What I learned last week

Atom films is taking their own time posting the movie. I am sure it will be up in time. I will post it as soon as they approve it.

To be honest, I'm running out of things to post in this blog. The music video work is going on.

The work on the short film was very satisfying. However, looking back, there are a lot of things I learned and would have done better.

• Movie making is a team effort. If you're going to be directing, focus on that. Find other people to take care of the other things.
• If there is an issue, the producer will tell you or will take care of it for you. You don't have to worry for him.
• If you don't like something, make sure you correct it or you will not like what you get to edit.
• 2 takes for a shot is way too less. Do more takes. More angles. Try a less and more intense version of the same scene. Its expensive to go back and re-shoot.
  
• Use a script/storyboard supervisor.
• If you're not going to dub or do ADR later, do the sound properly. Get a good boom mic.
• Practice what you're going to tell your actors about a scene before hand. Is your communication clear?
  

There are also a bunch of things I am proud of.

• We did it. While most people just talk about it, we did it. In a shoe string budget.
• Every one involved, gave 100% to it.
• The final product turned out to be an excellent quality production in terms of acting, camera, lighting and music (and of course the writing and direction).
  
• Directing a movie felt right. There was no nervousness. Only excitement.
• There was focus right from the moment we decided to do the movie to the day the film was completed.
• I am proud of Sukhi, Sudesh, Balu, Amy, Robert and Bijan. Great team players.

SO that wraps up today's blog. I just hope that by tomorrow Atom films will get their act together. Or I'll have to discover another rant. I might just make up something..