We are on day 6 of a 10 day production schedule of the micro-budget feature film, Duct Tape. With an aggressive schedule and a band of young artists we set out to put a cap on an idea that was first developed over 13 years ago. Don’t start no shit, won’t be no shit.
As a producer on the film the thing that strikes me most is the enthusiasm of our cast and crew. They have all busted their asses. Michelle, Zack, Emily, Lexxi, Henry, Will, Neff, Dena, Joel, and Lucas have all given their all everyday. With that, we’ve been able to stay on schedule without any major catastrophes…knock on wood. Even with the lack of sleep, scheduling around work, or even forgoing work altogether we couldn’t ask for much more.
There still is a ton of work left to be done.
We’ve learned a few things about this no budget feature deal. Its actually not my first micro budget. I DP’d two other run and gun films before, but in that day the gear still wasn’t all the way up to speed. On Duct Tape we’re shooting on Canon 7d’s. DP Rome Julian has had to fight the dreaded over-heating error. Rome and his AC Zack had to developed a two camera switch out. Its August in New Orleans and we’re in a hot ass house with no air conditioning. People get pretty loopy, but spirits stay high.
Since all of us work in the industry as shooters, producers, camera assistants, and grips we were able to get camera support from some of our friends. That helped tremendously.
Director Rene Fabre has been able to blow through 8 pages a day. The camera is free, but we haven’t been locked into a completely handheld film. 82 pages in 10 days…wish us luck. I’ll be back with more musings soon…have to do audio…
PEREZ
Perez is a founding member of Timecode:nola, a TV producer, indiefilmmaker, and loves Rocky and Carlos.
