Make no mistake. There are lots of fingerprints on a movie. The writer, the director, the actors, the make-up artist…

… and the editors, composer and sound designers.

Welcome to the world of post-production

Post-production is the process that occurs after the principal photography is complete. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including video editing, sound design, color grading, visual effects, and music composition. These stages of refinement allow filmmakers to shape the raw footage into a cohesive and immersive cinematic experience.

They Never See It Coming wasn’t a big Hollywood production. It was simply a short film that I was making with some of my good friends and collaborators and a few new friends who I hope to collaborate with in the future.

Picture Edit

Editing a movie is a meticulous and creative process that brings together the art of storytelling and technical craftsmanship. It involves carefully selecting and arranging the raw footage captured during filming to create a cohesive narrative.

My friend and creative partner Andrew Lamping helped me with the edit and our first job was organizing the footage.

I used Samsung SSD drives to archive the footage from the shoot. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs utilize cutting-edge flash memory technology to deliver enhanced performance, speed, and reliability. They are small, durable and reliable.

Andrew and I edited in Adobe Premiere and I cloned all of my source files and project files to dropbox so that Andrew and I could send project files back and forth. This was a technique that I developed while editing the X-Men fan film Rain with my buddy Zane. I still use this dropbox sharing process today. If you haven’t seen Rain you can check it out here:

Sound Design

In addition to helping with the edit, Andrew helped me with the sound design. Huge kudos to Andrew for his sound work because the film won Best Sound Design at the Santiago Horror Film Festival. The Santiago Horror Film Festival is a ghoulish delight, offering a chilling experience to both horror aficionados and cinema enthusiasts alike. Sound design is such a crucial part of the movie watching experience. I was thrilled that we picked up this award from such an amazing film festival that showcases horror/thriller films from across the world.

Film festivals are an amazing way to showcase your work. We will talk in more detail about film festivals in my next blog post.

Our approach to the sound design was pretty straightforward: keep the dialogue clean, utilize sounds in Texas nature like wind and insects and don’t be afraid to let the silent moments breathe.

Cleaning up dialogue

As I mentioned in previous blogs, we had a crazy windy day on the first day of shooting and Kenny Hada did a fantastic job recording the sound.

For the few bits of sound that needed attention I brought on Joel Block from The Block House.

Joel is a fantastic sound engineer. Joel has been a staple in the audio industry here in Texas for many years. He’s always a pleasure to work with and he’s fast and quick and always spot on.

Music Score

I brought on my frequent collaborator, Stephen D. Bennett, to create the music score. Stephen Bennett is a Los Angeles based composer originally from Slidell, Louisiana. I suppose because I was born in Monroe, Louisiana we are kindred spirits.

Speaking of Monroe, if you are ever passing through that fine city then do yourself a favor and stop at Ray’s PEGE for a po’boy. Oh, man. You will not regret it.

Okay, back to music.

Although I usually edit to temp tracks in order to find the rhythm of the edit, with They Never See It Coming I used very few temp tracks. I remember discussing the film with Stephen and I told him that I had one or two ideas for music placement but beyond that I wanted him to explore.

And explore he did.

Stephen wrote an incredible score that highlighted the drama and tension in the film by incorporating unusual sounds like car doors shutting and car trunks slamming in addition to adding recurring musical themes and a race-against-time rhythm.

Post-production is the magical realm where the pieces of a film puzzle come together

Post-production is where you transform raw footage into a captivating and immersive cinematic experience. From editing and visual effects to color grading, sound design, and music composition, the goal is to weave the threads of storytelling into a cohesive final film that will engage an audience. We did our best to create such a film and a few film festivals agreed. Next week I’ll talk about our journey onto the film festival circuit.

Until then, cheers!

There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with the process of creating a short film. From the initial concept to the final cut, every step is an opportunity for creativity and collaboration.

In previous blog posts I’ve discussed casting and pre-production. Today, I’ll take you on a journey through the days of shooting my short film, “They Never See It Coming.” Join us for a glimpse behind the camera.

Preparation and Setup:

Our call time was just before dawn on the first day of shooting. The cast and crew arrived at our ranch location just outside of Dripping Springs, TX and the day began with a buzz of excitement in the air.

On the first day there is an endless list of tasks to get started. But the first priority… coffee.

And breakfast.

