Concept
We wanted to do a public service announcement surrounding the issue of spending time with family. Aidan and I felt that kids in today's world often place technology and other objects above their own family members. So, this issue was close to our heart and we drafted a short three-page script. We wanted to describe the guilt a kid felt after his grandparents died. He spent too much time with other things and not with family, so he deeply regrets it.
Process
Pre-Production: We went through several ideas, ranging from hunting to family. Something close to heart was a lot better. Aidan and I wrote the script and he created a storyboard. Emily casted Logan as our main actor.
Production: We filmed at Katie's grandparent's house for around four hours on a snowy night. The filming process was rather smooth, with Aidan working as the director and Katie cinematographer. Juan was the gaffer and I could be considered the 1st AD. Thomas was the PA/sound guy. The shots that took the longest were the ones with the grandparents. It was hard to communicate with them the emotions we wanted them to convey. Logan was on point every time with his delivery, and I dare say that we had him re-do the lines three or four times.
Post-Production: Emily edited it all in a span of around two days, but it was at least three or four before we were finally satisfied. Looking back, the final product completely changed after our suggestions and several re-edits. The music was definitely a major factor in pulling the heart strings, and we had to place the highs and lows of the music in certain points to accomplish that.
1st AD/Writer/Technical/Professional
Aidan and I worked on the original concept for several days, wanting to really create a serious PSA. The final three pages of script were completed around two days before filming. On set, I worked as 1st AD to help Aidan with the lighting, placement, and movement of the shots. All the things a first AD would do. I didn't learn much new as far as Premiere, as I wasn't editing, but I worked with a new camera and realized the importance of lighting. As far as professional skills, communication was a large struggle in this project. Aidan wasn't the best in communicating his ideas, so I provided support. Technical skills were used in working with Katie's camera (as opposed to a school 80D). Leadership was used in directing their grandparents to produce certain emotions. Collaboration... well, collaboration all around. Our group really gelled well together and didn't have any conflicts. We also completed the project on time.
Different/Same
We could stand to add more b-roll shots in the beginning, as I sort of felt the intro dragged on a bit. Also, the ending shot could have been more smooth, but the DIY filmmaking we implemented with a cardboard box sufficed at the moment. As for keeping things the same, most of all the video I would keep the same. 99% of my audience that I've brought this project to has either A. cried or B. said it was very powerful. And THAT's powerful.
Experiences/Conclusion
Getting to work with new faces on each and every project has really shaped my style. Every video this year has been different. I realized the importance of lighting (I feel the lighting was very strong as well as cinematography). I also learned about the importance of being well-rounded when it comes to film. No matter the role, you will always have to implement other aspects of other roles into your own. I loved this project, and it has been my favorite thus far. Stand By Me is in second.
