caseydonahue:

Things I have learned from directing/writing/producing/acting my first (short) film

- As important it is as a director to have a DP and a producer you trust to help fulfill the vision, the AD is the underrated less glamourous position that really helps things get done. Find yourself an AD. Do not shoot without one.

- Do not settle for a shot that is easier to shoot over the shot that you want. Film is a visual medium. Cinematography is one of the elements involved in creating that story. Fight for your shot. Because in the end, you can’t do the movie over, what you have is what you have so you better be happy with it.

- Block every shot with the DP and AD on location BEFORE you get to set on the shoot day. Your whole team NEEDS to be on the same page to make sure everything gets shot as well as shot correctly. (This will also lead to more accurately estimated call sheets!)

- Have a plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D and plan E

- Always be confident and in control. You are guiding the ship, don’t let the cast and crew think they are on the Titanic.

- Be ready to live with the fact that what you have will not exactly be what you have envisioned in your head. At least not on your first project.

- You will never have enough money.

- Your friends that are willing to volunteer their time are worth more than everything. Let them know that.

- Be gracious and grateful to everyone. They are helping YOU create YOUR film.

- When it is all in the can, give yourself a minute to congratulate yourself. But only one minute. You still have a lot of work to do you self righteous asshole.

- Have fun out there!