When we began filming on July 16th, I was uncertain just what duties my role as writer, director, and lead actor would entail during production. How was I supposed to direct a scene that I was acting in? Who would be responsible for organizing the actors and locations? And how much of the production management responsibilities which I had previously assumed would be taken over by Mitch and Catalina? The answer that I have since come to discover is that everyone ends up doing a little bit of everything. On July 19th, we were scheduled to film short scenes at major locations such as the Little Vegas Showroom, Governor’s Pub, and Caper Convenience. While Catalina has primarily assumed the role of Production Assistant, communicating with actors and coordinating with location managers, it is simply unreasonable to expect her to also perform every small job within those specific concerns. Similarly, while Mitch has assumed the role of sound operator, he could not work as proficiently as he does in that position if not for the assistance of John as Boom Mic Operator. Thus, my role as director has been relieved not only by assistance of Kenzie as Camera Operator, but every member of the crew who have been willing to assume various roles in order to assist production. As well as having the pleasure of being guided with suggestions of angles and ideas from Michael G. MacDonald, an outstanding individual, mentor and actor.
On this particular date, however, while I was taping signs of notice for the public regarding our filming schedule to garbage bins and light posts near filming locations, I realized that the efficiency of our team depends on our sense of community. Our team is motivated by a genuine eagerness to help out in any way they can, which in some cases, might mean doing a small job, carrying equipment, or even stepping into a role which exceeds their primary responsibilities. Catalina, Mitch, and Patricia even stepped in as actors when we either decided to expand a scene or the original actors failed to show up on set. It has made the experience much smoother knowing we all trust one another to help out and always be giving one hundred percent. After we wrapped another successful day of shooting with no conflict, we had a meeting at the production office, the crew all agreed that if they were not working with this very specific group of talented, motivated, and sincerely kind young artists, the project could not have been as enjoyable, productive, and rewarding as it has been. I couldn’t agree with them more.
Fritz Bishop
Tar City Productions