“Meeting interesting people, learning a ton, and having a great time.”
-- Nate Eckerson
1AD Mike Holcomb Confers with 1AC Luke Becker
“My thanks goes out to the AFG team, cast and crew for making my first set experience so rewarding. I'm looking forward to working with them in the future.”
By Cathie Boulden
Providence Film Studios is currently working on the crew of Advent Film Group's feature production Come What May to be released late spring 2008, produced by George Escobar and Directed by Manny Edwards and George Escobar. Cathie is production coordinator, Caroline - Script Supervisor (also affectionately known as Scripty) Jesse is working on John Dyork's sound team as boom oprerator and learning all about sound we hope. He may even get to work with John on post. Joshua, Joel and James are P.A.s aka "slaves." Josh is also a grip.
The principal shooting for this feature was completed this past summer, so we are finishing up with pick up shots and some added scenes this week. We wrap on Saturday. First day of filming was last Saturday at George's house (made to look like the library) and today we were shooting at Patrick Henry - call time 5:45 AM! and we went until about 6:45 PM. Got back to the place where we're staying around 8:45 PM after stowing all the gear. We'll be at PHC for 2 more days and then have a couple of other locations to shoot at the end of week.
Tomorrow we get to start later - 10:30 AM, but it will be a late night probably shooting until 10 PM or so. We'll see how it goes. We have to work around availability of rooms etc. since PHC is in session now.
It's a great opportunity for us to work with these pros and see a bigger production in action without it being overwhelming. Watch for more from AFG in the future- especially you younger filmmakers. This is a great way to learn your craft from the pros. If you are interested in being involved in a future production send your resume to George Escobar.”
“It's been great working with such a dedicated group of talented people, and being able to ask questions about each detail of the production process.”
“Back home now, organizing my thoughts and watching the footage I took of the set.
Three locations were shot on Friday. A batting cage, a library, and the Escobar's house.
We had to finish the library shoot by 10 AM. The gear was hurried inside through freezing rain and set up in the main lobby. Pausing for occasional increases in rain intensity (sound issues), we finished by 10:15. A pot of red geraniums was predominant in one shot. Manny Edwards said he'd make them blue in post.
Sound was taken very seriously throughout the production. We paused for airplanes flying overhead, ventilation systems kicking in, water running through pipes, and junior PAs giggling in the basement. "Quiet on set" meant dead silence, or face Mrs Boulden's wrath! Room tone was recorded in every location. We made sure to get recordings of rain falling in the library.
From the library, the crew split into two units. One headed to the Escobar's house, the other to the batting cage. Our crew went to the house
By moving the dining table, and re-arranging an office, we created a neater office and debating hall. The "hall" was a table, two chairs and a black velvety curtain on c-stands, expertly lit by grip Mike Yoder. It was fun watching him work. He never hurried. Lights went up, a few adjustments were made, and boom. Perfect lighting.
The leading lady had nearly lost her voice, thanks to an untimely cold. She was placed under a vow of silence and no-one was allowed to speak to her, unless absolutely necessary. Actors put up with a lot. They keep getting jumped on by the makeup department, endure lots of criticism, and must portray many emotions over and over again. I didn't envy them.
The DP, Pruitt Allen pulled out the Redrock, and our assistant director put on the director's hat. Shooting in the office was fun. The difference a 35mm adapter makes is amazing. I believe the non-Redrock shots will be tweaked in post to match the rest of the footage.
A mug of steaming tea was on the table in most of the shots. This kept the props department busy running back and forth from the microwave.
We seem to have re-shot all the "romantic" scenes. I won't say more. Watch the movie!
When the batting cage crew returned, and the director with them, the AD had me bring our shots up on the monitor for his review. The 24" widescreen LCD monitor was the most useful thing on the set. The gaffer used it to check his lighting, the DP used it for framing his shots, the boom operator could see if his zeppelin was in the picture... pretty much everyone used it.
Manny decided he wanted to re-shot a few shots. So we did. On a film set, expect to do things over again. "Welcome to the business" our DP said. It's the director's job to make sure the film matches his vision, not keep everyone happy. He always has the last word about everything.
I had a bad moment when I thought the new camera's firewire port had been destroyed. Really, we had started using the old camera by mistake.
Shooting continued until 1:30 AM. It's great working late with agreeable people. I left the set wishing I could return the next day.
My thanks goes out to the AFG team, cast and crew for making my first set experience so rewarding. I'm looking forward to working with them in the future.”
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