When I set out to make Consignment the movie, I heard all the cautionary tales about how some movies die horrible deaths at different stages of production. Some before they got off the ground, others fall apart during shooting, and some never make it out of post-production. Nobody sets out to a make a movie and fail. I listened to the stories of those who went down the filmmaking road before me to prepare for what was to come. Making a movie is not for everyone. It may sound fun and somewhat glamorous in the beginning, but those feelings quickly fade as the amount of work seems to get overwhelming before you even begin to shoot. After a few production meetings and cast rehearsals, some people will drop out of the movie when it becomes clear the time and energy involved. Others will drop out because they landed a bigger part, higher paying gig, or realized your movie was not for them. That has to be expected. Be prepared to replace cast and crew before you need to. I keep lists four deep for roles and crew positions. Its not a guarantee to avoid problems considering I had to re-cast a lead role no less than five times, but it still helps to have a list of possibleyou can bring in when needed. Keep in mind cast and crew can be replaced to keep your movie alive. Filmmakers not committed to putting the time and energy into their own movie cannot. Those movies die right here. When you move into the physical production stage of shooting it doesnt get any easier. On an indie shoot, everyone pitches in everywhere. You will have zero time to play hotshot filmmaker. If you expect to sit back while your crew busts their humps and not get your hands dirty you are headed for trouble. Your crew works with you, not for you is they way I see it. When time is against you, which it always will be, shoot what you need to finish the movie. Sure, you want to get that amazing magic hour shot or set up the cool dolly shot. Sometimes you have to choose where to take your creative stand to see your movie get in the can. Avoid using the phrase, well fix it in post, chances are you wont. Attack shooting like nothing can be fixed in post. Get the best sound and picture you can on the set. You will have enough problems in post to deal with besides your well fix it in post calls. Post-production claims the most victims of movie fatalities I have heard of. Never under estimate what its going to cost you to get through post-production. Running out of money seems to be the most common curse. I know one filmmaker personally that had a $100,000 budget to make their movie. They kept dipping into the post-production funds during shooting to rent really cool equipment they hadnt planned on. Hey, the dailies looked awesome. Problem is its been 3 years and they still havent raised the money to finish the movie. People dont rent or buy dailies. Getting a movie shot is one thing, getting it done another. |
