mmMontreal
New member
Way to go!
Good luck. Looking forward to seeing your film
Good luck. Looking forward to seeing your film
The Making of "Dog sitter" - a short film
- Thread starter Nerdcolony
- Start date
Nerdcolony
Member
Hi everyone.
So last night I went to check out a location about 35 minutes out of montreal. everything looks good except for one room so we need to find another location for that one scene. Schedule wise it works out because Monday is light on shooting so it will help spread things out a bit.
Now of course comes all the problems. We are 2 weeks away from shooting and I imagine now is the time things begin to fall apart and unravel. It starts here:
-My makeup artists had to drop out because she is pregnant and is having some medical issues.
- Art Dec had to drop out as well and we are struggling to find somebody to fill in.
- Supporting role is having scheduling conflicts.
- Locations may result in keeping actors on set for more than a day = more money.
- Still have not found a bull dog. (I'm getting quit nervous about this point)
- Transportation of equipment and people is a concern too.
- Now that everybody is casted I would like to have some rehearsals but I think time is not going to be on our side.
I'm slowly starting to freak out inside. Don't tell anyone.
So last night I went to check out a location about 35 minutes out of montreal. everything looks good except for one room so we need to find another location for that one scene. Schedule wise it works out because Monday is light on shooting so it will help spread things out a bit.
Now of course comes all the problems. We are 2 weeks away from shooting and I imagine now is the time things begin to fall apart and unravel. It starts here:
-My makeup artists had to drop out because she is pregnant and is having some medical issues.
- Art Dec had to drop out as well and we are struggling to find somebody to fill in.
- Supporting role is having scheduling conflicts.
- Locations may result in keeping actors on set for more than a day = more money.
- Still have not found a bull dog. (I'm getting quit nervous about this point)
- Transportation of equipment and people is a concern too.
- Now that everybody is casted I would like to have some rehearsals but I think time is not going to be on our side.
I'm slowly starting to freak out inside. Don't tell anyone.
Erez Henya
Well-known member
You're going to laugh at it all later on, once it's completed and looks great! :beer:
Nerdcolony
Member
Thanks Erez! I'm sure you are right.
Erez Henya
Well-known member
You're welcome, my friend.
Just remember to think positive, and focus on solutions!
I, personally, use a great visual thinking program called Mind Manager to help me organize my thoughts and find solutions to all concerns and challenges that arise every now and then. I believe that you'll find it much helpful, too.
Nerdcolony
Member
I just finished the shot list. I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit when I realized I have over 100 shots to do get done in three days.
Although I did mention in a past post how much I hate making story boards...I totally love the fact that I have them done and I can use them. I can see why people pay big bucks for somebody to do this for them. Such a good tool especially when it came to making the shot list. I'll try to post some of my "art" work soon.
Although I did mention in a past post how much I hate making story boards...I totally love the fact that I have them done and I can use them. I can see why people pay big bucks for somebody to do this for them. Such a good tool especially when it came to making the shot list. I'll try to post some of my "art" work soon.
Nerdcolony
Member
The Dog Sitter Bus!
The Dog Sitter Bus!
So today I confirmed my transportation. Since we are shooting a little ways away, we need to transport a lot of people as well as the equipment. I thought renting a van and a truck for three days was too expensive so I decided to ask around. I found a band that has a touring bus made out of an old school bus. They basically found an old school bus and guted it. They made room for sleeping, eating and storage.
I asked if they could lend it to us. They said yes. So now for a mere $400.00 we get this bus which can transport people, transport equipment and act as our production office/trailer/infirmary for the shoot. (Infirmary?)
Anyway...it's so awesome and I'm so excited to get it that I wanted to share it with you.
Here are some pics:
The Dog Sitter Bus!
So today I confirmed my transportation. Since we are shooting a little ways away, we need to transport a lot of people as well as the equipment. I thought renting a van and a truck for three days was too expensive so I decided to ask around. I found a band that has a touring bus made out of an old school bus. They basically found an old school bus and guted it. They made room for sleeping, eating and storage.
