Project Ian - First day's shoot!

This project which yours truly is directing, got off to a flying start today. I think we got some great footage - Can't wait to look at it. We had a wonderful team as Mahmood brought a gaffer Jeffrey who was very helpful. Brooke and Akley helped us with lights and grips. Mood also brought Nala who taught Nashonda how to use the mixer so she can do it next time. Many hugs and thanks to you all!

The young actors - Gizelle, Frances, Annalee, and Gabby - were wonderful. Contracts were exchanged and signed. There were drinks and donuts available for refreshment. Sean was the 1st AD, and once we establised the set protocol, the set ran quite well. Brooke helpfully took over the AD role when Sean had to leave for awhile.

Thanks everyone. I actually enjoyed it most of the time, and think many things went well.

We have some problems however. The following comments are offered with LOVE :
1) The script right now is too long. Today we worked from 1pm til 8.30 pm to achieve approximately one third of the project. It was hard work, long hours and we went as fast as we could. I don't believe you will be get Mahmood and Jeffrey to come back for more than 1 more day of shooting, if that. This is reasonable since they are working - very hard - for free. The Producers need to take a hard look at the script and cut it down. Otherwise my fear is that it will not be completed.

2) We went into today's shoot with no final locked script! I felt very uncomfortable about this when trying to prepare on the weekend, but decided to go with the situation. It meant that as the director I had to do my storyboard and shot list without a final script. I wanted to be as organised as posible to achieve everything we had discussed in our meetings. Halfway through the shoot the Producers brought out a script that the director had not seen before with sections that apparently we had to shoot! That was very unfair on me and the crew.

3) It's important that all discussion about the project should happen BEFORE the shoot. By the time the shoot starts the Producers should have fully entrusted the film to the director to achieve, and be able to sit back and support the hard work of the crew led by the director. Directing by committee on set doesnt work.

4) If you disagree with what the director is doing, ask him/her to step outside to discuss. Don't contradict or argue with the director in front of cast and crew!

Changing hats now (my Teacher hat) : I wanted you guys to work with professionals in order to deal with the reality of producing a high quality show. So I am hoping we can all engage with these issues in a professional way. Remember it's all offered with LOVE. Let's put our heads together and come out of this with some great little films.

We can discuss more tomorrow!