Hey, it was freezing that morning and we needed the cast and crew warm and fed. We greeted each other over warm food and steaming coffee and chatted about the tasks ahead.

The bulk of the shoot revolved around a van in the middle of a field. So, my first step was to get our picture car in the proper place for the shoot so that Robert Matthews, my director of photography, could start organizing his team.

We had found an awesome vintage yellow van that we rented for the shoot. The van was owned by Jen Nelson and she wheeled up right on time. We got the van in place and Robert started organizing the grip and electric team. Robert’s team consisted of 1st AC Malek Mahones, Gaffer Farshid Farrhoknia, Best Boy Grip Ty Weber, and Key Grip Daniel Halsell. I can’t say enough about these folks. They worked hard and did an amazing job.

Next I met with the cast who brought a variety of wardrobe. I picked what I liked and then scheduled them for makeup with Leslie Alexander, our makeup artist.

The production team sprung into action, setting up equipment, and arranging the scene to match the the vision that I had for the film. The cinematographer meticulously planned camera angles, lighting setups, and tested the framing to ensure each shot was visually stunning. Meanwhile, Leslie was prepping blood, makeup and all of the things she needed for the cast’s makeup requirements.

Rehearsals and Blockings:

Typically, the actors would be called in for rehearsals and blocking. But I had already worked that out with my actors Jeff Weber, Melanie Elise and Henry Mouat. So, we literally set up the first shot and started rolling.

Camera Rolling:

The cameras are set, the sound equipment is checked, and the clapperboard snaps shut, marking the start of the first take. Silence falls over the set as everyone watches intently, witnessing the story unfold in real-time.

I worked closely with the actors, guiding them through the scene, discussing emotions, and refining their performances. As the actors immerse themselves in their roles, their chemistry and dedication become apparent. It’s during these moments that the characters truly start to come alive, giving the crew a glimpse of the film’s potential.

The actors delivered their lines with conviction, expressing the nuances of their characters. The camera moved smoothly, capturing every emotion and movement with precision. It’s interesting how the set becomes a world of its own, momentarily transporting everyone into the story.

Dealing with Texas Weather:

It was a profoundly windy day during our first day of shooting. I’m talking crazy wind! The kind of wind that is knocking over C stands, flags and other gear. My first concern was sound. I always wear headphones during a shoot but in this case the wind was so loud it was difficult to tell if we were getting wind noise through our boom mic. I talked with Kenny Hada, my sound mixer, and he’s like… “No, it’s fine. Trust me.” And, dang, he was right. He got meticulous sound despite the crazy wind. On the other hand, the wind was great production value. During key moments of the film Melanie’s long hair whipped around her face bringing more drama to the moment.

Takes and Retakes:

Filmmaking is a pursuit of perfection, and often multiple takes are required to capture the essence of a scene. The crew tirelessly reshoots scenes, adjusting camera angles, tweaking performances, and making sure the lighting and sound are just right. Each take brings the film closer to its full potential, demanding patience and attention to detail from everyone involved.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

One of the most beautiful aspects of filmmaking is the collaboration and synergy that develops among the cast and crew. Each individual’s expertise contributes to the collective vision. From the director’s guidance to the cinematographer’s artistic eye, from the sound engineer’s precision to the actors’ talent, everyone works together harmoniously to create something extraordinary.

Lunch Breaks and On-Set camaraderie:

In the midst of a busy shooting day, the crew takes a well-deserved break for lunch. It’s a chance for everyone to recharge, socialize, and strengthen their bonds. Laughter fills the air as anecdotes and stories are shared.

Wrapping Up:

As the day progresses, the crew moves through different scenes, working tirelessly to capture each moment. With every shot, the film grows closer to completion. As the sun was begin to set we knew we were running out of time. But we shot up until the last moment. As the sun set, the last scene is filmed, and a sense of accomplishment fills the air. I couldn’t have been more proud of my team. The crew worked tirelessly and the actors gave every ounce of creativity in their performance.

Our Second Day of shooting

Our second day of shooting started at a classy restaurant/bar.

We had plenty of extras who volunteered. We cast Terrence Twar Mombrun and Devin James Blose to be the buddies of our lead actor Henry Mouat. Devin and James improvised with Henry for some great footage.

