So… those that know me know that I’m a total gear-head.  I try to keep up with technology and gear by subscribing to 14 different industry trade rags - good thing I’m a speed-reader!

Sometimes, I get these great offers to try a piece of gear, or to upgrade something inexpensively, or to pay a pre-market price I can’t refuse - That’s the case with my hard drive-based direct-to-edit recorder from Focus Enhancements, the MR-HD100, meant specifically for JVC’s GY- ProHD line  of cameras.

Wilderness: Noun. (1) a  wild and uninhabited area left in its natural condition; "it was a wilderness preserved for the hawks and mountaineers"; (2) a bewildering profusion;  "a wilderness of masts in the harbor". Recently, I've learned all about filming in the wilderness; and under both definitions! Read on for some tips and checklists.

WHY?
Long ago, when I was still a "junior" filmmaker, I acted as script supervisor on a Seattle Seahawks television ad series shoot.  The pay was decent, at about $50 per hour, but the cramp in my hand after an 8-hour shoot wasn't worth it.  I decided I'd never do THAT again for less than $500 per hour.  We all know THAT'S not going to happen, though...

I'm in New Delhi, working on a documentary about an American in exile.  It's a true documentary, filmed in near-real-time, and I'll start editing footage in a few days.  This self-exiled man, (an author, engineer, pilot, geologist and more), is going to declare himself independent of any nation shortly, and he may be thrown in jail for it.

Well, if you've been following the adventures of our little movie project, you'll remember that we had a couple of conflicts. Mostly, these were related to my allowing chaos to reign supreme by not properly assuming command early on. You see, in this production, I am one of four producers, and I am also director and DP.  This in itself isn't too unusual, and wouldn't cause any issues, but I wasn't firm on duties and responsibilities for the rest of the producers and crew, and we ended up with a crowd in control, which rapidly became "mob rule."

Ever since I was about 5 years old, I wanted to produce art and entertainment.  From my work as a Navy broadcast journalist to my experience working production at local network TV affiliates and founding successful, (even if brief),  businesses from recording studio to marketing production firms, everything pointed to where I am today, as the head of a busy media production firm in my 40s.  I get to work as a filmmaker, scorer, writer, graphic artist, web developer, and more; the best possible scenario for a creative type like myself.

So... we got past our first conflict, and I thought we were on our way... then the REAL conflict started.

You see, the ego is JUST like a director; directing you as the starring role in your very own play.  The problems start when you have interraction with OTHER directors who believe you're just a bit-part in THEIR play.

So, we've been meeting for a few weeks, now, with no major incidents; just getting organized, discussing casting requirements, going over script segments, and getting to know each other as we put this project, based on a true story, together.  This is your typical startup movie project, but conflict was on the way! 

I've been involved in many projects, from small commercials to feature length films, and I've learned a few things on the way.  After 23 years in production, my experience has  brought me through amazing times; some good, some bad, but all help me have a sense of peace and excitement about the reality of producing a film.