime, my DP, and do some video storyboarding.
I'm going to keep the crew thin. I'll be doing the location scouting, the score, editing and any PR work that needs handling. I'll need to fill a few behind the scenes posts, but I'll worry about that in a week or so.
On to the rewrite.
-30-
Can you hear me now?!?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Been a while since my last post. Lets get to it.
My microphone arrived yesterday. I ordered it from B&H Photo and Video. Good reputable company, reliable products and fair prices. It's an Azden SGM-1X. Works well with the Azden portable mixer that pipes right into my Sony MiniDV. The sound is amazing. I've had a couple of "shotgun" mics, but this is new one is pro-gear. I bought one from Sony, which worked well for just basic, home movie type stuff. And I even bought one from Wal-Mart. Neither one can do what this new one can. Wow. It sure does make a difference. Even if the plot sucks and the acting is bad, at least the picture and sound will be great!
The script is nearly completed. I'm just a few pages away, in the middle of the 3rd rewrite. Mind you, nothing has been really corrected. I'm just working on the dialogue and the story. I'll get some help with the proof reading later. And, of course, I'll adjust things here and there until I have actors to read for the parts. I'm looking forward to adjusting things during rehearsals. I'm not looking forward to doing it during shooting. I mean, I know it has to be done sometimes, but I hope to have things ironed out before we ever start rolling one frame of film.
After nearly 7 years of waiting on a new project, all the pieces are really starting to fall into place. Not like before. I'm not attacking this like I did before.
Testing the mic and camera this weekend with a small project. I might post it if it looks good. Shit, I'm not even sure what the Hell it will be.
Stay tuned.
-30-
My microphone arrived yesterday. I ordered it from B&H Photo and Video. Good reputable company, reliable products and fair prices. It's an Azden SGM-1X. Works well with the Azden portable mixer that pipes right into my Sony MiniDV. The sound is amazing. I've had a couple of "shotgun" mics, but this is new one is pro-gear. I bought one from Sony, which worked well for just basic, home movie type stuff. And I even bought one from Wal-Mart. Neither one can do what this new one can. Wow. It sure does make a difference. Even if the plot sucks and the acting is bad, at least the picture and sound will be great!
The script is nearly completed. I'm just a few pages away, in the middle of the 3rd rewrite. Mind you, nothing has been really corrected. I'm just working on the dialogue and the story. I'll get some help with the proof reading later. And, of course, I'll adjust things here and there until I have actors to read for the parts. I'm looking forward to adjusting things during rehearsals. I'm not looking forward to doing it during shooting. I mean, I know it has to be done sometimes, but I hope to have things ironed out before we ever start rolling one frame of film.
After nearly 7 years of waiting on a new project, all the pieces are really starting to fall into place. Not like before. I'm not attacking this like I did before.
Testing the mic and camera this weekend with a small project. I might post it if it looks good. Shit, I'm not even sure what the Hell it will be.
Stay tuned.
-30-
Check, check, check one...sibalence, sibalence.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Well, the microphone has been ordered. I expect it will arrive sometime next week. Actually, I know it will. 'Bout the 23rd, UPS said.
I need to get a good set of headphones and figure out how to make a boom pole. They want $100 some places for a fuckin' boom pole. Necessity is the mother of invention.
And speaking of inventions, my wife, Tonya, found me a very interesting contraption.
I own a Steadicam JR. My folk bought it as a birthday gift for me just before I started my ill-fated feature, 'Caught In The Rain.' It was a fucking dream. I mean, it was wonderful. Fluid shots, running or walking. Just fantastic. While trying to adjust it in the middle of a shoot, I overextended a joint and SNAPPED the thing in two. I was devastated.
Well, Tonya found a website where a guy offers his take on camera stabilization.
Little Great Ideas' Steadycam
The inventor has test footage on the site, so you can see what you're getting if you build it yourself or buy his kit. I'm not sure if I'm hip on it, especially since I've seen how fluid the motion is with the real deal. He does say that the footage was shot before he had a real handle on the rig. Practice does make a difference. Even when my rig was solid, it did take me a while to get the hang of it.
B&H Photo & Video, Steadicam JR
I spoke to the Tiffen guys, the official repair shop for Steadicam products, and they said it was about $165 to fix the rig, plus the $20 for a whole new package of accessories (I somehow lost most of the counterweights and cables).
