I know I've been promising it for some time now, but finally it is here. The Director's Diary for "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental."
This isn't a Broken Heart Films production, but since I did direct the short I feel compelled to post about it here. And I did shoot and edit this diary.
The actual short film this is the behind-the-scenes of will make it's world premiere in December. Location and date have yet to be determined, but I will announce that here when I am aware of the information.
Hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental." (And be warned, it has some adult language.)
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" Director's Diary from Brad Duncan on Vimeo.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sometimes, All You Have to Do is Ask
Last year I had this idea for a short film that was inspired by a song I had heard. I knew that I had to use that song and had this thought that it could make a nice musical number at the end of the short. I wrote the script with this song in mind, but I didn't have the rights to the song.
The artist, who isn't as well known as most of the artists you see on the top-40 lists but who has a strong following and is one of my favorites, has a MySpace page to connect with her fans. I thought this might be a good way to get in touch with her about using her song in my short film. So, I wrote to her, telling her how much I loved her music and how I was an aspiring filmmaker hoping to use one of her songs in my film. I expected a pat response from a legal-type or agent or manager or somebody, but instead, got a very kind note from her telling me how she appreciated my kind words. She closed her message by stating that she was giving me permission to use her song.
After mentioning to a couple of fellow filmmakers and talking to a producer friend mine, I knew that if I wanted to submit the film to festivals I would need proof of permission, more than just a MySpace message. As a result, I wrote her back to request a business address to which I could mail the requisite music release forms. A couple days later, she messages me a PO Box address. I send the forms.
A few weeks go by and I hadn't heard anything, so I contacted her again to verify she received the papers; however, she said she had not. So, she actually gave me another address to attempt to send them. For whatever reasons, I hadn't sent another set of forms before today. And luckily so... for it would have been a waste.
In my mail box this morning was a priority envelope containing a signed release form for the use of her song. For free. It's nice to know there are kind individuals out there looking out for fellow artists.
Don't ever let anybody tell you that you can't get quality music for your films. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
The artist, who isn't as well known as most of the artists you see on the top-40 lists but who has a strong following and is one of my favorites, has a MySpace page to connect with her fans. I thought this might be a good way to get in touch with her about using her song in my short film. So, I wrote to her, telling her how much I loved her music and how I was an aspiring filmmaker hoping to use one of her songs in my film. I expected a pat response from a legal-type or agent or manager or somebody, but instead, got a very kind note from her telling me how she appreciated my kind words. She closed her message by stating that she was giving me permission to use her song.
After mentioning to a couple of fellow filmmakers and talking to a producer friend mine, I knew that if I wanted to submit the film to festivals I would need proof of permission, more than just a MySpace message. As a result, I wrote her back to request a business address to which I could mail the requisite music release forms. A couple days later, she messages me a PO Box address. I send the forms.
A few weeks go by and I hadn't heard anything, so I contacted her again to verify she received the papers; however, she said she had not. So, she actually gave me another address to attempt to send them. For whatever reasons, I hadn't sent another set of forms before today. And luckily so... for it would have been a waste.
In my mail box this morning was a priority envelope containing a signed release form for the use of her song. For free. It's nice to know there are kind individuals out there looking out for fellow artists.
Don't ever let anybody tell you that you can't get quality music for your films. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
Friday, August 15, 2008
"The Ledge" News
Had a good meeting with my producer friends Eric and Lori over at Bald Brother's Studio Productions last night.
Initially, I headed over to see the current cut of "Previously Viewed," which is coming along. Didn't have much more to say about the edits. Looks like now, the biggest task left is going to be adjusting audio.
But the best part of the evening regarded my most recent short script, "The Ledge."
Lori had requested my short scripts to give them a read since she, for some reason, seemed interested in producing something of mine. So, I sent her "The Box Office" and "The Ledge." Lori was not particularly fond of "The Box Office." Of course, I knew it was in need of a major rewrite, which I have not started to work on since I finished it over a month ago. Maybe once the rewrite is done, she will like it better.
