Action!

Lights....Camera....Action!

Last week, I had the opportunity to be the Set Photographer for the movie Ex-Free. The opportunity came through a friend of mine that I worked with back in 19--, wait, cut, a friend of mine, Karon Aghotte, that I worked with back in Cincinnati (Whew)! 

Karon and I have been back in touch through Facebook for years.  Karon is a Writer, Producer and extremely creative in all she does.  I was very excited to be on set with her and watch her in action. And, I was not disappointed!

The Director of this movie is Troy Byer Bailey, a Director, Screenwriter and Actress.

Being around production since my days in television, I had an idea of what to expect on the movie set. Tons of equipment, a big crew, actors, hair and make-up artists. I also expected to feel the tension on the set, especially since this set was someone's house that was being used for the day. That means time is of the essence in getting everything shot and letting the homeowners have their home back by evening.

What I didn't expect was the calm throughout the entire day. Even when a piece of equipment didn't work and we had to move from one location in the house and shoot a different scene.  This type of calm comes from the top down. Troy and Karon were incredible, not one person raised their voice, egos were not apparent, even with the actors. It was a great day to see "Hollywood" at work.

I was like a kid at Christmas on this set. Watching the Director, the Production Coordinator and the Script Supervisor setting up the scenes and walking through the lines with the actors was great.  There is a bit of hurry up and wait with any production, however, this was a very efficient crew. 

I was fascinated watching the coordinated efforts of everyone involved in the production of this movie with each scene that was set.  Because this was the last pick-up day of shooting, it was important to be sure the shots matched what had already been shot on previous production days.  There is a certain thrill in watching a movie and seeing a small change from one scene to the next, something out of place, a purse on one side but on the other when the scene changes.  The Script Supervisor was very busy taking and referring to her notes to keep the continuity of the scenes so that does not happen on this movie.

Troy is involved in every aspect of the movie, seen here looking at the next scene set-up. Notice the box of donuts, hmmm, I don't remember them in the shot, maybe a snack for the incredibly hard working Production Crew.

In case you think everything about making a movie is glamorous, think again.  Holding a production meeting while the actors are having their make-up and hair done sometimes takes place around a very crowded table or in an even smaller area.  

Now I must admit that shooting out by the pool was a delight and much cooler than the bedroom shots where production lights kept the room very warm. 

Back inside for the last scene of the day.  

I have been so blessed to have many opportunities in my life. I try as a professional to stretch and learn something new every day.  I was stretched as a Set Photographer, an experience I hope I get to do again. I learned by watching two great people and consummate professionals, Karon and Troy as they Produced and Directed the action. I enjoyed the conversation with the production crew, each of them friendly and willing to talk about the profession they love. Oh, and I learned that when the Director says "Picture Up," to stop talking! 

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Craig and I are producing video biographies this week and are looking forward to capturing family histories for many more families.  Call us at 714-731-0564 to schedule your session.  They make great Christmas gifts and will be treasured for generations to come.

Links for Ex-Free and Karon's work - please take a minute to visit these links and support Karon as she produces more great works. 

That's A Wrap!

Karen

Watch for Ex-Free coming to movie theaters early next year.

Three women kidnap their exes and hold them hostage until they get the

answers they think they need in order for their hearts to be free.

Immaculate Perception: 

Sincerely Young, a social worker who's own life has been touched by violence, wakes one winter day to find God in her bed. She demands to know why He allows so much violence against women and children. Together, they travel through the layers of the universe exploring the laws of humans vs the laws of God. In the end, Sincerely's own extraordinary destiny is realized.

Amazonia: A Perilous Journey

Two American explorers face life-threatening consequences as they retrace the footsteps of renowned British Explorer Percy H. Fawcett's 1910 expedition through the deepest, darkest, unknown territory of the Amazon jungle.