Row, Row, Row Your Boat

As we head into the home stretch, we're putting the final pieces in place. This means finding the right crew to make this film come alive. Although we don't have the biggest budget, there are some really skilled people out there -- generous, excited, creative and talented -- all interested in working on this little film. We put out three postings for some key crew and got more than 100 responses. It's interesting to see who responds and more importantly how they respond.

What are the things I responded to? People who actually read the ad. We're looking for specific skills, so don't tell me you can do everything. And positivity. People who were sincere and enthusiastic always got a response. And if you followed up, even better. Don't give me too many links. At least give me a list of your projects and your experience with the right equipment. Sometimes people might not have the time to detour through your extensive projects posted all over the net.

Our DP, Mike Epple, has been a great leader in helping develop a list of skills and helping select his crew -- Gaffer, Key Grip, Head Sound Master, AC. So far, our team looks rock solid.

For the next few days, we'll be checking off the little things to take care of... insurance, food, location details, and creating the schedule and final shot list. It's like planning a wedding, except of course you're marrying 25 people. Nice. So I'm rowing slowly along to make sure I don't forget anything. Frantic rushing doesn't accomplish much, except of course for creating stress and ensuring that you forget things. Merrily.

Illustration © Deborah Cavanaugh

The joy of working in film is that we all do it for the love of what we do. None of us - at least at this level - makes any money to speak of. We are all, cast and crew, just enthusiastic to be involved in creating a visual story and working on a real project. We are blessed to be following our dreams and it doesn't come without some blood, sweat and tears.

It's nearly 2010. My hope is that everyone follows their dream, whatever it may be. It's not easy to follow the right path and stay the course. It never is. But the reward is that much greater. Happy New Year to everyone.