“Tails” refers to the tail slate, the clap at the end of a take when things get flipped around—and this blog is just that: a flipped-around peek behind the scenes of my second feature.
Location booked on peer space came back trying to ask for more money. Having trouble now getting the money back from peer space saying it’s somehow our problem.
Some of the actors are unhappy about how little they were mentioned in the deadline article.
The rest of the crew is killing it.
We were able to make our day without losing any shots. Actors are doing an amazing job. Production design is superb.
One of my producers was able to get us a write up in Deadline. She’s been doing some incredible work behind the scenes. It was exciting and a great start to the press for the film in general, but I’m still nervous about making sure the movie gets a good release.
Spouse is convinced I’ve ruined the movie with some rewrites I’ve done on set. They vent about it to me daily.
I’m so glad to be out of filming at the strip club and into filming at other locations. No offense to the strip club. But we just had too much to do in such a short amount of time. I feel like we’re back to a reasonable schedule.
Walked up to this new location, that we were able to get for $200, and felt self-conscious about the motor home we rented for extra bathrooms and for the actors to get ready in. It just feels so extravagant for how low budget the project is. I feel ridiculous. But it made sense logistically.
There were a few notes I realized I should give the actors on their performance after we shot two sizes with them and I only have it on their closeup. I don’t love how long it took me to get to those notes. At least I was able to get the performance eventually.
Art team is really killing it.
Everyone is saying we chose a good caterer. I feel like they were worth prioritizing.
I still feel bad about how little the crew is getting paid.
My daughter was able to visit set today. I wish she could’ve stayed longer.
Filming this week was overall only okay. Friday was the worst. We were not even getting the bare minimum we needed for some scenes as we raced through the final hours at the location. We really needed 6 days there but our budget only allowed for 5. I’m worried we didn’t get everything we need.
The DP is already talking about ways to save money for pickups at that location. I don’t see that being possible.
Crew members are telling me that I’m doing a great job. It’s hard to believe when my spouse tells me differently every night.
I’m so ready to move onto post. I’ve always enjoyed editing most.
I love working on set. I love making my own movies. I hate being the director on set.
Found a new line producer to take over, but now the original line producer doesn’t want to quit anymore.
I’m wondering if I get too sensitive when my spouse criticizes me on set or shoots down my ideas in front of the crew. We don’t do a good job of speaking to each other as nicely as we do with the rest of the crew.
I’m going to reshoot a cutaway shot tomorrow. The actors who were cast were not very strong. So I’m going to try someone different. it might make some people mad.
One of my producers is already doing an amazing job of helping with PR. It’s not something I’m good at and I’m so relieved to have someone else handle it. I think it’s going to translate to a better film release and, hopefully, sales.
We’re getting some great stuff. Besides the production department, the rest of the cast and crew seem happy.
Spouse and I have started to argue more in front of the crew. It’s not good.
I think I found a new line producer to come on.
Finally finished making casting choices today. Hopefully we can book them all.
Got some great footage. Made our day. Actors are happy.
Line Producer / Producer is quitting because the work is too much for them to keep up with. They’re going to finish out the week. Searching for a replacement.
Very confusing day.
Today was a bad day for me personally.
We made our day and shot an “if time” scene a lot of people didn’t think we would be able to get.
The scenes before lunch, which were the ones I was the most stressed about, went great.
Then it all fell apart for me.
It started when someone was freaking out at my spouse. So they were freaking out at me. And I was matching his energy. Even though it was a short moment and I was able to resolve the situation for everyone, I think that’s when things started to go south for me mentally.
There was a scene that was supposed to have topless women in the background. I did not set it up well. All of the actors then declined to be topless. Now I feel embarrassed/gross/panicked/ashamed.
And then my production team started in on me. Texting me in all caps about problems they were having and requesting more office support.
This production feels like it keeps growing out of the proportion that I ever expected.
My spouse wanted to go over some things from today and talk about tomorrow, but I thought it would be better to make some calls. Make sure each department felt supported. Make sure I could solve my problems.
And I ended the night thinking that I have patched things up with everyone. That I have a game plan to fix my problems tomorrow. For a moment, I thought everything was okay.
And then my spouse had to say “if only you had been patient enough to wait and do this next year – this all would’ve been worked out and none of this would’ve happened.”
Last day at the college went great. Shot late but everyone was in good spirits. Made our day. I feel bad for all the work art still has to do tomorrow.
Excited to get back home and see my daughter.
Started filming even later in the day to do splits. It’s definitely rough. The crew was tired but everyone was laughing and being ridiculous instead of being grumpy.
We were able to get everything on the schedule shot and also two pickups from other scenes.
I’m worried we’re not getting enough fun transitions for our more “action” sequence.
It’s insane to see the things my crew can pull off so quickly. They’re incredibly talented. I still can’t believe how much they hustle for me when I announce I want or need something. I’m sure the art department hates to see me coming.
I’m excited to see my daughter in person again soon.
So tired.
So grateful.
Tails 