Not sure yet what I'm gonna do about all that. I want the video to be smooth, not Hill Street Blues style.
I'm just glad I have the mic on the way.
What's on tap next? Finishing the final 9 pages of the script. That's the most important. Location scouting comes next. I have a couple of places in mind. Then casting. I'll do revisions and corrections on the script along the way too.
Momentum continues.
-30-
I need to get a good set of headphones and figure out how to make a boom pole. They want $100 some places for a fuckin' boom pole. Necessity is the mother of invention.
And speaking of inventions, my wife, Tonya, found me a very interesting contraption.
I own a Steadicam JR. My folk bought it as a birthday gift for me just before I started my ill-fated feature, 'Caught In The Rain.' It was a fucking dream. I mean, it was wonderful. Fluid shots, running or walking. Just fantastic. While trying to adjust it in the middle of a shoot, I overextended a joint and SNAPPED the thing in two. I was devastated.
Well, Tonya found a website where a guy offers his take on camera stabilization.
Little Great Ideas' Steadycam
The inventor has test footage on the site, so you can see what you're getting if you build it yourself or buy his kit. I'm not sure if I'm hip on it, especially since I've seen how fluid the motion is with the real deal. He does say that the footage was shot before he had a real handle on the rig. Practice does make a difference. Even when my rig was solid, it did take me a while to get the hang of it.
B&H Photo & Video, Steadicam JR
I spoke to the Tiffen guys, the official repair shop for Steadicam products, and they said it was about $165 to fix the rig, plus the $20 for a whole new package of accessories (I somehow lost most of the counterweights and cables).
Not sure yet what I'm gonna do about all that. I want the video to be smooth, not Hill Street Blues style.
I'm just glad I have the mic on the way.
What's on tap next? Finishing the final 9 pages of the script. That's the most important. Location scouting comes next. I have a couple of places in mind. Then casting. I'll do revisions and corrections on the script along the way too.
Momentum continues.
-30-
Money
Monday, February 06, 2006
Well, if all goes right, once my wife and I get our taxes back, I'm gonna spend a few bucks getting much needed equipment. My Steadicam JR needs fixin' and I have to have a good microphone and boom, so I'll probably spend nearly $300 bucks on that. Beyond that, I hope I don't need much more.
Script changes are going slow. Haven't had a chance to sit down and hammer away at it like I want. I'm also gonna do a quick treatment for it. I figure this will help me after the film is in the can.
Optimisim as high and I'm feeling extremely hopeful. I think this project will not only reach completion, but it looks like with all the help and input I'm getting, that it will be a good one.
-30-
Script changes are going slow. Haven't had a chance to sit down and hammer away at it like I want. I'm also gonna do a quick treatment for it. I figure this will help me after the film is in the can.
Optimisim as high and I'm feeling extremely hopeful. I think this project will not only reach completion, but it looks like with all the help and input I'm getting, that it will be a good one.
-30-
Keep Flowin'
Sunday, February 05, 2006
My wife and I were discussing the script yesterday and she pointed out a few incredibly helpful things. Sometimes, sitting inside the bubble, you can't really appreciate it for what it is. Her insight (or out-sight, lol) has helped me a great deal. The story will seem much more rounded and sincere. It was an aspect that it lacked.
I shot a trailer for the film, something just to keep myself busy, a few weeks back. I wasn't happy with it; I'm still not. It was badly lit, poorly voiced over and, thematically, it just sucked ass. But I figured that it was a good way to kick start the creativity machine. I filmed a few bits for a new trailer, which I'm still doing a concept for.
And earlier, I managed to squeeze out a couple more ideas on how to improve the flow of the script and some details that were still unresolved.
I watched 'Hustle & Flow' this week and it inspired me. It's a great film. The dvd extras were good too. Gave me some fuel for my film.
More to come.
-30-
I shot a trailer for the film, something just to keep myself busy, a few weeks back. I wasn't happy with it; I'm still not. It was badly lit, poorly voiced over and, thematically, it just sucked ass. But I figured that it was a good way to kick start the creativity machine. I filmed a few bits for a new trailer, which I'm still doing a concept for.
And earlier, I managed to squeeze out a couple more ideas on how to improve the flow of the script and some details that were still unresolved.
I watched 'Hustle & Flow' this week and it inspired me. It's a great film. The dvd extras were good too. Gave me some fuel for my film.
More to come.
-30-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