The dialogue was minimal so it was mostly about setting up the camera to get plenty of interesting coverage of Henry Mouat. We followed up the restaurant shoot with some coverage of Jeff Weber and Henry crossing paths in a seedy downtown alley. We wanted some interesting lighting FX for the alley scene so we tasked Ty Weber with driving up and down the street by the actors giving them a splash of passing car headlights.

All in all the shoot went very smoothly. The cast and crew did a fantastic job and achieved what we set out to accomplish.

Next week we’ll talk about post-production.

Until then… cheers.

As I mentioned last week, I decided to take an idea that I originally had for a short story and convert it into a short film. My friend Jeff Weber would produce and star in the film. We found our other two actors, Melanie Elise and Henry Mouat, in an acting workshop run by our friend Marco Perella.

Now that casting was complete, we turned our attention to pre-production.

Without proper pre-production you cannot bring your vision to life.

The foundation for a successful film lies in the pre-production stage. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or a budding enthusiast, understanding the significance of pre-production is crucial for the smooth execution of your short film. 

Developing The Idea:

Every great film begins with a compelling idea. I always suggest that writers take the time to brainstorm and explore different concepts, themes, and narratives that resonate with them. Refine your idea by considering its uniqueness, emotional impact, and visual potential. Once you have a clear vision, create a logline or a short synopsis that succinctly communicates the essence of your film. This will serve as the foundation for the subsequent stages of pre-production.

“They Never See It Coming” was an idea that I originally planned as a short story. When Jeff Weber and I decided to make a short film I decided to write it as a screenplay instead. I keep a file on my computer of various ideas, thoughts and notes. I categorize all of these ideas within folders by name of the story or screenplay. I pulled out my notes for the short story version of “They Never See It Coming” and simply spent time revising those notes moving the ideas away from the short story version and embracing a more visual film version.

Crafting the Screenplay:

The screenplay is the backbone of any film, including short films. You should develop your idea into a fully fleshed-out script that captures the story’s essence, characters, dialogue, and structure. Pay attention to pacing, character arcs, and thematic elements. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to refine your script further. Remember, a strong screenplay lays the groundwork for an engaging film.

I wrote the screenplay for “They Never See It Coming” fairly quickly. This was mostly due to the fact that I had the entire idea already organized in my head. I knew the beginning and ending of the story. I simply had to review my original notes on the idea in order to flesh out the meat of the story. I sat down in a coffee shop to work out the details and a few cups of coffee later I had the finished script.

Assembling the Team:

Collaboration is key in filmmaking. Identify the key roles needed for your production, such as director, producer, cinematographer, production designer, and editor. You need to reach out to individuals who share your passion and align with your creative vision. Discuss their availability, experience, and commitment to the project. Building a reliable and enthusiastic team will ensure a smooth production process.

I had wanted to work with director of photography Robert Matthews on a project but we just hadn’t found the opportunity. With “They Never See It Coming” our schedules aligned and he was my first choice for Director of Photography. Robert and I began developing ideas for the look of the film. Robert is immensely talented and I knew he would bring creative and innovative solutions on how to shoot the film.

For makeup I chose my longtime collaborator Leslie Alexander. I knew Leslie would make everyone look amazing and I knew that she could also handle all of the blood FX which makes her doubly valuable to the team.

I chose Kenny Hada for sound. Kenny had his work cut out for him because the day of the shoot was massively windy. But Kenny was prepared and he recorded the sound flawlessly.

My wife Dee-Dee performed the role of script supervisor and another creative partner of mine, Andrew Lamping, would assist in the editing and final sound mix.

Budgeting and Scheduling:

You must determine the financial resources required for your short film and create a realistic budget. Consider expenses such as equipment, location fees, talent fees, production design, and post-production costs. Simultaneously, develop a comprehensive shooting schedule, considering factors like location availability, actor availability, and any time constraints you may have. Keep in mind that meticulous budgeting and scheduling will help you avoid unnecessary challenges during production.

We were fortunate in that we had locations donated for free so the bulk of our budget was crew and food.

Location Scouting and Production Design:

You need to scout locations that align with your script’s requirements and aesthetic. Look for settings that visually enhance your story and offer logistical convenience. Additionally, collaborate with a production designer to create the visual atmosphere of your film, including set design, props, costumes, and overall aesthetics. Proper attention to location and production design will elevate the production value of your short film.