I asked if they could lend it to us. They said yes. So now for a mere $400.00 we get this bus which can transport people, transport equipment and act as our production office/trailer/infirmary for the shoot. (Infirmary?)
Anyway...it's so awesome and I'm so excited to get it that I wanted to share it with you.
Here are some pics:
Attachments
Nerdcolony
Member
I know that when getting a flm off the ground things are not supposed to go smoothly but I'm starting to get a little concerned.
We are missing an art Director. Although we have somebody in charge of props and wardrobe...not having art dec is a big concern of mine. Most of the scenes are ok in terms art dec as it's just somewhat of a typical house setting with a few minor adjustments. But there is a scene where the location is a boys room and it needs to be transformed into a neuroic teenage girls room. I need somebody for this.
We are still missing a small bit part.
We are missing a Makeup Artist
We need one final location
We need a production meeting bu getting people together is at the same time is hard.
We need costumes.
We need props.
we need a few thouand dollars more.
We need forms and paper work stuff....
We need stuff. We need uh...oh ...we uh....we need
We need prozak, coffee and defib.
I can't sleep these days. It sounds rediculus and maybe even like I'm exagerating. I woke up the other morning not being able to move my neck because the muscles where so tense they spasmed during my sleep.
My teeth and jaw hurt from clenching them. I'm either not hungry for a long time or I am ravenous and eat a whole cow.
I'm totally acting like I'm all cool, calm and colected by secretly (well not so secretly anymore) I'm freaking out.
I think I wanted to write this out because people on this board seem so cool and ready to go. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm in no way calling anybody a liar but I'm sure people must get a little scared before they shoot a film. I bet to some degree Ron Howard wants to puke, P.T.A. hides in his room and even Michael Bay must get nervous. (ok...Maybe Bay is pushing it) I just don't see much mention of people loosing their **** before shooting their films.
So what am I saying?
I guess my slight internal meltdown briefly detailed here might help somebody else on this board that is feeling the same way and wondering "Is it ok that I'm freaking out?"
Of course this then makes me wonder just that.
We are missing an art Director. Although we have somebody in charge of props and wardrobe...not having art dec is a big concern of mine. Most of the scenes are ok in terms art dec as it's just somewhat of a typical house setting with a few minor adjustments. But there is a scene where the location is a boys room and it needs to be transformed into a neuroic teenage girls room. I need somebody for this.
We are still missing a small bit part.
We are missing a Makeup Artist
We need one final location
We need a production meeting bu getting people together is at the same time is hard.
We need costumes.
We need props.
we need a few thouand dollars more.
We need forms and paper work stuff....
We need stuff. We need uh...oh ...we uh....we need
We need prozak, coffee and defib.
I can't sleep these days. It sounds rediculus and maybe even like I'm exagerating. I woke up the other morning not being able to move my neck because the muscles where so tense they spasmed during my sleep.
My teeth and jaw hurt from clenching them. I'm either not hungry for a long time or I am ravenous and eat a whole cow.
I'm totally acting like I'm all cool, calm and colected by secretly (well not so secretly anymore) I'm freaking out.
I think I wanted to write this out because people on this board seem so cool and ready to go. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm in no way calling anybody a liar but I'm sure people must get a little scared before they shoot a film. I bet to some degree Ron Howard wants to puke, P.T.A. hides in his room and even Michael Bay must get nervous. (ok...Maybe Bay is pushing it) I just don't see much mention of people loosing their **** before shooting their films.
So what am I saying?
I guess my slight internal meltdown briefly detailed here might help somebody else on this board that is feeling the same way and wondering "Is it ok that I'm freaking out?"
Of course this then makes me wonder just that.
Nerdcolony
Member
This is Mission control: commence countdown.
....5 Days!
....5 Days!
Nerdcolony
Member
Day -5
Day -5
Today seems weird.
I feel like it's been incredibly hectic yet I'm much more calm today then I was the past few days.
