Finished!!

All my worries about pulling all nighters were for nothing! Yes, the editing is finished and the film has been put on a disk.
There were some things I didn't get to do and some parts I'm not entierly happy with. But all things considered, I'm very happy with the film and I'm very proud of myself for completing it. There were times when I thought I couldn't do it. Things didn't go smoothly like I hoped they would. But all my hard work has paid off now. I gained a lot of valuable experience and it was great running my own project for once.
The confidence and experience I've gained will certainly help me with my future media projects. As for this one, I hope that the people who watch it will find it informative and entertaining. That's the only true goal I have.

3 days to go

It's looking less and less likely that I'll have to pull any all nighters! Not that I wouldn't, it's just that I can't physically stay awake that long.
I like how the film looks now but of course I still get 'It's crap!' moments. I know that's just my paranoia, and that it's too late to change it anyway.
I decided to do the editing on my home pc, so that I wouln't need to waste time going to uni every day so I'd have more time. The downside with that is I'm using a very basic programme (I'm too embaressed to even say which one! Some people will probably be able to tell from looking) so there are some things I can't do. Like I can't use narration and music tracks at the same time. That enfuriates me but it's my own fault really.

5 days to go

Not an awful lot achieved today, unfortunatly. I had to go into town and buy some clothes for my interview next week. But I got a lot done yesterday and I have all day tomorrow so I hope that'll make up for it. I hope...
And if it doesn't then at least I'll have some pretty shoes! Ha ha ha!
The big hurdle I have right now is the final few minutes. I have some good clips lined up for the very end, to end on a good note. But I don't know which of the dozens of clips to use as a build up to that. Right now it's just a random jumbled up mess of people talking, not nearly as exciting as the rest of the film. So that's the big problem that I have to iron out stright away. I'll sit down with a pizza and my new clothes and figure it all out!

6 days to go

Wow! I am very pleased with the progress I have made in just a few short days. All that panicking about not finishing on time was for nothing. I'm working hard and giving it my all so it will be done.
The appendix is completed. Just a few tiny bits to tidy up and tweak but otherwise it's finished. There are some walls I keep running into but in general, I am very very happy with how the film is shaping up.
I hope this positive feeling lasts a long time!!

8 days to go

I felt awful yesterday. Bad combination of stress, berevement and lack of sleep. I'm well rested now and feel much better. I've already done a couple of hours of editing.

9 days to go

So it's crunch time. Eeep. I sort of have a very very rough edit but it needs a lot of work. Plus there's the stuff for the appendix to do. And I have to prepare for an interview 2 days after the deadline. All this stress is giving me stomuch pains. And to top it all off, our family dog died yesterday. That's making me depressed and dragging me down.
My plan is to put in a lot of hours each day and just to do the best I can with the time I have.

So I was a little upset yesterday. I'm dissapointed I lost those visuals but at least I didn't record over the really important stuff. I've been looking over the footage I have got and I can replace the visuals easily enough.
This has actually made me realise what I want the film to focus on - Three girls, myself, Anna and Liz, who are in a similar situation.
I have almost everything now and I've started putting it together in the edit. I needed my narrator to re-record a couple of lines because he stumbled on them a bit, which probably meant they weren't written very well. And I had to ask the band for an instrumental version of their song. The studio are apparently doing it tomorrow so they'll post it on wednesday.
Editing is the most fun part for me. All the crazy stress of organising is over!!

Epic fail is epic

Oh god no! I am such a moron! I should be struck down by the filmmaking gods! I recorded over the footage I took in Finland! All those beautiful visuals gone forever.
I'll find a way to get around this somehow, but right now I just want to kick my own head in.

Interview

I've just gotten back from the first interview. I was nervous beforehand but there was no need to be at all. The girl I interviewed was very nice and we both have long distance boyfriends so we had that in common to talk about. She was a little nervous about being interviewed but she said some great things that'll work really well in the film. Nice and bright compared to the gloominess of what I've got so far!
The only trouble now is how do I decide what to inlcude? She said so much good stuff I wish I could inlcude it all. I had this same problem when I previously worked on a documentary. If I had been in charge then it would've been half an hour long and really boring!

All set

I don't seem to be updating this blog as often. It's just that when things are going well, they're not nearly as interesting!
Tomorrow is the first interview. I'm nervous since I've never done an interview before and I keep thinking I'll come across as all unprofessional. But I'm sure the person being interviewed is nervous as well.
The batteries are charging and the equipment is all packed and ready to go. I'm glad that I've finally reached this point. I'm sure the other filmmakers are almost finished now and I wish I didn't have that giant hiccup at the beginning. But there's not much I can do about it now. Just finishing the film will be a huge achievement for me.
The narration is all done as well. He's used a lovely sombre sort of voice for it which fits the background music really well, which is strange since he hasn't even heard it! As a joke he also sent me his David Bowie impression, but I think I'll be leaving that out of the final cut!

