Final Blog

 How I’ve expanded my Producing knowledge this semester:

Well, before this class, I didn’t really have a clear idea of what producers do. I generally knew that they did a lot of behind the scenes, string-pulling, and they were the moneymakers, but now I see that the film essentially doesn’t get made with a producer. Guess that’s why the producer gets to take home the Academy Award when her film wins best picture! They are the people that bring together all the moving parts- talent, technicians, etc. A lot of producer tasks have become de-mystified. Creating a budget, for example, was very confusing at first because I didn’t quite grasp how to incorporate in-kind gifts and other funds that positively-impacted my budget. Those “gifts” help show your assets and fluff up the budget, making your production look more professional. I also learned how many of these moving parts interact with and impact each other. The producer has to be ultra organized and driven. They have to be able to see the big picture, while also looking closely at the most minute details. A deranged part of me thinks it would be cool to be a producer because some of these tasks were oddly satisfying, but I think I prefer the creative, technician side of things.

Week 16 What wheels were turning after doing research into rentals vs. purchases?

 

What wheels were turning after doing research into rentals vs. purchases? As you begin to think about post-graduation what ways might you approach these needs? 

I will most likely buy a camera of my own before I graduate or closely after. Nothing fancy or overly expensive (although they all are!). Probably a Sony A7siii or something comparable because I like the small size and image quality. I’ve also been considering the idea of getting back into teaching- at the university level- so I would have access to that equipment. For bigger narrative projects, I’d eventually like to use an Alexa camera with quality lenses, which I’ll rent, most likely for our friendly downtown production house, Lighthouse Films. Guess it’s a good thing I know how to create a budget because paying for quality equipment isn’t going to be cheap. lol

Week 15 For the "Hiring Crew" assignment, what considerations were at the front of your mind?

For the "Hiring Crew" assignment, what considerations were at the front of your mind? What wheels were turning after doing the above readings and reviewing the resources? 

Lots of good stuff in this week’s reading. Some I knew, but there were several ideas that resonated with me. I have a great respect for Jordan Peele because I was/am a big fan of his comedy on Key and Peele. Then, the fact that he transitioned into such a talented filmmaker proves what a talented person he is. That said, I love his quote, “I tried to write a script I didn’t know how to pull off, and then assembled a team to help me pull it off. Every single department is firing off these huge, big swings.” It gives insight into his process and explains the importance of hiring good people. I’m someone who struggles with delegating, so it’s important to me to bring people I can trust onto my productions. To me, work ethic is paramount. Obviously, skill is up there too. I also like to have fun, so a crew that has positive attitudes is a must- no bad attitudes or egos. 

Week 14 "Locations and Insurance"

Week 14 As the "locations and insurance" assignment progressed this week, what considerations were at the front of your mind? What wheels were turning?

Wow, so much good information from the production insurance article. This is an area that’s always been a little confusing/overwhelming for me, so I liked the way this broke it down. Also, the resources are super helpful ie. listing where I can find the  top entertainment insurance brokers and online film and video production insurance companies, because I wouldn’t have a clue where to start. Other tips that impressed me were making sure my insurance company allows me to issue myself a COI, making sure that people are paid to be covered by insurance, and suggesting reasons for purchasing annual over short term insurance. I’ll definitely be bookmarking this article to use after I graduate!

Week 13 As the "casting" assignment progressed this week, what considerations were at the front of your mind?

 Week 13 As the "casting" assignment progressed this week, what considerations were at the front of your mind? What wheels were turning? 

A few things came to mind as I worked on the form and read the articles. First of all, I was surprised to read that I should “feed subjects the questions ahead of time.” I suppose that does make it more spontaneous, but I feel that when I reach out to total strangers, asking to interview their great-grandmother, they may want to know exactly what I’m going to ask and may not be satisfied with general topics. With one of the participants who was used to public speaking, he didn’t seem concerned about the specific questions. With the other, relatives asked me for a list of questions. I also like the advice to give the last work to the interview subject with the “Is there anything you’d like to add?” question.

This assignment also reinforced to me that I need to get on the ball and secure more interview participants--I’m aiming for three centenarians, and possibly a geriatrician. I’ve spoken with one and did a partial interview, but I need to go back for a second day. I’m also concerned about crewing because it involves travel around the state and that’s a big ask.

Week 12: 3 ways to create more DEI

Producers lead by example. Having read the article, what are three ways you can create more diversity and inclusion for your current project's casting/subject research? How can this leadership mindset make your project stronger? 

The most important thing I can do during the casting process is to communicate frequently, effectively, and clearly. Starting with the casting notice, be specific about the character breakdown, but also specify that the casting is open to gender, race, etc. In the audition room, keep everyone in the loop so there are no surprises. And strive to include people from diverse backgrounds on my hiring team.

I also love the line about keeping the breakdown about the character and not the actor. When I write, I usually identify with the protagonist. And since I’m a straight white woman, many of my main characters reflect that. Though, when I think about my scripts, most of them don’t explicitly require a certain race.

I also can cast authentically. I respect this idea, and ideally this will happen. However, I think the “right” actor (the most believable, the one with the most compelling performance, the right “look,” etc) should be cast, regardless if that actor is authentically from a marginalized group. It’s acting, after all. There are actors who have portrayed Holocaust victims in concentration camps who never lived in a concentration camp, or may not have even been Jewish. Actors who portrayed pilots who’ve never flown. Etc. I think this article is good though because it encourages you to look at your own biases, and it wants casting directors to be more inclusive.

Week 11 As the scheduling assignment progressed this week, what considerations were at the front of your mind?

As the scheduling assignment progressed this week, what considerations were at the front of your mind? How did you plan ahead to make sure these considerations don't cause any issues down the line? How have you prepared yourself and your production to avoid speed bumps? 

I’ve decided to allow myself two days for each centenarian. One day will be for the talking head interview and visiting places in their towns with special meaning ie. old homes, businesses, etc. The other day will be mostly devoted to shooting B-roll footage or run-and-gun interviews in which they go about a typical day. I know going in that I’m going to have to be flexible and sensitive to their needs as a senior citizen. I’m sending participants questions in advance, but I’m also allowing time for follow-up questions or any stories they wish to share. The extra day will also allow for that because they may be more comfortable talking with me by then after the “formal” interview has been completed. I may even take the opportunity to expand on topics/answers not fully explored the previous day.