I have a schedule, made by the producer/1st AD. Having this guy around is making me feel so much more confident. I think, as people have said before, the trick is really to surround yourself with people who are better than you.
E-mails are flying. One Problem is solved just as the Next one arises.
The budget just went up a bit so I'll be poor just a little longer. So be it, it's gotta happen.
We got a confirmation that a location has come through. We are shooting outside a high school for this fight scene. The principal is giving us the space for free and I could not me more appreciative. I'm rallying the troops for the scene as I need a lot of extras. I made a Facebook event, I'm calling in every person I know from that area (even people I haven't spoken to in years...awkward!) and even the principal is excited and is trying to recruit students from the drama department.
I hope it doesn't rain that day. Also, we are trying to get in and out in 4 hours (3 with Extras). We need to work fast because It's Thanksgiving and the school will be closed. This means no bathrooms! (This concerns me a little but...)
We are going to try to get something like 125 shots in 3 days... That number is huge but I think most of these are going to be similar if not the same set ups for each location. There is a lot of repetition in the story so it helps.
Lastly... The special Effects guy who is making this "Roasted Dog" effect told me things are looking good. I'm excited to see it.
I had mentioned that I was excited to have the thing in my house after the shoot and he said that in SFX, it's the creator that keeps the model. I'm wondering, If I am paying him to make it, aren't I paying for the product?
It's not a huge deal, (especially because what the hell am I gonna do with a life-sized burnt dog in my apartment?) but I think I should be at least given the option to keep it.
Anyway, he is good guy so I'm not too concerned, just wondering if there was some industry standard for this stuff. Does he own it or does the production own it?
Thats it for me...
I just wanted to throw this one last idea out there.
Playing the game "Spore" a week before production is both a good way to distract yourself and a bad way to waste time.
Day -5
Today seems weird.
I feel like it's been incredibly hectic yet I'm much more calm today then I was the past few days.
I have a schedule, made by the producer/1st AD. Having this guy around is making me feel so much more confident. I think, as people have said before, the trick is really to surround yourself with people who are better than you.
E-mails are flying. One Problem is solved just as the Next one arises.
The budget just went up a bit so I'll be poor just a little longer. So be it, it's gotta happen.
We got a confirmation that a location has come through. We are shooting outside a high school for this fight scene. The principal is giving us the space for free and I could not me more appreciative. I'm rallying the troops for the scene as I need a lot of extras. I made a Facebook event, I'm calling in every person I know from that area (even people I haven't spoken to in years...awkward!) and even the principal is excited and is trying to recruit students from the drama department.
I hope it doesn't rain that day. Also, we are trying to get in and out in 4 hours (3 with Extras). We need to work fast because It's Thanksgiving and the school will be closed. This means no bathrooms! (This concerns me a little but...)
We are going to try to get something like 125 shots in 3 days... That number is huge but I think most of these are going to be similar if not the same set ups for each location. There is a lot of repetition in the story so it helps.
Lastly... The special Effects guy who is making this "Roasted Dog" effect told me things are looking good. I'm excited to see it.
I had mentioned that I was excited to have the thing in my house after the shoot and he said that in SFX, it's the creator that keeps the model. I'm wondering, If I am paying him to make it, aren't I paying for the product?
It's not a huge deal, (especially because what the hell am I gonna do with a life-sized burnt dog in my apartment?) but I think I should be at least given the option to keep it.
Anyway, he is good guy so I'm not too concerned, just wondering if there was some industry standard for this stuff. Does he own it or does the production own it?
Thats it for me...
I just wanted to throw this one last idea out there.
Playing the game "Spore" a week before production is both a good way to distract yourself and a bad way to waste time.
Nerdcolony
Member
Day -3
Day -3
Tonight I'm holding a final round of rehearsals and then we have a production meeting.
I was thinking about something recently and I wanted to share it but I'm not sure how it will come it on this forum...here goes.
