ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 6 months ago - Bryan Fitzgerald

Thank you everyone for your responses and advice. People who have read the script have told me its one that I should direct. Marlon and Paddy, you both make great points otherwise, but time will tell. Shoaib, Dan and Bill - thank you for the extra push... I am going with it!! Yes I will have to watch playback on set, but as an actor I know when my takes are on, and my DP and AD are brilliant and will tell as well. I am, and will continue to, "plan the shit out of it" (thanks Dan S.) and convince others with my confidence, preparation and organization. I am shot listing, storyboarding, and test shooting, location scouting and planning the fundraiser, all with the help of my team.
Again thank you all for your thoughts!

For those who live in NYC, I'm having a fundraiser for the film on Thursday March 6th at Stone Creek Lounge (www.stonecreeknyc.com). Please come if you are local - it would be great to meet some fellow shooters in person!!

Best,
Bryan
www.facebook.com/UnderWaterfilm

11 years, 6 months ago - Marlom Tander

It's a personal story about your life. Might you be too close to it to be the best judge of your own acting?

I think you should choose a hat and either get in another actor while you direct, or get a director while you act.

Save the first time actor/director combo for something less personal perhaps.

cheers

11 years, 6 months ago - Yen Rickeard

Hi Bryan, this is obviously a heart and soul production for you, that means you should be in total control of it. It is hard directing and acting, but while another person either directing or as the actor would bring a whole new layer of creativity to the piece, your vision and immersion will shine through. You say you have a great first AD, put your trust there. If they say you need another take, just do it. Don't just look at the shot yourself. It will be hard work, but try and keep to 2-3 days, as Paddy says, you can get better rates that way, and it will keep you sharp! Good luck with it all, and don't forget to enjoy!
Yen Rickeard

11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Interesting question. It certainly can be done, but I'd worry you were spreading yourself too thinly and this will take up extra time. The time you're in makeup as an actor is the same time you should be blocking the shots as a director. You will also play back absolutely every take to see if you need to go again and this will break the filming rhythm and crush the spirits of your collaborators. And, of course, you may not get your best performance as you're trying to learn a whole new job at the same time.

I'd suggest you'd be happier overall finding a director you trust and shooting over 2/3 days instead. It'll be easier to get favour rates from people than 4 days, and the crew won't get frustrated by stop/start. If the crew are any good and work professionally, they are used to long, industrious days and tight schedules, you may find 2 days enough for a single location.

11 years, 6 months ago - Bill Hartin

Having done this, my take away from the experience is that I should have waited until I had more experience. And as the other Shooters have suggested, organize, organize, organize...and then surround yourself with REALLY good people.

11 years, 6 months ago - Shoaib Vali

eh, its hardly a feature film, with proper preparation and meticulous planning anything is possible in shorts, I say go ahead and wear both hats, you'll learn a lot less from being hesitant about it than just going with it....

If the crew are hesitant, it's your job to convince them with your plan and preparation, show it to them, go through every detail and show just why it would work. All of that ofcourse depends if you can create a realistic strategy, which in my opinion is the hard part for you, without a strict and detailed plan, it's all pretty pointless.

Once you've sat down with your AD and have a plan that you both know is going to work, better start believing that it would work, if you don't believe in it, chances are none of your crew would either.

The most important thing to know is that, this is a short film, you have no strings attached to investors as you would on feature films or commissioned jobs, so whatever you say goes, do what you want as there would come a time in your career when that won't be the case.

Apologies if I came across a bit harsh or whatever, but any form of negativity is negativity, do what your heart says as long as you have a good head on your shoulders ;)

Best Wishes

11 years, 6 months ago - John David Clay

Bryan,

I must admit acting and directing can be a tricky comibnation but If f you ook at actor / directors like Clint Eastwood, and others I can work quiet effectively but I wuld make the team a story and supportive one so that the pressure is always on one person the (W/D/A) or look for a good actor's director if need be so they understand your prospective.

anyway best of luck with the project.

Thanks

John

11 years, 6 months ago - Sam Seal

Ah, it's the old advice from the world of golf. (In case you didn't know this, it's the most profound source of philosophy we have.)

"If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right."

Deep huh?

11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Plan the shit out of it, and do it! Just stay the hell out of the editing room (not kidding).

You want to do this, I'm sure. And there's no reason why you can't. But really, rehearsals with your actors. Story board every scene. Scout every location with a tape measure along with your DP and Gaffer. Give yourself plenty of pre-production time.

You can do it! Have fun!