Once we finished our discussion of that script, we moved on to one she claimed to really, really like. Instead of just discussing the script and what might make it better (I certainly think it needs some tweaking), we found ourselves fully immersed in a preproduction meeting of "How do we do this?", "When do you want to shoot?", "What about casting?", etc., etc.
Another thing we talked about was the name. I started the process of writing with the title "The Ledge" in my mind, but as I got further along I decided that I wanted to change it. So, now "The Ledge" is called "The End."
It was all so exciting. And I think all three of us were extremely pumped about this project.
It is going to be a challenge, based on the location of the script. I've decided to keep mum on the details so when everyone who reads this finally sees the film, you all will be completely surprised.
With all that said, it looks like in 2009 Broken Heart Films, in association with Bald Brother's Studio Productions, will present "The End."
B
Initially, I headed over to see the current cut of "Previously Viewed," which is coming along. Didn't have much more to say about the edits. Looks like now, the biggest task left is going to be adjusting audio.
But the best part of the evening regarded my most recent short script, "The Ledge."
Lori had requested my short scripts to give them a read since she, for some reason, seemed interested in producing something of mine. So, I sent her "The Box Office" and "The Ledge." Lori was not particularly fond of "The Box Office." Of course, I knew it was in need of a major rewrite, which I have not started to work on since I finished it over a month ago. Maybe once the rewrite is done, she will like it better.
Once we finished our discussion of that script, we moved on to one she claimed to really, really like. Instead of just discussing the script and what might make it better (I certainly think it needs some tweaking), we found ourselves fully immersed in a preproduction meeting of "How do we do this?", "When do you want to shoot?", "What about casting?", etc., etc.
Another thing we talked about was the name. I started the process of writing with the title "The Ledge" in my mind, but as I got further along I decided that I wanted to change it. So, now "The Ledge" is called "The End."
It was all so exciting. And I think all three of us were extremely pumped about this project.
It is going to be a challenge, based on the location of the script. I've decided to keep mum on the details so when everyone who reads this finally sees the film, you all will be completely surprised.
With all that said, it looks like in 2009 Broken Heart Films, in association with Bald Brother's Studio Productions, will present "The End."
B
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Bad News...
Well, it may not be bad, but it's less than good.
The "Director's Diary" I've been promising? Well, it will not be as great as I'd hoped. Turns out the tape from the last night of shooting has video but the audio is messed up and I can't capture the video into Final Cut Pro. I am going to try another camera, but I think I'm out of luck.
There was some very funny, FUNNY, stuff on there with Eric and Zack. Oh well...
I hope to have a version up next week.
But don't hold your breath... :-)
B
The "Director's Diary" I've been promising? Well, it will not be as great as I'd hoped. Turns out the tape from the last night of shooting has video but the audio is messed up and I can't capture the video into Final Cut Pro. I am going to try another camera, but I think I'm out of luck.
There was some very funny, FUNNY, stuff on there with Eric and Zack. Oh well...
I hope to have a version up next week.
But don't hold your breath... :-)
B
Logo has arrived!
Well, folks, here it is. The unveiling of the Broken Heart Films logo. Thanks again to Kim, one of the finest graphic designers in the world, for putting this together for me. It doesn't really touch on my original idea, but it turned out that was kind of a bad idea. This certainly worked out better. The first logo is the primary, and the other is the secondary.
Let me know what you think...
B
Let me know what you think...
B
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
August 5, 2008 Update
Hey everyone. Sorry about being away for so long. No excuse, just haven't been blogging. And I know, I know, you're all wondering where the "Director's Diary" footage is from "Previously Viewed." Well, me, too!
Hopefully soon.
But for now, I have better news. The first draft for "The Ledge" is complete. Handwritten in my composition book it came out to 51 pages, but properly formatted in my fancy computing machine it is a svelte 20.2 pages. However, since it's a short film, some might complain 20 pages is too long. It does have a lot of dialogue, so I feel like it might come in under 20 minutes.
Frankly, I like this piece a bit better than "The Box Office." But I plan to make them both.
