I always forget what it's like to actually "make" a movie. The non-filming part (pre-production to you newbs) is all-consuming: Writing, casting, locations, Oh my! Money: how much you're gonna need vs. how much you're gonna get (or have). Who needs what? Who can't be there? Who told you that? It's a nightmare. On wheels.
You plan for everything (and anything) You work so hard (and so quickly). Sacrifice so much (it's all gonna be worth it). Then, a few months (or years-yes, years) later, the fun part: Filming. What you've worked so hard to get to in the first place. The point where reality takes fiction on a road trip. And you (me) get to be the navigator. But still, I always forget what it's like to actually make a movie...till we get on set and it all comes flooding back to me. Our first weekend, or bloc, reminded me of the things I always forget that I've missed about shooting. I've compiled a short list here: a short glimpse into the Best Job in the World. 5. Set Jokes - I cannot overstate the significance of these. They unite cast and crew in a way that people never notice. Like any social situation, cliques are in inevitable and unavoidable but humor is the great equalizer. One good joke, a laugh shared by all, can be used to diffuse tension, and, more importantly, get techs and artists to relate. The good ones carry on from one production to the next. Eventually you forget where they came from (not that it matters), but their impact is never lost. 4. Transformations - Like re-introductions to the same people that you've met. It could be an actor that comes alive on camera or a crew member that shows their true colors in a crisis. It's usually positive and always amazing. Here is a person that you've put in a box and suddenly the box must expand to encompass new ingredients of what makes this person tick. No such thing as a second impression? I beg to differ sir. 3. Set life - When I first started making movies almost everything ran through me. Location logistics, costume decisions, camera placement. Consequently I knew the most about what was happening on my set. Who's doing what (or whom)? Who's saying this? Why are you wearing that? Etc. As things have gotten more professional, I have begrudgingly relinquished control of certain departments (which are not necessarily my strengths) to others and the loss of certain information (gossip) is an unfortunate side effect. I still hear things (after the fact) but the buffer that shields me also protects me as well so the more unpleasant stuff is someone else's anecdote instead of my immediate issue. Which allows me to enjoy set drama in it's proper format. 2. That Feeling - I'm supposed to be doing this. I don't feel like that doing anything else (except being married to my wife). This is my job. This is my passion. This is my purpose. To tell stories My Way. And even though I'm not sure if there's an audience for them yet, I know I won't stop till I find one. Even stressed, I'm at peace, alive with the knowledge of Place. I am centered. I am focused. I am defined. If it sounds cheesy then that's because it's indescribable. Have you ever felt that? Few things (in my opinion) can touch it. Except, 1. Watching it Come to Life - I love stories. Stories of all types and kinds so it's no surprise (to me, at least) that writing has always come naturally. Life inspires, books have held my attention but movies have changed my life. And I guess it follows (for most writers) that you tell the kind of stories that you love the most. I've written in a lot of mediums but the discovery of writing images for the screen has enamored me more (and longer) than anything else. You rake yourself over hot coals and broken glass (metaphorically) to get the narrative right, then, amazingly, you are allowed to take it and re-create it in a new way that will come with a (behind-the-scenes) tale of it's own. It's an intoxicating process: simultaneously processing the (real-life) stories of the people breathing life into the (make-believe) characters I've created. Reality and fiction: harmonizing. I always forget what it's like to actually make a movie: writing is hard, pre-production is grueling and life (generally) gets in the way. But like the song says, "It's all about the Journey." One that I'll gladly take (time and again), plodding forward, one (determined) foot in front of the other-because the one thing I've never forgotten is 'Why'.
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Robert Hagans
The "Filmmaker's Journey" has gone live! Archives
October 2010
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