I must say that I enjoyed shooting these scene assignments. I think the best way to learn is through hands on experience, and that has been the biggest lesson. You can read all of the books and blogs, watch all the movies in the world, and still not ‘get it’ until you actually have to do it yourself. I think hands-on learning has been the biggest teacher because I was able to see what worked and what didn’t work in different environments. We pretty much used all of the equipment in class, but knowing what works and doesn’t work as far as lighting and shot composition is more trial and error. For example, figuring out the best way to cut out light for the same project, but different scenes- should we use nets, if so, how many, and what kind? Or, should we just use a screen? What gels will help give us the look we want? Should we mix gels? All of those questions had to be answered, and although it got annoying, after a while we all seemed to know what worked. Figuring out what worked best in the moment, being flexible, and being patient were the biggest and most appreciated virtues held throughout the completion of the projects.
If I had to go back and do it all over again I would have my shot list in sequential order so that I could just go down the line and check shots off as I go. I would have used a different camera, or possibly prime lenses with the camera we used, I would have given my actor a couple of shots to take the edge/ shake the nerves off, and I would have chosen a quieter location because that was my biggest problem when editing. Another thing I would have down differently is pay closer attention to the small things in the shot. For instance, in one of the shots there was an exit sign in the background. I didn’t see it when I looked at the viewfinder, but it irritated me while editing so I had to zoom in and crop it out the shot. I was pleased with the cinematographer/ director relationship we had. Of course, in any relationship things could have been better, but for the most part I think it was darn good. Communication is a big deal on a set, and I think we all did that pretty well. All of us had a good working relationship. We were all under similar stress levels so no one got too fussy when people were annoyed, stressed, tired, ready to go, anxious, or whatever, because we knew the feeling. I don’t have a desire to be a cinematographer, or a director, but I see how time consuming those positions can be, and you definitely need to dedicate all of your time to a project for it to be flawless, because juggling three other classes, a job and five other shoots was wearing me out!
The most enjoyable part is seeing the final project complete. I always have a smile on my face when it’s done. I like for everyone else that has helped out see that their work and time was not for naught. Another enjoyable aspect of the project was the jokes we cracked and laughs we shared on set. We were able to sit down (be it only a couple of minutes) and actually talk and get to know one another beyond the classroom walls. I’m always up for learning about people. Oh, and I can’t forget that I learned a new dance while on one of the sets! You can’t be that with a stick! I had my own personal choreographer and everything. J
My strengths were that I knew what I wanted and wasn’t indecisive or unclear about my expectations. I have said this before and I’m going say it again, one of my biggest strengths as a person, not just a director/ dp, is that I adapt well to change, and I usually can remain level headed when unforeseen incidents occur. Whether actors failed to come, we had to reshoot, lights blew, actors screwed up, equipment was missing, or things just didn’t work according to plan, I was able to adapt. So, if I had to do it all over again, the sleepless nights, 10 hour shoots, growling stomach, annoyed temperaments, terrible sound, and long hours editing, I would. I kind of enjoy this type of stuff. I know, weird huh? J
