Tired again...but for good reason

This is of crew from Old Metal Things, a short I made a few years ago



I've had a manic couple of weeks - no time to write this but at least that means I now have something to write about :)

So we got a 4th housemate just after I updated last time. I'm getting used to the new dynamic especially the fact that his bedroom is the previously empty one next to mine and you can hear everything - I mean everything through that wall - or so he commented to me this evening. Although he followed that up by insisting I wasn't too noisy hmm...I hope the sound of tapping on a keyboard is not currently keeping him awake... Wait till I make a film!

During the last couple of weeks my prospective director, the only one I currently have went completely quiet on me. That was another reason for lack of blog, have been secretly worried that this whole thing will be over before it starts. Then this evening I finally got an email reply from her and it looks like we're back on track. Felt so brave I published my blog address on Facebook. I've also been to London on a free producing training course - yes free! So the UK Film Council had some money and they gave it to the regional screen agency and then the screen agency seem to like me so they gave some to me in the form of paying for me to go to London and have some training even though I'm not making one of their films this year. It would seem from that stroke of luck (and result of years of knocking on said screen agency door) that I'm surely meant to make a film some time soon - got to do something with what I learnt in 7 hours in a room in Soho.

So What Does a Producer do?
I was reminded to take the long view with my script, to think about the look of the film and how it will all come together - an integrated approach. I was also reminded to work out what my key cost is going to be and prioritise that in the budget. I spent a good hour listening to the others round the table talking about formats, work flow, data files and lenses and remembered how hopelessly un-technical I am and how this time I won't have a co-producer to help me out! Other fascinating subjects included, production insurance, wondering if my script needs a generator or a grip, bank accounts and what is a cost report? If you've ever wondered what a producer does there's a snippet. You're no wiser are you? Anyway producers love all this stuff, emphasis on all - we have to have a handle on just about everything.

Right now I'm waiting on my prospective director to tell me when my prospective DOP (director of photography) will be in the country with his camera (once again - Free! Producers love that word too) then I'll know when we can shoot. In the meantime I need to find at least another 2.5K of budget before we can even afford to shoot - that's probably the most important thing producers do - finding the money. At the moment I think I can lay my hands on about £900 only...

Oh yeah and I started my new job today. Really friendly people I think I'm going to like it mostly. I helped a client with hearing difficulties by talking to the UK border agency for him so he could get a loan and got a result. Not bad for a first day - and if I can get money for other people..!

My friend with the brain tuma gets his results this week. Hopefully see him on Sunday. I'm keeping my perspective.

And another one...

Very tired right now, probably should be writing this anothe time day and there'd be less typos to correct... a few things to update on though -

I got another job! Yes I have 2 now. This one is short term and involves working with kids in a theatre school and helping them generate script ideas for a short film. Looks like I've got the beginnings of my budget :)

On the same day I was offered this second job I also found out a friend has been diagnosed with a brain tuma. That was a strange day. I think he's going to be alright at least eventually. It seems as if the tuma is quite close to the surface of his head so there's a good chance they'll be able to operate and remove at least some of it. He hasn't even had a biopsy yet so there's every reason to be hopeful but it puts things in perspective.

I received my cheque today for attending a medical screening recently for possible admission for a clinical trial. I've been out of work for a while, need to live, need to make a film (need..?) and I just happened to come across an advert for what looked like a reputable company. Its strange though, despite knowing for years that this was how Robert Rodriguez financed his first feature film - which was a big hit etc etc - a year ago I never would have seen myself doing that. To be honest I didn't really see myself doing it now I was terrified. So what's happened to me? Of course I've been offered a job now, 2 jobs in fact so I called them and pulled out. It was as easy as that. My friend with the tuma on the other hand only gets 'day release' to go home and see his son at the moment. Another reason to be very glad I didn't go ahead with the study (beyond having blood taken from me every other day for 3 weeks). I swear from this day forward I'm going to stay out of hospitals as much as I can until I'm old and frail and getting my taxes worth out of the NHS. It's scary how easily we can lose our perspective.

New Job!!

Yay! I got a job today :) That should help things along a bit. I've been unemployed since the end of October after I resigned from the job I'd had for 3 months. Long story but it wasn't right - (nothing was right last year). I was working for a charity which is what I wanted to do and now I'm going to be working for another one, bonus! This time though it's only going to be part time. I was working full time before which maybe explained the 'long face' and eventual quitting and general all round misery. Now I get time to work on the fun stuff like making films. I can also afford to live, something important I've been prone to overlooking in the past. Just got to find the money for the film now...

Oh yeah - I'll be working for a charity in Leeds where I currently live that offers counselling for asylum seekers, could be a growth industry I think.

New Month New Film?

I watched a series called 'Movie Virgins' when I was still at school. It was about two much older men trying to get their first feature films made and being partially successful I think. I don't remember much else but the title stayed with me. Now I'm much older and I haven't made my first feature film yet. That does mean I can legitimately use the title though, I am and will remain for now a movie virgin. I do however hope to become the Queen of Shorts when I attempt to make my first short film that's not funded by a university or regional screen agency. I'm going it alone, just me, a little bit of my own money and anyone who agrees to give me finance of course :)

It could be a while before the money starts rolling in and anything happens though so I might also use this blog as a space to practice writing film reviews. Just to keep you entertained. Should be off to the cinema this weekend so watch this space...