Week 10 – Filming and a Working Script

Jude S -

People often look at a script as a solid, concrete document, but that is not how it functions. A script is a living document constantly changing and updating, especially during filming. A line may be written on the page with an exclamation point, but if the director decides the line should be said softly, then it’s said softly. The script is a guide; it is not the definitive product. The director’s job is to take the script and turn it into something tangible. Thankfully, since I am both the writer and director, it’s a little easier to understand my vision for each scene.

So far, I’ve only been filming one location and one actor (he plays multiple roles), but filming has been progressing smoothly. Now, this is a sci-fi film on a budget of less than $1000, which means trying to capture the suspension of disbelief while using sets I have available, like making people believe my dad’s home office is a cubicle. This has made me consider buying a green screen for this project in order to sell what this world looks like. However, since I have found all volunteer actors, the budget is looking good for a few necessary expenses like that.

In regard to my internship, I have finished the products that my mentor has instructed me to complete, which are my poster, business plan, and the first ten pages of my script, polished to perfection. I am confident in all these aspects and am excited to have them as part of my final project. Although I know that I will be proud of the final project I am making, I can also be excited to have it work as a proof of concept to possibly remake it professionally one day, especially since it will soon be copyrighted.

My film recommendation of the week is 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

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Comments:

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    Carly G
    Wow, Jude! The addition of a green screen would be super exciting to see in your final production! In your opinion, was finding volunteer actors a difficult process? How did you know someone aligned with your character?
    adhip_j
    Hi Jude! I'm genuinely so excited to see your final product, and I can't believe we're so close to the end of your project! Is there anything in addition to the green screen that you are thinking of purchasing with the remaining budget?
    elle_m_r
    Hey Jude! Have you adjusted the minutes your movie will run for at all yet from your original hypothesis?
    thomas_c
    Hey Jude, I cannot wait to see what else lies in the filmmaking process and ultimately to see your finished film! How hard is it to manage working with one actor? Does that mean that you can only have one character in the frame at a time or is there a practical way around this?
    jude_s
    It is still difficult, as I will talk more about it in my next blog post, but my actor has dropped out due to scheduling issues. Although part of filming is rolling with the punches, I will revise the script, film, and do anything I can to find more actors to finish my film to the best of my ability.
    jude_s
    There likely won't be anything else besides printing some props out on paper (because, due to my luck, my printer broke), but otherwise, I believe I have everything I need to complete my film.
    jude_s
    Likely due to some difficulties I have been facing it may be 20-30 minutes, but if I ever get to make a full version of the script I was able to create it would be around 55 minutes.
    jude_s
    It is not as difficult as it seems, as long as you have a strong idea of your character, the actor can play off themself pretty easily. Also, as long as the camera doesn't move, you can split the frame and have both characters at the same time.

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