#11 - Teachings of the Scene Assignment

This scene assignment was great for me. Not only did it give me a chance to once again get hands on experience, but it also helped me realize what it takes to configure an idea onto the screen. Granted, my screen is that of a youtube page, but it will one day get bigger. I enjoyed being able to take something that I think is hilarious and great and turn it into my own project. Until this assignment, I didn't realize how many little details go into pre-producing and planning out just one little scene. Being able to rewrite a script, arrange the actors the way I wanted them, draw up floor plans and make a shooting script definitely gave me great practice for the Senior class. Now that I know more about what is going on, I am looking forward to pulling off a 15-minute short film.
I also liked getting to work with Cordell again. I think we make a pretty good team, and we've gotten more comfortable with each others opinions. I did realize though, just like for the portrait assingment, it isn't easy having a flawless Director/D.P relationship. You definitely have to work at it and respect each others ideas as to what makes a shot look best or how should an actor act, etc. For me, I realized the most challenging part about directing was taking complete control. Not that my actors were difficult, or my D.P wouldn't listen, but I realized that I should stick to my gut feelings and instincts about how I want it to work rather than being influenced too much by others. I came to realize that everyone is there to help you, the director, get your vision across and they're willing to do what it takes to make that happen.
I think it works the same way on the D.P side of things. I was willing to do what it took to help Cordell get what he wanted in each shot. If something isn't just right then we can always shoot it again.
I think have a clear sense of what you want and how you want it to look going into a project is the best way for things to run smoothly. I can definitely work on the pre-visualtion aspects even more for the next go round.