I think one of the many hard things a Director has to deal with during a small production is that some people don't care. And I don't mean don't care about doing a good job because they generally do but I mean...
ok... I wrote this movie so I think logically I will be the most passionate about the project. Now other people who are working on the project my really like it too. But I feel like some people are doing a project like this constantly asking themselves "Why did I agree to do this? What benefit is this going to have on my career?" These people are basically going to work there asses off for me for low pay and what do they get out of it?
I guess I'm saying that if somebody is not excited about the project, is not getting paid very much, won't be able to use the film as a portfolio like the DP or Makeup team it, makes me feel that at any given time they can look at me and think "screw you, this sucks, I don't need this, I don't give a shi*!"
I want people to feel good about the work they are going to do for me. I am so appreciative that all these people are giving up their long weekend for me.
Anyways....I'm not sure where I'm really going with this semi-rant.
Besides...we are shooting so far out of town that even if people wanted to quit, they won't be able to find a way back home. HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Master plan!
Day -3
Tonight I'm holding a final round of rehearsals and then we have a production meeting.
I was thinking about something recently and I wanted to share it but I'm not sure how it will come it on this forum...here goes.
I think one of the many hard things a Director has to deal with during a small production is that some people don't care. And I don't mean don't care about doing a good job because they generally do but I mean...
ok... I wrote this movie so I think logically I will be the most passionate about the project. Now other people who are working on the project my really like it too. But I feel like some people are doing a project like this constantly asking themselves "Why did I agree to do this? What benefit is this going to have on my career?" These people are basically going to work there asses off for me for low pay and what do they get out of it?
I guess I'm saying that if somebody is not excited about the project, is not getting paid very much, won't be able to use the film as a portfolio like the DP or Makeup team it, makes me feel that at any given time they can look at me and think "screw you, this sucks, I don't need this, I don't give a shi*!"
I want people to feel good about the work they are going to do for me. I am so appreciative that all these people are giving up their long weekend for me.
Anyways....I'm not sure where I'm really going with this semi-rant.
Besides...we are shooting so far out of town that even if people wanted to quit, they won't be able to find a way back home. HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Master plan!
dalethompson
Well-known member
Adam:
Congrats on your adventures in making your first film!
If you are looking for $$$, have you contacted any Quebec or Federal arts programs or grants? Here in Toronto, there's more than a few leads on Ontario grants for film. They are even in categories that apply to most people (first time filmmaker, mid career change, mid career filmmaker etc.)
There's lot of hidden grants and funds that people tend to overlook. Yes, they make it hard to apply and even find... just to test how bad someone wants it. Some grants are up to $10,000 for first time filmmakers.
The National Film Board (NFB) also has grants and funds too, although, there's are more strict in terms of someone applying to them. You usually have to have worked on a minimum of 2 films and a graduate of film too. I don't know if you are a film grad at all or your background either in film, sorry.
Best of luck and keep everyone posted too. It takes a lot of courage, strength and passion to get into film but you seem to have all three.
-Dale
Congrats on your adventures in making your first film!
If you are looking for $$$, have you contacted any Quebec or Federal arts programs or grants? Here in Toronto, there's more than a few leads on Ontario grants for film. They are even in categories that apply to most people (first time filmmaker, mid career change, mid career filmmaker etc.)
There's lot of hidden grants and funds that people tend to overlook. Yes, they make it hard to apply and even find... just to test how bad someone wants it. Some grants are up to $10,000 for first time filmmakers.
The National Film Board (NFB) also has grants and funds too, although, there's are more strict in terms of someone applying to them. You usually have to have worked on a minimum of 2 films and a graduate of film too. I don't know if you are a film grad at all or your background either in film, sorry.
Best of luck and keep everyone posted too. It takes a lot of courage, strength and passion to get into film but you seem to have all three.
-Dale
dalethompson
Well-known member
Adam:
I just read the part about the customs... I too am dreading that right now. I just bought a HVX200 from the states (Connecticut) and I'm wondering how much it's going to be. The value of it on the insurance is $4100, so I'm guessing by your customs fees it will be somewhere in the range of $50 - $100 (hopefully no more than that).
