Getting the Show on the Road
I’ve been a bad blogger. I know it’s pretty common, but I’ve been active in other important arenas — like getting that actor reel in shape. As I mentioned in an earlier blog a number of months ago, it was my intention to produce some scenes that would showcase me. I also imagined it to be a great opportunity as an actor to get a more experiential understanding of what it means to make a film.
It was a successful project. I picked the scripts, worked with actors, scouted locations, collected wardrobe, decorated a few sets, hired a DP and gaffer, and leased out an HVX-200 HD camera and other equipment. Over the course of one weekend, we shot four scenes. The hardest task in all of this multitasking feat was the necessity for me to be able to switch the producer hat off and be Chris the Actor when the camera was rolling. I think I did a competent job overall — though I wouldn’t like to visit those kinds of acrobatics many more times in my life. I really value having the time and mental space to live in the character’s shoes on set between takes, rather than talking to the DP about alternate lighting schemes. It’s a different mode of thinking. But I’m glad I put myself through this, because having not paid my dues as a PA or other crew member, it does give me a better perspective on all of the work going on around me while I’m on a set. We are each contributing a component to the process. And while I am capable of many things, I am quite happy to be the actor.
After finishing my marathon weekend, I brought my raw footage into the editing bay of Julien Roussel, editor and filmmaker. My goal was to edit the raw footage first into short, polished scenes and then snag the best moments to combine with other film work I’ve done and create my demo reel. I really enjoyed being in the editing room. Julien told me that I was more organized (code: neurotic) than most actors — I had every clip mapped out and ratings for each. I came prepared to talk about what each scene should accomplish. I had ideas about scoring. Filmmakers know this adage well: “One film gets written, one film gets shot, and one film gets edited.” You hear that too often indie filmmakers shortchange themselves on the amount of editing time they think they’ll need. What a mistake– the cutting room is where the story gets shaped. Always be nice to your editor.
So, over the course of a few weeks, we created the individual scenes, and then finally put together a reel. The rough reel was way too long — it’s interesing how attached one can get to certain moments or a story arc. Of course, a demo reel is not about telling a full story; it’s about leaving the viewer wanting more. So that means coming in late to a scene and leaving early. Keep folks engaged. So, in waiting for a new cut of one of the films on my reel, we waited a few weeks to finalize the reel. When I came back, I had a new, more objective take on the material. We trimmed out more than one minute. It still clocks in around 2:30, but the pacing is good. I’m pretty happy with it.
Check out the final product, and feel free to comment. A reel is always a work in progress (one hopes), so I’m sure I’ll learn something on the next round of edits in the coming months. The short scenes should also be up on my site in the coming weeks.
My next steps? Showing this to colleagues and friends, sending out some postcards (maybe), and using this as it was intended: a marketing tool to attract interest from casting folks and theatrical agents. Nothing is ever ordained, especially in LA, but this’ll certainly help.
