Almost there...

Almost got all of the footage now, and only one more shoot to go (When I can get all the people I need in one place!). After a while of shooting, and listening to the dialogue, I often decide to change the script on set, which surprised me a little, as I had already done a read through with the actors, which sounded fine. Likewise there also some things that we are adding entirely, like small bits of dialogue and shots. However I am very pleased to see that after couple of days shooting, Stanley and his mother Helen, have both improved greatly in their acting since day one. But I'm not surprised that my writing needed adjustments in places, as it is my weakest area. 

I've now started my first rough edit, with no effects or colour grading, and so far it's definitely coming together well, reaching about 5 minutes 50. And again adding in some new shots or putting them in a different order.

Second Shoot!

Today we had another shoot at Stanley's house, which went a lot better than the last because we got a lot more done in the time that we had, we even re-shot the first half of day one in under an hour. Overall I think it is really coming together, and watching all of the scenes coming to life in front of me is very satisfying. The nest stage is to start a rough edit for the footage that I already have, then later next week I will film another portion of the footage.

The First Shoot!

Today was the first shoot day for my film and, I am quite pleased with the footage so far. At this point I've done most of the dialogue heavy parts of the film and will be moving onto some of the VFX parts tomorrow. However after looking at some of the footage I think I'll have to do a few pickup shots as well.

Shot List Done

Recently I went through the script and created the shot list for the film, first on Excel, then on an iPad app called 'Shot Lister' which is useful as I can take the shot list with me on set, and I can also schedule certain shots for specific days which means continuity will be less of an issue. I found this app after watching a Filmriot video (Link below) on youtube.

Another app I found from Filmroit is an app called Movie Slate, which is what it sounds like, but unlike a real slate it has a lot more features, for example it can note all the camera information (i.e. Resolution, FPS, Shutter speed etc.).

The third app I downloaded is the Celtx app which is the software I wrote the script on, which is good because I can take the script with me on set and edit on the move.

Floating Can!

Floating Can Test from Lucas Warren on Vimeo.

Here is test video I did related to a part of the new script. The idea is that the main character Stanley will be sitting at the table, watching a can float, mainly for comedic effect. I used Video Copilots Element 3D to make the can, Adobe After Effects to put the 3D can in the scene. The only trouble I had with this was making a shadow for the can, which would have really sold the shot if it worked.

Gantt Chart and Script!

This is the Gantt Chart I created recently to help organize my time in the production of my film, I've made some changes to the original schedule (Pen Idea), because firstly I am going to shoot in a different location, secondly I will be using more effects, thirdly I will have a different actor, and there are a few more props to create than before.

Also I recently finished the first draft of the script, which is quite an achievement for me! I will read through it a lot more before making a few more changes, maybe a second or third draft. When I am happy with the script I will begin work on the storyboards which will be brief and to the point, just to give the essential shots.

New Idea!

Recently I've had some new ideas for the film, which are very different to the original plot ideas. I was trying to write the script for the first idea recently but finding it difficult to continue the story.

However I was influenced after watching a sketch from That Michael and Webb look, which took the idea of a documentary and made a joke out of it i.e. mockumentary.




I have decided to make a short mockumentary about a boy with random abilities (powers) that he cannot control. I have already midway with the script and have found my actor for the part. The next step, after finishing the final draft of the script is to make the storyboard.