Half Down and Half to Go

Fifty percent of the film is in the can. So far I really like the morning light that we have been working with as it adds a softness to the overall effect of the film. Now jump to the end of a two day shooting spree where we were up for 24 hours. Strange things begin to happen to your body, feet burning with every step, eyes are worn out, zero energy and spines feel like a solid rod of steel. I am just now getting back to normal. It is hard on the crew as well as the actors but every single minute I was learning something. I have read too many stories, and heard first hand accounts of horrible film projects where people are abused by the directors. I am constantly worried about the time table and having to push hard enough to get through it all but at the same time I was really worried for our main character Mike (Chad) as he went through some tough scenes. From minute to minute I felt like a ping pong ball of emotions and sure there is ton of stress but this is the very first time in my life that there is no manager, supervisor or VP giving me the orders. It is a hard line to walk when you wake up one morning and know that there is a plan connected to a timeline connected to people connected to an end goal. Mastering the control or use or the ability to balance all of that in my mind is what a director ultimately needs to understand. I'll give all I have to get this project finished as that is the least I can do for all the people who are right there beside me. Side Note: To my wife, my crew, my actors and all the fans. Should you see me stressed out or about to collapse the magic word is "muskrat", just blurt it out when you think I need it, I will know exactly what it means.

J. Allen