Filmed the Hardest Scene
Finally finished one of the most intimidating scenes in the film after not getting to film in over a month. Intimidating on paper only though. Everything I’ve filmed has actually been easier than I thought it would be. Anyways, all the rest will be easy compared to this scene.
I filmed the first half of the scene 6 months ago. The location closed down and I had to find a similar location and match them up. I also sponsored the tournament with a $20 pot bonus so I could have leeway to film as much as I wanted. Although I never actually asked the venue for permission. Which is why I was very restrained in how many times I filmed the fight scenes so that I didn’t get kicked out.
I usually arrive 30-45 minutes early, but I got there a little late this time. It was as quick as I could get there. I picked up Matt and drove straight there. Some people already live there so it was easy. At least 3 people told me they wouldn’t make the shoot but I was able to convince all but one to still come. I can’t believe I was scared for so long to use child actors, they’re so easy to work with. When I first started I almost wanted to use people I knew exclusively as actual actors scared me. I felt too inexperienced as if I was going to waste their time or they’d see my inexperience. I had to overcome insecurities in order to get to where I am. It’s so easy, I was in my own way before.
What was also hard was having to have a crew member hold the camera, it’s not too much trouble to get my brother Josh to hold the boom, but getting a camera person is a bitch. I rushed to get it done in 3 hours, I got it in almost 4. But close enough.
I was getting to the point where I was filming almost once every week, but my brother/lead actor wanted to take a break, then I went to a wedding, then stayed in NY, then the next week wouldn’t allow it. So it’s been a month gap. I looked at the last stuff I filmed, I forgot I filmed 2 scenes in a week. Impressive. I actually found a random guy that wanted to be an extra. My brother had to leave because he had to wake up early, and I used the extra as a boom buy so luck came my way again.
I feel bad for giving actors that are working for free such small roles, so I give the small ones to comedians that are looking to buff their resume and reel. As for not paying anyone. I’ve been doing comedy for seven years, and I’ve rarely been paid and when I do it’s not much. You’re getting a demo reel, credits, experience, connections and all of that in under 3-4 hours. Do you really need $20 or it will break the deal. $20 isn’t a lot of money to pay, but if I pay every single actor that much every time I film I’d barely get a few scenes done. Rant over.
I make sure to use a checklist because there’s always something you’re going to forget. When acting, directing, producing, lighting, all at once, your brain is spread thin and you do very stupid things. Few small things I forgot to film, but nothing major. Something I can edit around wasn’t really necessary, or I can go back and film easily.
I used to feel bad for my style because it wasn’t the typical way of doing things, then I researched how one of my favorite movies the French Connection was made… almost the exact same style. Available lighting shot on location, steal scenes, capture realism, I love it. Sounds like the style of the lazy man, or the brave man. I call it doing what works and following the 80/20 rule.
After editing, I have another tournament scene, a party scene, a live band scene, a few interior car scenes, an outdoor scene, exterior bar scene, this some stuff around my house, a salon, another massage scene, and some b-roll. Then I’m finally done outside of possible one reshoot. But I can’t do any of that until I fix my Zoom H4N. Thank god Josh was there to help me fix it for the night. I’ve edited all the footage and it came out great. Now I’ve got to do it all over again with the final tournament scene.
I’m just trying to balance all this with my training business, that always dwindles the more time I put into this or comedy. Also, I gotta focus on my comedy with my upcoming feature spot impending.