I hope to meet with a producer friend of mine next week to discuss these two projects. In the meantime, I plan to work on a rewrite of "The Box Office" and try to secure the sync rights to the song I want to use in it. I got verbal permission to use the song, but in order to protect everybody involved, I am getting them in writing as well. Once I secure that, I'll let everyone in on who the artist is and the name of the song.
But "The Ledge" is kind of crazy. With the exception of the final, very short scene, there are only three characters that play for 19.5 pages. I really want to tell you all what it's about, but I don't want to give anything away, so I'm staying tight-lipped.
Other news, I will be unveiling the official Broken Heart Films logo here soon. My friend Kim, who is an amazing graphic designer, has been working on this for me, and I am very pleased with the results. While it will be great looking at it on the Web, I can't wait to see it on a big screen in front of one of my short films.
Finally, with the logo complete, I am closer to setting up my official Web site. Right now there is just a placement page at www.brokenheartfilms.com. But I should have it up and running by the end of the year.
That's it for now.
Shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment. I'd love to hear from everyone.
B
Hopefully soon.
But for now, I have better news. The first draft for "The Ledge" is complete. Handwritten in my composition book it came out to 51 pages, but properly formatted in my fancy computing machine it is a svelte 20.2 pages. However, since it's a short film, some might complain 20 pages is too long. It does have a lot of dialogue, so I feel like it might come in under 20 minutes.
Frankly, I like this piece a bit better than "The Box Office." But I plan to make them both.
I hope to meet with a producer friend of mine next week to discuss these two projects. In the meantime, I plan to work on a rewrite of "The Box Office" and try to secure the sync rights to the song I want to use in it. I got verbal permission to use the song, but in order to protect everybody involved, I am getting them in writing as well. Once I secure that, I'll let everyone in on who the artist is and the name of the song.
But "The Ledge" is kind of crazy. With the exception of the final, very short scene, there are only three characters that play for 19.5 pages. I really want to tell you all what it's about, but I don't want to give anything away, so I'm staying tight-lipped.
Other news, I will be unveiling the official Broken Heart Films logo here soon. My friend Kim, who is an amazing graphic designer, has been working on this for me, and I am very pleased with the results. While it will be great looking at it on the Web, I can't wait to see it on a big screen in front of one of my short films.
Finally, with the logo complete, I am closer to setting up my official Web site. Right now there is just a placement page at www.brokenheartfilms.com. But I should have it up and running by the end of the year.
That's it for now.
Shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment. I'd love to hear from everyone.
B
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Previously Viewed Rough Cut
Saw the first and very rough cut of "Previously Viewed" last night. First impression... As director, there are a number of things I should have done differently. I mean, overall, it was good. I had so many shots of certain things that were, out of necessity, shot on different nights, that there are some continuity errors and places that are hard to match up. Not a lot, mind you. But if we had been have to have a script supervisor, it would have been much improved.
But as it stands, I think it's good. Once everything is tweaked, audio is fixed and music is added, it will be really good.
B
But as it stands, I think it's good. Once everything is tweaked, audio is fixed and music is added, it will be really good.
B
Monday, July 21, 2008
"Previously Viewed" update
It's been a while and I apologize. The edit on "Previously Viewed" began a lot later than we had hoped do to a number of circumstances. However, I'm pleased to announce that Eric H., writer/producer/actor on the project, has begun the edit and nearly has a completed first cut (without music and audio correction, though). I will be heading down to Versailles Tuesday evening to take a look at what he's done. I'm hoping the notes and story boards that I left with Lori (his wife and the film's assistant director) provided enough information for him to piece together the film I had in mind. But I believe at the most it should only require a view tweaks on my part. I have not seen any of the footage, so I'm really anxious to see the first cut.
Oh, by the way, I'm hoping to have a little "Director's Diary" footage up for you this week. I know, I said that seemingly months ago, but I mean it this time.
- B
Oh, by the way, I'm hoping to have a little "Director's Diary" footage up for you this week. I know, I said that seemingly months ago, but I mean it this time.
