People always ask questions like “how do you be a filmmaker” and “how do I begin”. I decided I'd take a project that came along last year and break it down phase by phase and explore the process.

In my professional career I've worked on television shows, commercials, and authored DVDs for big companies and while that work has been invaluable some of the most rewarding projects have been ones I've done Pro-Bono for friends.

Last August a friend approached me and asked if I would be interested in producing a commercial for his father's smoothie shop called the Island Muncie. I was in between paying gigs and thought it'd be a chance to work on a passion project of sorts. I said yes and got to work.

PRE-PRODUCTION

First thing I needed to do was scout the location. One night, my wife and I went there, enjoyed smoothies and listened to a local Jazz singer. It was great. I got a feel for the mood and the environment of the place. This was a perfect way to start the scripting process. Next was to come up with an idea.

Not too long before I got this gig, the show “Lost” had ended. Being a big fan of the early season, I was quite angry at the way the show wrapped up and therefore the conclusion of the series was constantly on my mind. I saw my chance to vent. I would combine my frustrations with the show and the fact that the place I was working for was called the Island Muncie.

I wrote the two page script in a matter of hours and sent off the first draft to my friend for his thoughts. He was after all my client and I wanted him to feel able to make criticisms, suggestions, etc. He loved it. Aside from a few minor changes to minor details, we had a green lit script. I drew up some rough storyboards and then it was time to wrangle the actors.

From the beginning I knew I was going to be in the commercial. I liked to act and thought I could resemble the bearded, disheveled Jack Shepherd (Matthew Fox) from Season 5 of the show. My friend, could play the John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) character, because he has a shaved head. I decided to cast the two of us, because I wanted to work within my limitations and knew it would be easier to handle the project with as few people involved as possible.

Next week I'll get into the Production phase of the project.