In this class, Production, we finally shot our thesis film that we waited and prepped for, for nine months. This class was centered around the production from the calendar schedule to the final wrap date. It was about teamwork and seeing the project all the way through. The preparation that was in pre-production was done and it was time to utilize the months of knowledge that we acquired on a live set to make our class film. I took advantage of this opportunity and learned as much as I could on how each department operates, the importance of meetings, using set etiquette and finally performing the tasks of a crew position. My main goal was to commit to the full process of the project which I intend to all the way up until its premiere at grad fest and beyond while the film is in its festival run. I have been to every fundraiser and have raised over $300 for the film. This is all credit to my family and friends whom still choose to support my endeavors. I researched and worked my crew position and pushed others to perform theirs. My first goal was to learn the techniques of directing. I wasn’t the director even though I worked in the Assistant Director department as the 2ndAssistant Director (A.D.), so I focused on the readings and the discussion assignment on directing on the FSO website. On Charlie Rose’s YouTube channel, he hosted guest Director Sam Mendes where they discussed 25 tips to becoming a better director. One of the tips that resonated with me was when he said “Learn how to accept the blame for everything……. You gave them the thumbs up” (Mendes, YouTube). I pondered on this because it is very true. As a director, one has the final say on each department’s contribution to making the look that you set out in your vision. It is only befitting that the director takes responsibility on how the finished project. It was very refreshing to watch the video before production even though I wasn’t the director. In my position, I could have asserted a better understanding to the process so that it would be easier for the team to understand the full vision. Therefore, I know that by doing this work; this goal was achieved. My next goal was to learn the techniques of cinematography. Again, I focused on the readings and the discussion assignment on cinematography on the FSO website. When I watched the Robby Muller Master class video on YouTube, I saw an amazing perspective on how the light and shadows effect the mood of the scene. Robby Muller says “I hate to influence the director; that’s not my job to say that’s not possible. I get more satisfaction from contributing to the story and dream of the director” (Muller, YouTube). I realized from watching this video that the cinematographer and gaffer have to work together to create the look of the scene with keeping every movement in mind and try to accomplish this in every setup. The class presentation on the director’s vision and attending the in-class camera labs helped with my understanding of the cinematography needed for the film. For the film, I think our DP and Gaffer did a phenomenal job figuring the lighting plots out for the scene. The only thing that was next was to execute. I know that by doing this work; this goal was achieved. Lastly, I wanted to learn the necessary tools to work on a live set. For Lucid, we shot on the soundstage. I give a resounding applause to our art department for the creation of the bedroom set (Riley’s Loft) and how they utilized the space on the soundstage for the wedding reception and dream sequences. We originally planned on using a tent outside however the rain didn’t allow that to happen. We call that “Acts of God”. However, for this film, we utilized the whole soundstage and was forced to be creative for all of our black void dream scenes and I believe the look was even better. This is also what we call in the film world “a beautiful mistake”. As the 2ndAD, I scheduled location and blocking rehearsals for the cast and the director and a table read for the whole cast and crew. It is best to do the table read in pre-production so that any questions or concerns from the crew and cast can be answered and workshopped if needed. These rehearsals are ideal when the location is set so that the actors can get comfortable with the set and really build their character’s psyche. I also created the call sheets which inform the cast and crew what is being shot that day and who is needed on set. These are best to be released to everyone 24 hours in advance. If there are any changes, those must be released as soon as possible. On the days of production, I had sides prepared for every crew member so that are aware of the scene and the shots for the day. It is basically having a miniature sized call sheet that each person can fit into their pocket. I was the liaison between the crew and talent. I escorted the cast on and off set and made sure to keep them knowledgeable about what scene it is and to cater to their needs while on set. I would say I did a superb job. The cast had a great time even though we took a little longer than expected on scenes. I learned that in between the crew trying to workshop issues it’s best to keep the talent off set until the crew is really ready. This can be annoying for the talent, but you have to reassure them that the crew is doing their best and to keep their spirits up in order to get those scenes shot for the day. Overall, the team was professional, worked well with the cast, got the shots we needed, stuck to our script, and the scenes looked amazing. Next, we will be looking at dailies as head into post production. This will show us what we need to reshoot if the continuity is off or not. This was an unbelievable journey and I’m glad to have worked with a talented cast and even more amazing crew of my classmates. So officially stating, That’s a Wrap for Lucid!
Muller, R. Muller, R. (Actor). (2014). Robby Müller Cinematography Masterclass [Online video]. United States of America: Eyes on Cinema on YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqaL9so8CHQ
Rose, C. (Narrator). Mendes, S. (Actor). (2014). 25 Ways to Be a Better Director [Online video]. `New York City: YouTube. Retrieved May 21, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkqhXbrwP3M