- B
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Other News
In other news, I started writing a new script today for a short. While my previous script, "Box Office," will run 15 minutes or so, I'm thinking this new one could be a lot longer, possibly 30-45 minutes. It is tentatively titled "The Ledge" but I'm going to hold on to the details.
Wow, I didn't realize I was such a tease...
B
Wow, I didn't realize I was such a tease...
B
"The Box Office" Update - 6/15/03
The script for "The Box Office" has been transcribed and it comes in at just over 11 pages. However, I did not describe the the musical number at length, so that will add roughly 2.5-3 minutes to the screen time when it plays out.
Also, I re-pitched it to the Central Kentucky Cinema Society Writers/Production group tonight. It got a lukewarm reception. Not quite the interest it got when I pitched the idea to the group a little over a month ago. I also feel I misinterpreted what the CKCS provides. Therefore, a lot of the production aspects are going to be left up to me or someone I can get to do those chores. Thinking about it more, this might be a great opportunity for me to make more connections and learn some things.
So, the first draft is done. Now I need to sit down with it and see where it might be fixed. They have started a dedicated writer's group that will meet every other Monday (for awhile at least) at 6 p.m. The first meeting is a week from tomorrow. I might take this script then, since it's the one I am most excited about right now.
B
Also, I re-pitched it to the Central Kentucky Cinema Society Writers/Production group tonight. It got a lukewarm reception. Not quite the interest it got when I pitched the idea to the group a little over a month ago. I also feel I misinterpreted what the CKCS provides. Therefore, a lot of the production aspects are going to be left up to me or someone I can get to do those chores. Thinking about it more, this might be a great opportunity for me to make more connections and learn some things.
So, the first draft is done. Now I need to sit down with it and see where it might be fixed. They have started a dedicated writer's group that will meet every other Monday (for awhile at least) at 6 p.m. The first meeting is a week from tomorrow. I might take this script then, since it's the one I am most excited about right now.
B
Monday, June 9, 2008
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" - Day Three, Part Two
On the morning of Sunday, June 8, 2008, around 5:30, we wrapped principal photography on "Previously Viewed - 2-Day Rental," the follow-up to "Drop Box." While we were able to get all the shots we wanted, it was a little more hectic at first because we had no crew. There were five people there: me, Lori the A.D., Eric the actor/producer/writer Zack the actor/writer and my nephew (who came just to check things out).
No one else who had been there either of the first two nights made it out.
As I said, at first, things were a little hectic. At the very least, I was a bit nervous, but once we got the lights set for the initial shot, everything was fine. The biggest reason for that was that all of the shots were of Eric or Zack or both of them beyond the store's counter. Therefore, there was minimal camera movement, and being in the same places for all those shots, the lighting never needed major adjustments. Well, at least to our amateur eyes, they didn't.
The biggest concern became who would hold the boom poles. Lori helped out in that regard significantly and in one shot, Zack held his own boom while acting. Pretty amazing the talent that guy has... My nephew even came to the rescue at one point.
But in the end, it was a good night and we completed what we set out to do. Now on to the editing. We have a lot of footage to get through and only about 4 weeks to get a final cut together for the first set of festivals we are looking to enter.
Four weeks seems like a lot of time, but I have the feeling that it won't be much time at all.
B
No one else who had been there either of the first two nights made it out.
As I said, at first, things were a little hectic. At the very least, I was a bit nervous, but once we got the lights set for the initial shot, everything was fine. The biggest reason for that was that all of the shots were of Eric or Zack or both of them beyond the store's counter. Therefore, there was minimal camera movement, and being in the same places for all those shots, the lighting never needed major adjustments. Well, at least to our amateur eyes, they didn't.
The biggest concern became who would hold the boom poles. Lori helped out in that regard significantly and in one shot, Zack held his own boom while acting. Pretty amazing the talent that guy has... My nephew even came to the rescue at one point.
But in the end, it was a good night and we completed what we set out to do. Now on to the editing. We have a lot of footage to get through and only about 4 weeks to get a final cut together for the first set of festivals we are looking to enter.