As far getting a brand name actor for the movie, go with someone who's right for the role. Think of Ellen Page, a child actor who got plum roles in Hard Candy, the Tracey Fragments and even the Trailer Park Boys before getting a coveted spot in Juno. She beat out tons of "Hollywood" girls around her age for the role and she made the movie what it is. Unknown, not exactly, but certainly not A-List before Juno. The same thing can be said for your movie too. If you go with someone who's right for the role, does it matter what they've been in before? You no doubt already have cast the role and I hope you got the person you really wanted too.
My two cents but you can make an argument for having a well known person in your movie or not having one. I agree, it may draw people to your movie but I've watched lots of flicks where I had never heard of the actors or even the director for that matter... and I liked enjoyed them. Obviously, they got made too, so someone believed in the movie.
In the end, strong writing wins over anything else. A witty, well written movie (again, think Juno) that invokes emotion(s) will win people over before special effects or a brand name actor. I think Hollywood underestimates this formula... which is why so many countries around the world are producing amazing films. They may not top $100 million or even $10 million, but man, are they a treat to watch
Good luck and if you ever want to film in Toronto, drop me a line!
I just read the part about the customs... I too am dreading that right now. I just bought a HVX200 from the states (Connecticut) and I'm wondering how much it's going to be. The value of it on the insurance is $4100, so I'm guessing by your customs fees it will be somewhere in the range of $50 - $100 (hopefully no more than that).
As far getting a brand name actor for the movie, go with someone who's right for the role. Think of Ellen Page, a child actor who got plum roles in Hard Candy, the Tracey Fragments and even the Trailer Park Boys before getting a coveted spot in Juno. She beat out tons of "Hollywood" girls around her age for the role and she made the movie what it is. Unknown, not exactly, but certainly not A-List before Juno. The same thing can be said for your movie too. If you go with someone who's right for the role, does it matter what they've been in before? You no doubt already have cast the role and I hope you got the person you really wanted too.
My two cents but you can make an argument for having a well known person in your movie or not having one. I agree, it may draw people to your movie but I've watched lots of flicks where I had never heard of the actors or even the director for that matter... and I liked enjoyed them. Obviously, they got made too, so someone believed in the movie.
In the end, strong writing wins over anything else. A witty, well written movie (again, think Juno) that invokes emotion(s) will win people over before special effects or a brand name actor. I think Hollywood underestimates this formula... which is why so many countries around the world are producing amazing films. They may not top $100 million or even $10 million, but man, are they a treat to watch
Good luck and if you ever want to film in Toronto, drop me a line!
Nerdcolony
Member
Day -2
Day -2
Only a day away from the production of Dog Sitter.
Today I visited a prop house for the first time. Although I found it incredibly interesting and could probably stay there for hours, I think it's quite boring to explain and I'll spare you the details. But it was cool!
It sounds little silly but when I came home tonight I found a call sheet waiting for me in my inbox. It was very exciting. I've seen a whole whack of theses papers in the past but this time my name was next to Director. I don't know why I feel like I shouldn't be excited but I am. And I am going to ride this feeling because who knows when the next time this will happen.
Tomorrow I am filming some stuff for the contract that gave me my jump start. I kinda wish I didn't have to do it but its got to get done. I probably won't sleep very well tomorrow night. I bet I'm going to wake up a half-dozen times checking the clock to make sure that I won't be late.
I found the first peace of writing I did for this movie. It was just a document that I made where I brainstormed some ideas I had. It's amazing because some of the ideas, in fact exact sentences were transposed into a script and about 8 drafts later it was made. The thing that really fascinated me is that it was created on July 24, 2007. Over a year ago!
I never would have thought that over a year after writing this brain storm on a slow mac clamshell computer while sitting by a beach in Sutton, would this movie ever be made. And here I am. On the verge of creating this film that so far, I'm proud of.
Truly unbelievable.