We were fortunate to find an amazing restaurant for our opening scene as well as a beautiful ranch to use for the majority of our production. So the bulk of our budget was for food and crew.

Casting and Rehearsals:

Selecting the right actors is crucial to bringing your characters to life. Conduct auditions or seek recommendations from casting agencies. Screen and shortlist candidates based on their suitability for the roles. Organize rehearsals to allow the actors to immerse themselves in their characters and develop chemistry. Through rehearsals, you can refine dialogue delivery, explore blocking, and build a cohesive team.

I set up a table read with Jeff Weber, Melanie Elise and Henry Mouat. We discussed ideas, tried different takes on the characters and hammered out exactly the type of performances we wanted to achieve the day of the shoot.

Technical and Creative Decisions:

I discussed the technical aspects of the film with my cinematographer and we made creative decisions about the visual style, camera movements, and lighting techniques. We decided to shoot in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

I also collaborated with the sound designer to ensure the audio elements align with the emotional tone of your film. These decisions will always shape the overall mood and impact of a short film and “They Never See It Coning” was no exception.

Leslie Alexander, who did makeup and FX, did blood and makeup tests that she recorded with her iPhone. She sent me her ideas, which were spot on for what we needed.

Pre-production is the blueprint that sets the stage for a successful short film. By investing time and effort into developing the idea, crafting a strong screenplay, assembling a dedicated team, and making informed decisions, we hoped to navigate the pre-production stage with confidence.

Next week we’ll talk about the actual days of production.

Until then… cheers.

My buddy, Jeff Weber, and I decided to make a short film.

Short films are a powerful storytelling medium that allow filmmakers to showcase their creativity, experiment with different techniques, and convey compelling narratives within a limited time frame. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned professional, creating a short film can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

With that in mind, I hope to convey the experience I had while making my latest short film, “They Never See It Coming.”

I met Jeff Weber while doing post-production on a feature film in which Jeff Weber was the lead actor. Jeff and I became friends and decided we wanted to work together. Jeff typically plays the likeable, heroic lead in commercials and movies and told me that he would like to something different.

It just so happened that I had something different.

I had been planning to write a short story about a killer that wants his daughter to follow in his footsteps. So, instead of the short story, I wrote it as a screenplay.

And the idea for “They Never See It Coming” was born.

Converting a short story idea into a screenplay can be an exciting and creative process that allows you to bring your story to life on the big screen.

While the transition from a written narrative to a visual medium may present certain challenges, with careful planning and adaptation, you can successfully transform your short story into a compelling screenplay. 

Our goal with “They Never See It Coming” was to create a captivating and thought-provoking short film that takes its viewers on an unexpected journey. Based on the response to the film I think we’ve achieved that. But first… we had to round out the cast.

In the world of film and theater, the art of casting is a pivotal process that can make or break a production.

The task of selecting the right actor for a role extends beyond finding someone who simply matches the physical attributes. It involves delving deep into the essence of the character, understanding their motivations, and finding an individual whose talent and dedication can bring them to life. The importance of casting the right actor cannot be overstated, as it is the foundation upon which exceptional performances and memorable productions are built.

Casting the right actor is essential for portraying a character with authenticity.

“They Never See It Coming”  had three principal characters and I soon found that it was becoming difficult to cast the two actors who would be playing opposite Jeff Weber. Fortunately, our friend and acting coach, Marco Perella, stepped in and offered to let his current class of students read sides from the script during one of his classes.

It was an incredibly kind gesture and one that we couldn’t pass up. So, off we went to attend Marco’s class and watch the students read from my script. Watching such a diverse group of actors read from the script was truly a wonderful experience. All of the actors were amazingly talented. However, two actors stood out… Melanie Elise and Henry Mouat. When I saw the two of them read for the first time I knew we had our cast.

Next week I’ll talk about pre-production and finding our crew.

Until then… here are some important thoughts about casting your next project.

An actor who resonates with the character’s experiences, emotions, and personality traits can breathe life into the role. Their genuine understanding of the character’s journey allows them to bring a level of depth and nuance that enhances the audience’s connection with the story. When an actor embodies the essence of the character, it creates a powerful and immersive experience, transporting viewers into the world of the narrative.