Four weeks seems like a lot of time, but I have the feeling that it won't be much time at all.
B
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" - Day Three, Part One
We are closing in on the third and final day of shooting for "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental." I'm excited and anxious at the same time. Excited about finishing up the shoot so that we can head into editing and keep rolling. I'm also anxious because I keep thinking about whether the shots are good, whether I'm getting everything I need and want. I haven't seen any of the footage so I'm assuming my crew has done their jobs. I really have no need to worry. Every member of the crew is very capable.
I just want it to be as good as we can make it.
I just want it to be as good as we can make it.
"The Box Office" Update - 6/3/08
Hey everybody,
Just dropping in to let everyone know that the first draft for "The Box Office" was completed this past Saturday. It was completed on 26 pages handwritten, so I'm guessing around 13 pages formatted. I'm hoping the completed project will have a run time of around 20 minutes.
I'm not sure about my thoughts on the first draft, but I'm letting it "marinate" for a few days before I revisit and make revisions.
But it's moving along and that's good news.
B
Just dropping in to let everyone know that the first draft for "The Box Office" was completed this past Saturday. It was completed on 26 pages handwritten, so I'm guessing around 13 pages formatted. I'm hoping the completed project will have a run time of around 20 minutes.
I'm not sure about my thoughts on the first draft, but I'm letting it "marinate" for a few days before I revisit and make revisions.
But it's moving along and that's good news.
B
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Showing Support
Nothing Broken Heart Films related today. Just wanted to tell everyone that I am headed to Cincinnati on Sunday to the Cincy Fringe Festival. They are having a number of arts-related activities over the course of a few days, and my friend Micah, who I met in the BCTC filmmaking certificate program last fall, has a short film playing in the film portion of the festival. I worked a little on the lighting and audio, but it played such a little part I don't consider having made any significant contribution to the short. It's a wonderful piece, and hopefully, Micah will put it on the Web one day for all to see.
In this business, it's nice to support your fellow artists, and that's what Broken Heart Films is about.
B
In this business, it's nice to support your fellow artists, and that's what Broken Heart Films is about.
B
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" - Day Two
Do you know what makes blogging difficult? Well, I'm sure many things, but the one thing I'm talking about is not having Internet access. Yes, yes, my wonderful, gorgeous iPhone can access the Web, but have you tried to type a long blog entry on that little touch-screen keyboard? If so, you know what I'm talking about. If not, try it and then let's talk.
Anyway...
Last Thursday night/Friday morning was day two of the shoot for "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental." Originally, this was supposed to be the last night of shooting. But once I started to line the script and storyboard the shots I wanted, there was no way I was going to get everything I wanted. Click here for more about that.
Now it is considered day two of three.
We started setting up promptly at 11 p.m. just as the store closed. This time most cast/crew were on time and we all jumped in to get the first, most important shot of the night off to a good start -- Zack's fight sequence. The plan was to get the entire fight sequence from start to finish in one take. My intention also was to get this shot via steadycam so the camera could move with Zack as he moves toward his "opponent" and proceeds to get his ass kicked. Micah confidently took hold of the steadycam (his first time using the apparatus), Katy (the customer who beats up Zack) stepped in at the last minute for our original actress who as called away at the last minute) proceeded like a professional and Zack was Zack. And we got two very strong takes, in just two takes. What a great way to start the night. We started filming around 11:45/midnight and had that shot in the can in less than 30 minutes.
What a relief. Lori (the AD) and I felt that there was every probability that shot would take a lot longer.
To our greater relief, the rest of the night went just as smoothly. We wrapped the day, having gotten all the shots we wanted to that night, around 4:15 a.m. or so. A lot earlier than expected.
We all felt good about the performances and what we got. However, there were two things that bothered me. One, and I didn't realize this until after all the equipment had been broken down and stored, Zack, who will be directing what would have been "Drop Box 3", asked for an overhead of the fight so that it could be edited to look like security camera footage. We didn't shoot that. I totally forgot because I didn't write it down. The worst part about that is that we had plenty of time to do it.
