Stressing over a clock

 So before I could even start filming, I had to figure out all the props, equipment, and locations… which sounds simple until you actually have to do it.

The MOST important thing in my film is the clock. Like everything revolves around it, so if it looked bad the whole film would look bad. So I went on Amazon and started searching for clocks and at first I was going to get a normal small one, but it just didn’t feel right. I was thinking like a full on clock you use when you are waking up and going to sleep...Then I found one that was like a pocket clock with a chain, and immediately I was like wait this is perfect. It looks way more realistic and it’s small enough to fit inside a box, which is exactly what I needed for the opening scene. 

Something like this!

Then I made the newspaper article that goes inside the box with the clock. This part was actually kind of fun because I got to design it to look real, like an actual article about the hit-and-run. The idea is when Ethan opens the box, he sees the clock and then the article and that’s what starts everything. So even though it’s a small prop, it’s actually really important for the story. I wrote a quick little story and added a picture of my actress in the side to give context.

After that I realized I needed my own tripod because the one I was using before was borrowed, and I didn’t want to deal with that anymore. So I just bought one. Lowkey best decision because filming handheld for everything would have been a mess.

Now… locations.

I was fully convinced I could just film on a random road at night. Like in my head it made PERFECT sense. Dark road, no cars, and easy. Yeah… my mom did not agree with that idea at all. So that plan was shut down very quickly. I even took pictures for my blog because i was excited to show my cool random road I found :(

So last minute I had to go location scouting again, which was stressful, but I actually found something better. I found a park that has a road inside it, so it still gives that empty road vibe but it’s way safer and more controlled. It ended up being perfect like my own little vip road for filming.

For the house scenes, I’m using my main actor’s house, which made life so much easier because we didn’t have to worry about permissions or anything. 

For casting, I kept it simple. For the girl I literally recruited my best friend, and for my main actor "Ethan" I recruited my best friend's boyfriend. Very professional. I also told them if they do good they get a pizza party, so that’s my directing method.

After all of that, I am ready to start filming. The only issue now would be making sure all of our schedules align and we can film smoothly. 

Butttt... I didn't keep my promise.. I did not check if they can act. I do not have the connections to find actual good actors so I am trusting their commitment to a pizza party.

This whole process made me realize filmmaking is not just have an idea and press record, I need to actually plan everything out! Anddd I am excited to start.