production

3-Step Guide to Field Production in the Wilderness

by David McClave on August 03, 2009

2 Comments

Olympic Rain Forest & my JVC HD-110

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.


Sometimes you just have to say "CUT!"

by David McClave on May 22, 2009

4 Comments

Empty Director's Chair

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."


Make a Blimp for your Shotgun Mic

Submitted by David MCCLAVE on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 10:07
in
Short Teaser for Home Page: 
I needed a Blimp for my shotgun mic, but didn't want to drop $300 to $700 for one, so I made my own.

I found other "how-to" videos, but wasn't satisfied with the look, durability, or construction methods, so I went out on my own to see what I could find.  After visiting the hardware store and the farm supply stores, I found this wire-mesh filter.  At least that's what I think it is.  Watch and learn...

Video: 

My Name is Jerry Production Diary 7: Doug Jones Interview

by Zach Baliva on February 10, 2009

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Doug Jones and Katlyn Carlson on the set of My Name is Jerry (photo by Kyle Peters)

What can you say about Doug Jones? He’s a hard one to capture in just a few words, but if I had to choose just one I think it would be “sincere.” I think it would be easy for an actor to come work with a few pros and a bunch of college kids and roll their eyes every time something went wrong because of it, but I don’t think I ever once caught Dougie in a bad mood. Instead, he was encouraging, thoughtful, and just damn fun to be around (as the embedded YouTube video can prove).


Production Manager

Submitted by fivesprockets on Thu, 01/22/2009 - 11:45
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In charge of the financial and administrative details.

Working with the Line Producer, the “PM” is the on-site executive in charge of all the financial, administrative and physical details of the production.  Also known as the UPM (Unit Production Manager), they have the authority to sign contracts and to authorize payments to vendors and service providers while on Location.

Production Designer

Submitted by fivesprockets on Thu, 01/22/2009 - 11:42
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Responsible for the overall look and atmosphere of the film

Working very closely with the Director, they are responsible for the overall “look” and atmosphere of the Film.  With the Art Director as their chief assistant, they design the “Sets” and have input on very specific details involved with the shoot; including the wardrobe, props, vehicles as well as helping in the final choice of Locations.

Production Coordinator

Submitted by fivesprockets on Thu, 01/22/2009 - 11:41
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Liason between Production Office and other departments

Member of production staff who works directly for the Production Manager or Producer, and acts as the Liaison between the Production Office and all other Departments.

My Name is Jerry Production Diary 2

by Zach Baliva on January 06, 2009

9 Comments

Director Morgan Mead (center) works with Lamar Clark-Gainous (PA) on the ropes course (Photo by Kyle Peters)

The American critic and writer Randolph Bourne once said “he who mounts a wild elephant goes where the wild elephant goes.”

I’m not really sure which independent film Bourne was working on in the late 1800’s, but they must have had a pretty low budget. 


My Name is Jerry Production Diary 1

by Zach Baliva on December 30, 2008

9 Comments

My Name is Jerry Poster

We’re approaching New Year’s Eve, the perfect time for looking back. As I look back on 2008, I can’t help but wonder how I wound up producing a feature film, and how I survived it. This post is the first in a series of production diaries that will seek to answer both of those questions. In the first edition, I’ll give you a little background on our film, and hints/tips from a first time producer.


10 Simple Ways to Make Your Shoot Run Smoothly

Submitted by acurry on Tue, 12/02/2008 - 11:51
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We’ve all been there. We’ve been on set and have absolutely no idea where we are supposed to go, what we are shooting and just who the heck is in charge.  What results can be a huge waste of time AND money, as well as a very frustrated cast and crew.

These suggestions may seem a bit obvious, but there are still productions out there that need to hear them.  I’ll even throw in a few personal examples to make it interesting!

1. Name the shoot