The second thing didn't occur to me until later in the weekend. There is a scene where a random customer messes up the boxes on the shelves. I didn't like, in retrospect, how he messed up the boxes. Hopefully on night three we'll be able to redo that shot.
All-in-all, it was a good night and I'm very excited to see how the fight sequence edits together. I want this to be very good for me, as a director, but also for Eric, as the writer/actor/producer since he wants to send it to a few film festivals.
I got home around 5:30 a.m. and promptly went to bed. When I got up I drove to Henderson, Ky., for the long weekend. And where I stayed did not have Internet. Thus, the late entry.
Hope you aren't offended, but I promise to keep you up to date on the status of this project more regularly. I know I've said this before, but I also hope to have some video up real soon.
B
Anyway...
Last Thursday night/Friday morning was day two of the shoot for "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental." Originally, this was supposed to be the last night of shooting. But once I started to line the script and storyboard the shots I wanted, there was no way I was going to get everything I wanted. Click here for more about that.
Now it is considered day two of three.
We started setting up promptly at 11 p.m. just as the store closed. This time most cast/crew were on time and we all jumped in to get the first, most important shot of the night off to a good start -- Zack's fight sequence. The plan was to get the entire fight sequence from start to finish in one take. My intention also was to get this shot via steadycam so the camera could move with Zack as he moves toward his "opponent" and proceeds to get his ass kicked. Micah confidently took hold of the steadycam (his first time using the apparatus), Katy (the customer who beats up Zack) stepped in at the last minute for our original actress who as called away at the last minute) proceeded like a professional and Zack was Zack. And we got two very strong takes, in just two takes. What a great way to start the night. We started filming around 11:45/midnight and had that shot in the can in less than 30 minutes.
What a relief. Lori (the AD) and I felt that there was every probability that shot would take a lot longer.
To our greater relief, the rest of the night went just as smoothly. We wrapped the day, having gotten all the shots we wanted to that night, around 4:15 a.m. or so. A lot earlier than expected.
We all felt good about the performances and what we got. However, there were two things that bothered me. One, and I didn't realize this until after all the equipment had been broken down and stored, Zack, who will be directing what would have been "Drop Box 3", asked for an overhead of the fight so that it could be edited to look like security camera footage. We didn't shoot that. I totally forgot because I didn't write it down. The worst part about that is that we had plenty of time to do it.
The second thing didn't occur to me until later in the weekend. There is a scene where a random customer messes up the boxes on the shelves. I didn't like, in retrospect, how he messed up the boxes. Hopefully on night three we'll be able to redo that shot.
All-in-all, it was a good night and I'm very excited to see how the fight sequence edits together. I want this to be very good for me, as a director, but also for Eric, as the writer/actor/producer since he wants to send it to a few film festivals.
I got home around 5:30 a.m. and promptly went to bed. When I got up I drove to Henderson, Ky., for the long weekend. And where I stayed did not have Internet. Thus, the late entry.
Hope you aren't offended, but I promise to keep you up to date on the status of this project more regularly. I know I've said this before, but I also hope to have some video up real soon.
B
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Intentions Aren't Everything
So, I had every intention last week of posting a video from the first night of shooting on "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental." I had shot some "diary" footage prior to and following the night's shoot and was able to get some interviews with cast and crew. I wanted to put up a 5 minute or so short piece so you could see what was happening. And while I actually did capture the footage to my computer, I never got a chance to actually edit the piece and upload to the Web.
Tonight is our second of three nights shooting (it was going to just be two nights, but thankfully the AD and I were able to get another night out of our producer). I hopefully will be shooting the same type of diary footage tonight. Over the holiday weekend I promise to try to edit the two pieces and upload early next week (I can't do it earlier because I won't have Internet access this weekend).
So, check back soon for more updates and hopefully some video!
B
Tonight is our second of three nights shooting (it was going to just be two nights, but thankfully the AD and I were able to get another night out of our producer). I hopefully will be shooting the same type of diary footage tonight. Over the holiday weekend I promise to try to edit the two pieces and upload early next week (I can't do it earlier because I won't have Internet access this weekend).