1. Unleashing the Potential for Creativity: The right actor can unlock the full potential of a character, taking them beyond the confines of the written script. When an actor is cast based on their ability to connect with the character on an emotional level, they can bring fresh perspectives and interpretations to the role. Their unique insights and creative choices can elevate the storytelling, adding layers of complexity and originality. The collaboration between the actor, director, and writer becomes a rich tapestry of ideas, resulting in a performance that exceeds expectations.
2. Building Chemistry and Dynamic Relationships: The chemistry between actors is crucial in portraying believable and compelling relationships on screen or stage. The right casting decisions allow for the development of natural, convincing connections between characters. The actor’s chemistry with their co-stars can generate a profound sense of intimacy, rivalry, or camaraderie that resonates with audiences. A well-cast ensemble has the power to create unforgettable dynamics that drive the narrative forward and captivate viewers.
3. Honoring the Vision of the Storyteller: Behind every production is a visionary director or writer with a distinct creative vision. Casting the right actor is an essential part of realizing this vision. When a director finds an actor who aligns with their artistic sensibilities and understands the nuances of the story, it becomes a transformative collaboration. The actor becomes a vessel through which the director’s vision is brought to life, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience.
4. Enhancing Diversity and Representation: Casting the right actor is also a crucial step in promoting diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. By ensuring that roles are given to individuals who authentically represent the characters’ backgrounds, experiences, and identities, we foster inclusivity and provide opportunities for underrepresented communities. The power of casting goes beyond finding the most talented performer; it is about giving a voice to those whose stories have long been overlooked or marginalized.

Casting the right actor is a profound and intricate process that shapes the success and impact of a production. From bringing authenticity to a character, to igniting creativity, fostering chemistry, honoring the vision of storytellers, and promoting diversity, the importance of casting cannot be underestimated. It is through the careful selection of actors that stories come to life, resonating with audiences on a deep and meaningful level. So, let us celebrate the art of casting and recognize its pivotal role in creating transformative and unforgettable experiences in the world of film and theater.

For more information on Marco Perella’s acting workshop visit Marco Perella’s Film Actor Workshop.

Until next week…

Client Collaboration

Here is another post that originally wrote for our company site Expressions in Video.

I mentioned in the last blog post that Expressions in Video has many creative partners. But there is one creative partner that I didn’t mention: the client. As an Austin video production company tasked with bringing ideas to life, we work with many talented people. These talented people include cinematographers, set designers, storyboard artists and many others. But the client is an important artistic collaborator as well. So, let’s discuss production and client collaboration.

Sometimes the client has simply a brushstroke of an idea, and sometimes the client has an entire script prepared. But more often than not, it’s somewhere in between both of those extremes. Either way, it is up to the team at Expressions in Video to take those ideas and translate them into images.

Our recent shoot at Dell Diamond, the home of The Round Rock Express, is a perfect example of this client collaboration.

Our task for this shoot was to create a high-energy sports commercial. Our first step, as always, was to meet with the client and discuss their ideas. In this case, the client had really done his homework. He knew his audience and he knew the type of commercial he wanted. It was our job to take the ideas in his head and turn them into beautiful shots and a compelling edit. Which leads us to step two. We knew we were going to shoot at Dell Diamond, so we met the client at the ballpark and walked through all of the possible locations, including the ball field, the locker room, the weight room and the batting cage. We discussed what time of day we would be shooting, the location of the sun and, in general, all of the logistics as well as the possible shots. Step three is to then have a detailed conversation with the client, asking him to describe the commercial, as he sees it. The bottom line is that we have to see that same commercial in our heads before we shoot.

Here is a small taste of some of the shots.

 

Finally, we allow the whole team to put in their input. In this case, I was co-producing and co-directing with my long time collaborator, Zane Rutledge. Zane and I talk over the shots and decide how we want to tackle them the day of the shoot. We then discuss the shot list with First Assistant Director, Merle Bertrand, and with Director of Photography, Andrew Barrera. They also give their input on schedule, style and execution.

I’m happy to say we shot an immense amount of wonderful footage and covered all of the needed shots in a variety of ways. We shot with two cameras – the Red Epic and the Red Scarlet. Shooting with the Red Epic gave us the ability to shoot at a variety of slow motion speeds.

When it was all said and done we created a fast-paced, high-energy commercial that we are all proud of. And one of our key collaborators… was the client. And that’s how it should be.

For more information on Austin video production contact us at info@expressionsinvideo.com.