robinator

I have successfully directed my first real film. Well, I think it was successful.

I've helmed some short films before, but always with a video camera and crew of 3 or 4 people, but this was a real film. 25 crew, guns, explosives, equipment trucks. Whoa man...I have a whole new respect for film directors..it's hard work!

The funny thing is, I inteded to keep days short, and the first one came in at 9 hours, so not bad, but then they kept getting longer...day 2 was 11 hours, day 3 was 13 and then day 4 was 18 hours! The locations and shot lists just got more complicated as the days went on, but the crew were incredible at staying at it and keeping the quality high.

One major thing I learned is never underestimate the need for any position. I made the mistake of combining hair and makeup - next time get a separate hair person, and letting actors do their own wardrobe - just too much responsibility and attention away from what it should be on...next time get a wardrobe person. And more PAs...you can never have too many.