So, check back soon for more updates and hopefully some video!
B
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Thanks to the Producer
Well, had another meeting with the assistant director of the short film formerly known as "Drop Box 2" and we had some serious concerns.
DB1 was shot in one night, mostly adlib with few extra scenes. Most of the customers were encountered using the same setup in the same positions. It worked well and with two cameras, was a quick shoot.
However, DB2 came to me as a 20-page or so script. Going in, I was aware that we had 2 nights to shoot this, from 11 p.m. to about 5 a.m. We were tied to these times because we are shooting in an actual Blockbuster video store and can only shoot there when it is closed. That, along with the fact we got started 45 minutes or so late the first night and my extensive lining of the script, meant there was no way we could shoot this in two nights.
As the director, I certainly have a vision for how I want it to look. That goes without saying, right? But the writer/producer was in charge of securing equipment and scheduling the shoot. And two days just wasn't enough to get my vision on camera.
So, during my meeting with the AD last night to plan out our shoot for this coming Thursday night, she agreed. And being the wife of the producer, she was not shy about asking for another day to shoot. I should have been so bold, but I'm still trying to get a firm grasp on this directing thing and I am trying not to step on any toes. Regardless, Eric agreed, and so now we are going to have a third night of shooting. The truly unfortunate part of this is that we will probably miss the deadline for one of the film festivals Eric wanted to enter.
Even so, I'd rather miss one festival and make the film as good as I can make it, rather than make significant compromises that damage the quality of the short.
DB1 was shot in one night, mostly adlib with few extra scenes. Most of the customers were encountered using the same setup in the same positions. It worked well and with two cameras, was a quick shoot.
However, DB2 came to me as a 20-page or so script. Going in, I was aware that we had 2 nights to shoot this, from 11 p.m. to about 5 a.m. We were tied to these times because we are shooting in an actual Blockbuster video store and can only shoot there when it is closed. That, along with the fact we got started 45 minutes or so late the first night and my extensive lining of the script, meant there was no way we could shoot this in two nights.
As the director, I certainly have a vision for how I want it to look. That goes without saying, right? But the writer/producer was in charge of securing equipment and scheduling the shoot. And two days just wasn't enough to get my vision on camera.
So, during my meeting with the AD last night to plan out our shoot for this coming Thursday night, she agreed. And being the wife of the producer, she was not shy about asking for another day to shoot. I should have been so bold, but I'm still trying to get a firm grasp on this directing thing and I am trying not to step on any toes. Regardless, Eric agreed, and so now we are going to have a third night of shooting. The truly unfortunate part of this is that we will probably miss the deadline for one of the film festivals Eric wanted to enter.
Even so, I'd rather miss one festival and make the film as good as I can make it, rather than make significant compromises that damage the quality of the short.
Friday, May 16, 2008
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" - Day One, Part Two
Well, it's 6:15 a.m. on Friday, May 16, and the first night of shooting is complete. Unfortunately, we didn't make our day. I knew we were ambitious in our schedule so it wasn't a complete surprise, but next Thursday night/Friday morning is going to be tough to get us what we want to finish the shoot.
But overall, I think it was a good night.
I'm tired. So, I'm going to finish my donut holes and chocolate milk and try to get some sleep.
I will definitely write more later.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
But overall, I think it was a good night.
I'm tired. So, I'm going to finish my donut holes and chocolate milk and try to get some sleep.
I will definitely write more later.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Thursday, May 15, 2008
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" - Day One
Tonight is the first round of shooting footage for the sequel to "Drop Box," a short film made by Eric Henninger for our film class. Unfortunately, since he wants to do a series (at least a trilogy) of these and screen them for the public, he has had to make the decision to rename them. Seems a couple years ago, someone made a feature-length film called "Drop Box." The specific plot points are completely different, but the name was the same, nonetheless. So the new name, I believe, is "Previously Viewed" and the shoot tonight is the sequel "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental."
