So This is Film?

Do you enjoy a structured, predictable environment where every day is just like the last? Do you enjoy planning things months in advance and knowing that those plans will not change? Do you prefer to work independently so you have control of every aspect of the project? Do you enjoy regular sleep?

Then film is very likely the last thing you would ever want to get yourself into.

When I began to dive headfirst into the world of filmmaking, this paradigm shift had to happen. While it was painful for the control-freak super-planner in me to embrace, I have accepted and actually come to love this process. Even in chaos.

Weeks (even months) of planning and negotiating in the film world can fall apart just days before production if a location backs out. Sickness or injury may strike at any moment, knocking out some of the most essential members of crew during pre-production (including the professor!), and scripts can be rewritten just days before shooting!

And yet, the film must go on.

So how do you save your sanity? Keep your spirits up (the non-alcoholic ones, that is) and continue to press on with what has not been significantly affected by the major fall outs. It's time to think outside the box, and see how we can make this film happen against all odds!

To boldly go where no one has gone before.

I feel like that's how much of this film has been going. Sure, we're all experienced student film makers--some of us even on a more professional side--but we're covering new ground.

There have been a lot of things going wrong lately, as every film has, and as director, that drives me crazy. But I should remember every time something goes wrong, how many things have gone right with this. First of all, the crew. That is one things that has gone wonderfully right. I hate leaning on other people, expecting them to do the work assigned to them, and yet that's what I have to do. Reports have been coming back to me of people starting to go above and beyond, and I realize that my trust is not precariously put in this crew, both the class members and outside help--my trust in all of you is genuinely secure and well-placed. You all are the reason why I dive right back in to tackle more and more day after day. Your dedication and hard work inspires me to be a better director, a better visionary, and a better leader.

So thanks for being so awesome, crew. You've got my back and you make me proud. And thanks for always reminding me that we're going to get through all the things that go wrong.

Time to get back to work and make this the best film to come out of Asbury.
Your loving director.

Wait, so why am I strapped to gurney? As dictated to Elisa

My devotion for this film is so intense that I arranged a special retreat to put me in the right frame of mind. Read as: I'm currently sitting in the ER plastered with EKG monitors and two brand new holes poked in my arm. It's all very inspiring.

Most of you know I have not been feeling well lately, which culminated in my passing out during class this afternoon. I allegedly stopped breathing for 10-15 minutes, which I'm sure was exciting, so it's too bad I was unconscious. Hopefully the litany of tests they ran will be conclusive and I will be on my way to feeling better soon.

- Molly

Your Love Never Fails

Well, first off I'd like to say I'm very excited to be working on my first Asbury short film with a crew full of talented people! When I took on this position of Location Scout, I was very excited and nervous all at the same time. I've definitely had my share of ups and downs though. I was very pleased with being able to secure the locations that we wanted until yesterday (Tuesday, Oct 26.) when I experienced a tremendous road block; Our main location for the film was unable to fulfill our request. The crazy part about it is we sang Your Love Never Fails in chapel with lyrics saying:

And when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Your love never fails

I felt like I was battling an ocean mainly because the biggest location of all was not going to work out. Another problem would be that I would now need to contact other locations to see about using their facility for filming and if you know me at all-I'm extremely shy when I meet new people! I really don't like calling people I don't know either! Example: Ordering pizza... I don't call in an order, I either have to find someone to do it for me, or I order online :) This position has helped me gain some confidence when talking to new people and when I placed my trust in God, I was able to contact four different locations for filming-with three of them not answering-but it counts that I placed my fear aside and made a phone call! And I did receive a phone call back with great news! The woman I talked with on the phone sounded VERY promising for using the location!!!! God is so good and when we put our trust in Him-He'll never fail us!

1 Week to go Crew! We can do this!

And So it Begins...

This blog will be available for cast and crew to document their experiences on the film as we move through the final stages of pre-production, production, and post-production. Be aware that your posts could be viewed by administration and faculty, so please use this as an opportunity to showcase the good work that we do as well as our ability to overcome the obstacles along the way.

Happy blogging!