Working on the script...

There’s nothing else quite like working on a feature length script.

First there’s the outline, then the treatment, followed by the full blown script. Sounds easy, right?

The problem is that this isn’t how I write stories. I will be doing something at my day job and the idea for a scene, complete with dialog and camera positioning pops into my head. If I'm not swamped I will write that down right then. Next I have to work that scene into the treatment. What I end up with is a partially fleshed out skeleton that I have to finish well before auditions.

The reason for this is something called a script side. A script side is a scene sent out to the actors and actresses who are auditioning for a primary role. If they get a script side well ahead of time then they can prepare for the audition instead of reading a bunch of lines "cold." The best auditions are usually those with well prepared actors and actresses.

It wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have a day job, have to scout locations myself, and then have to get permissions, permits, etc. Then of course there is the location and purchasing of the props, cameras, sound equipment, etc.(Thank God for E-bay.) I also have to worry about getting waivers drawn up for the actors and crew stating that I won’t get sued if they twist an ankle during the shoot. The guys in Hollywood have and entire staff to worry about such things. In this case it is just my fiancée and I.

Then of course you have to worry about post production once all the scenes are finally shot.

Needless to say while being an indie movie producer is very rewarding it’s also a lot of work.