I am directing this short. Eric and Zack Hightower developed the story and wrote the script. Since they also want to act in it and have significant roles, Eric decided to ask me to direct. I gladly accepted. Since I directed my own piece, "The Obituaries," for class, I have been wanting to do another one. Although I'm interested to see how I handle directing someone else's script.
Monday I met with Eric's wife Lori who is serving as the assistant director. We mapped out camera placements for the shots we absolutely have to get tonight and worked on a schedule for getting those. We also added some shots that we'd like to get if there is time. Unfortunately, I feel as if we were a little too ambitious. But we'll see tonight. The thing is we have two actors who are only available tonight, and one of them can't be there the whole time. So, we had to schedule all of his scenes first, and for the other, we had to be sure we scheduled her so we can get all of her footage tonight.
I lined the script and drew storyboards, which are some of the most hideous things you've ever seen! I never have and never will claim to be an artist, and those storyboards are proof of that. But I think my kindergarten-level stick figures should help get the job done once we get started.
It's now 9:54 a.m. and I will be at my day job until 5 p.m. I intend to go home, sleep until 9:45 p.m. or so and then head to the location at 10 p.m. We will shoot all night, probably wrapping the day by 5 a.m. and then I will drive back home and prepare for my work day. How crazy is it that I plan to work tomorrow? We are shooting next Thursday, as well. I think tomorrow I may change my mind and take next Friday off.
Man, I hope I don't mess up Eric's and Zack's vision...
I am directing this short. Eric and Zack Hightower developed the story and wrote the script. Since they also want to act in it and have significant roles, Eric decided to ask me to direct. I gladly accepted. Since I directed my own piece, "The Obituaries," for class, I have been wanting to do another one. Although I'm interested to see how I handle directing someone else's script.
Monday I met with Eric's wife Lori who is serving as the assistant director. We mapped out camera placements for the shots we absolutely have to get tonight and worked on a schedule for getting those. We also added some shots that we'd like to get if there is time. Unfortunately, I feel as if we were a little too ambitious. But we'll see tonight. The thing is we have two actors who are only available tonight, and one of them can't be there the whole time. So, we had to schedule all of his scenes first, and for the other, we had to be sure we scheduled her so we can get all of her footage tonight.
I lined the script and drew storyboards, which are some of the most hideous things you've ever seen! I never have and never will claim to be an artist, and those storyboards are proof of that. But I think my kindergarten-level stick figures should help get the job done once we get started.
It's now 9:54 a.m. and I will be at my day job until 5 p.m. I intend to go home, sleep until 9:45 p.m. or so and then head to the location at 10 p.m. We will shoot all night, probably wrapping the day by 5 a.m. and then I will drive back home and prepare for my work day. How crazy is it that I plan to work tomorrow? We are shooting next Thursday, as well. I think tomorrow I may change my mind and take next Friday off.
Man, I hope I don't mess up Eric's and Zack's vision...
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to the official Broken Heart Films blog.
This is where we will chronicle the process of all the projects on which we are working. This will include all films headed by Broken Heart Films, as well as other projects with which our staff are involved.
We are in the process of writing a script for our first post-"film school" production, so you will be reading a lot about that.
In addition, Brad Duncan currently is directing a project for Bald Brother's Studios.
Brad also is in preproduction on a documentary that he will be producing with the assistance of Trigger Happy Productions. Shooting on that is expected to begin late fall/early winter 2008.
Again, welcome to Broken Heart Films. We hope you enjoy your visit.
This is where we will chronicle the process of all the projects on which we are working. This will include all films headed by Broken Heart Films, as well as other projects with which our staff are involved.
We are in the process of writing a script for our first post-"film school" production, so you will be reading a lot about that.
In addition, Brad Duncan currently is directing a project for Bald Brother's Studios.
Brad also is in preproduction on a documentary that he will be producing with the assistance of Trigger Happy Productions. Shooting on that is expected to begin late fall/early winter 2008.
Again, welcome to Broken Heart Films. We hope you enjoy your visit.
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