Thanks for the kind words Dale. I hope everything works out with customs but I fear it might be quite a bit! Let us know!
As far as Actors go. I really lucked out with my lead. Even though she is not a "Name" actor, she is amazing and I could not ask for a better actor to play the lead.
Day -2
Only a day away from the production of Dog Sitter.
Today I visited a prop house for the first time. Although I found it incredibly interesting and could probably stay there for hours, I think it's quite boring to explain and I'll spare you the details. But it was cool!
It sounds little silly but when I came home tonight I found a call sheet waiting for me in my inbox. It was very exciting. I've seen a whole whack of theses papers in the past but this time my name was next to Director. I don't know why I feel like I shouldn't be excited but I am. And I am going to ride this feeling because who knows when the next time this will happen.
Tomorrow I am filming some stuff for the contract that gave me my jump start. I kinda wish I didn't have to do it but its got to get done. I probably won't sleep very well tomorrow night. I bet I'm going to wake up a half-dozen times checking the clock to make sure that I won't be late.
I found the first peace of writing I did for this movie. It was just a document that I made where I brainstormed some ideas I had. It's amazing because some of the ideas, in fact exact sentences were transposed into a script and about 8 drafts later it was made. The thing that really fascinated me is that it was created on July 24, 2007. Over a year ago!
I never would have thought that over a year after writing this brain storm on a slow mac clamshell computer while sitting by a beach in Sutton, would this movie ever be made. And here I am. On the verge of creating this film that so far, I'm proud of.
Truly unbelievable.
Thanks for the kind words Dale. I hope everything works out with customs but I fear it might be quite a bit! Let us know!
As far as Actors go. I really lucked out with my lead. Even though she is not a "Name" actor, she is amazing and I could not ask for a better actor to play the lead.
dalethompson
Well-known member
Good job Adam! You should be proud because you've taken your idea/vision and turned it into something quite "reel" (sorry, bad film pun). A lot of people want to do things but never do... you wanted to do something and you've gone ahead and put the time, effort and hard work into making it come true. Pat yourself on the back, you've done good!
Yeah, customs cleared my camera last night, we'll see how it goes with them
Yeah, customs cleared my camera last night, we'll see how it goes with them
Nerdcolony
Member
Day -1
Day -1
Tomorrow is the day.
I'm in a state of zen.
Thanks for reading everybody.
Day -1
Tomorrow is the day.
I'm in a state of zen.
Thanks for reading everybody.
Sorry that I never commented. I did follow up.
I'm having a meeting soon with an investor to greenlight a feature to be shot next year. Just thinking how worried you get before a short film freaks me out knowing I won't be able to sleep for at least 2 weeks before production starts
Hope your first day went great!
I'll be closely following this thread
I'm having a meeting soon with an investor to greenlight a feature to be shot next year. Just thinking how worried you get before a short film freaks me out knowing I won't be able to sleep for at least 2 weeks before production starts
Hope your first day went great!
I'll be closely following this thread
Nerdcolony
Member
Day 1
Day 1
Ok, I'm exhausted, it's 12:30 and I want to go to bed. I just wanted to put this out there.
Today went VERY well. We were little behind schedule but we'll pick up tomorrow. We are getting some shots that are just pure gold! When I'm finished shooting I'll give some entries with some details.... also tomorrow I should have a few stills to show.
Thanks for reading Charlie. Trust me when I say every night of no sleep is SO worth it.
Day 1
Ok, I'm exhausted, it's 12:30 and I want to go to bed. I just wanted to put this out there.
Today went VERY well. We were little behind schedule but we'll pick up tomorrow. We are getting some shots that are just pure gold! When I'm finished shooting I'll give some entries with some details.... also tomorrow I should have a few stills to show.
Thanks for reading Charlie. Trust me when I say every night of no sleep is SO worth it.
Nerdcolony
Member
Soooo tired.....
At work....
Can't think...
Movie Done....
Can't.... think....
At work....
Can't think...
Movie Done....
Can't.... think....