Filmmaking 101

I have exciting news. Last week, I began a course "Introduction to Filmmaking". Why is this so exciting you ask? For the past year, I have tried to gain experience behind the camera. The problem is I have a full time job. This deters me from gaining experience on actual film shoots. At one time, I was working with a production company to shoot my script "Straight Face". I volunteered to assist them on another film shoot. I indicated I willing to do whatever was necessary. I was just eager to gain some experience on the set. Well, to my dismay they reneged. In fact, I didn't receive any response from them until the Monday after the scheduled shoot on Saturday. Needless to say, this kind of tarnished our relationship. I also realized that I needed to gain experience behind the camera even if that meant going to film school. Well, that's exactly what I did. I'm currently taking a summer course at the School of Visual Arts. When the class is completed I will have shot, directed and edited a short film. That's exciting stuff huh?

My first class was last Monday - June 7th. I was so nervous. I waited until the last minute to register. Then found myself to be a bundles of nerves. I couldn't find the classroom. I finally found someone to point me in the right direction. I was the first to arrive at a locked door that appeared to be a closet. A staff member unlocked the door to room that had a large black curtain and tiny desks w/ chairs attached. I chose a seat near the front. I thought my head was going to explode from excitement. I tried to calm myself. My palms were actually sweaty. I decided to jot a couple of notes in my iphone. This is what I wrote: My head is swelling, I think I'm getting dizzy. What if I hyperventilate? I think I'm going to pass out from sheer excitement. I bet that will be a great way to make a first impression.

Well, I managed to survive the first class. Yes, I'm the oldest. (Next to the instructor) But it's okay. We went over the syllabus. Everyone was asked to explain why they were taking the class. Once again, I cannot introduce myself without discussing my children. I explained that I'm a former stage mom. In my attempt to develop my interest in film, I co-wrote a short film with my daughter. I later realized that I was explaining more about my daughter's stage history than about myself. (I hope that does mean she is more interesting than I am?) Anyway, all of the students were introduced to our cameras - bolex. We viewed several films from former students. The instructor, Frank appears to be very supportive. There is no such thing as a dumb answer with him. This is greatly appreciated. I can do extremely well in this type of learning environment.

Tomorrow, we will learn lighting techniques. I think this will be really intriguing. I love the idea of exploring different aspects of cinematography. I'm eager but I'm smart enough to realize that I need learn the basics - Filmmaking 101. I'm taking baby steps - one step at a time. I plan to absorb as much information as possible.