The Dark Red Chronicles

We're going off later to a goodbye party for one of the cast members. I think I mentioned him moving last post. We'll sort his scenes for the rest of the year so it won't effect the comic. He was determined not to let the comic down. Which is cool. He's a great actor, which I'm seeing more as I go through the photos. He's the new character on page 15, and he was the one who got into the character the most, consequently getting quite attached. (He was also the one most prone to giggling.) I've noticed he has a slightly different hand position in each photo I've taken for a conversation later on (I'm pretty sure I didn't ask him). I think he has actor roots, although he's a writer now. Getting sad now, I don't want him to move.

Anyway, I was just thinking how I'm enjoying the process for filming Issue 2 so much more than the first time round. Wet behind the ears, you could describe me as, back then. But it's cool now. Instead of panic at the thought of directing people and organising millions of things I'm excited and I can't wait to start.

I've got all the props for Saturday shoots now. And the story boards. We're doing about three whole pages and little bits of another three. (then we're off to a birthday dinner and another party.) And I might try to arrange another little shoot the weekend after.

And in case anyone's interested:

1. Write the script. Edit!
2. Rewrite the script again and edit again. (repeat until happy)
3. Sort out the casting for the major characters and think of several alternatives for the cameos.
4. Finalise casting and send out the script for approval. (some of the cast don't like to read the parts they aren't in.)
5. Choose the first couple of scenes to shoot depending on everyone's schedules.
6. Location hunting! (Involves asking around for appropriate houses of friends/relatives)
7. Storyboard the pages.
8. Set the time and place, clear with cast. (repeat)
9. Sort the props with the help of the props master.
10. Locate appropriate clothing if the cast members need help or it's an unusual item.
11. Show up early and sort the set.
12. Cast arrive.
13. Direct lost cast members to set.
14. Direct matters and take care of things.
15. Photograph results.

This year I'm getting Jo on board for the directing to see if it helps. I'll have the camera and she'll have the script and the story board. I think that will be quicker than me having to refer back in between every couple of pictures. We can also talk to the actors separately.

Anyway I thought people might be interested. I think it's generally the same process for films and tv, except with less rehearsals and testing of sound. And it's nice working through it, I've learned tons just doing an amateur production with photos as the result.