Update

Just a quick update - It's hard work but things are going well. I keep running into hurdles but I manage to find a way around them. I've arranged the filming dates so until then I'll work on editing the footage I already have. The script is almost finished. I'll look over it a few more times before sending it off to my narrator Joonas. I've also been listening over and over to the song that I'm using as a soundtrack and have been drawing a lot of ideas from it.

Easter treats

Wow, I really am having a streak of good luck!
I sent out a notice via a lecturer to the first year students and got four replies. Four!! I've e-mailed the two who seemed the most enthused asking if they're free during the week of the 19th. Now I just need to wait and see what they say.
I've also got the soundtrack! My mum's band have recorded an origional song and have given me permission to use it. The band's guitarist who wrote the song is in a UK- New York relationship so I think he agreed because it's something close to his heart. I'd ask to interview him while I'm here visiting my parents, but I don't have the necessary equipment. Not only is it a lovely song, but it's already been professionally recorded which will save a lot of time and energy.
If there's one thing I've learnt from this project, it's that you can't assume that everything will go according to plan. Just because you plan something doesn't guarantee you'll be ready for it. So now I'll be sure to always write in lots and lots of extra time.
So that's soundtrack done, narrator secured and interviees almost secured. There's only a few more things to do before shooting so I'm very proud of myself! I hope that there isn't a mountain load of things I haven't realised I have to do hiding somewhere.

Why am I so tierd?

My mind is spinning round in circles from all the things I have to do all at once. It would be so much easier if I could focus on one thing at once.
But anyway, I've now done the treatment, narration script and interview questions. I don't know if they're any good or not but I'm happy with them at least. I feel I have the right vision now so I can start recruiting people. I only have two months to finish, and the troubles I had at the beginning have severly held me back but I think I might just be able to do it. I just won't have time to send the film off to fesivals like I'd hoped. I'll get it done, even if I have to do quick interviews with a camcorder, or spend several sleepless nights in the editing suite.
I've been dallying with the script and wasn't too happy with it at first, but I had an idea today to have a person in an LDR as the narrator, to give it a deeply personal touch like many other documentaries I've seen. The first option would be to do it myself. I haven't looked over the footage from the screen test yet but I'm pretty sure I won't like the sound of my own voice. However, my boyfriend has done some voice acting before and he's brilliant at it. He'd be perfect!
Also, my dad gave me some money for a new laptop and there was a bit left over so I've bought my own camcorder! It should make things a little easier. If I'm going to be a film maker then I'm going to need my own video camera!
Alright, now let's get this film made! Sometimes I fear that I'm dissilusioned and that there's no way I can pull this off in two months, but I squash that little voice and stay confident.

Oh...Breadcrumbs!!

I wanted to work on my treatment today, only to realise that I've saved it in the wrong file format and can't open it! It's awful when silly mistakes like this cause a delay. I suppose I could make a start on the script at least.

Entering spring

I still have my sanity, so I'd say that means things are going ok! Just now I've booked a camera for a screen test this weekend. I couldn't book a tripod for some reason, but hopefully it'll still be ok. It's just a test, after all.
I've been working more on my treatment, gaining a clearer picture of the structure and style of the film, amung other things.
Earlier this week I watched a tv documentary called 'Why did you kill my dad?' The filmmaker was investigating murder cases caused by people with mental health problems, including the case of his own father's death. There was a good balance of home video footage, photos and interviews, all from a very personal perspective. It was about his own journey as he researched these cases.
The subject matter is obviously a lot more serious than my film, but I think it's the same sort of style that I want. I watched very closely to study it, but there were a few moments that were so emotional and sad that I completely forgot about that. But it's still helped me greatly. I may have to watch it a few more times on BBC I-Player.

Oh bloit!!

My PC has suddenly broken! I woke up on saturday morning full of enthusiasm, thinking 'today I'm going to write that treatment!' but my computer wouldn't turn on!
I did at least write the treatment out on paper over the weekend, then came into university today and typed it up. It's been very helpful with getting all my jumbled up thoughts and ideas down on paper and sorting them out into a structure. Here's an extract of the first few paragraphs:
A ten minute documentary giving a realistic and deeply personal portrayal of long distance relationships. It will be aimed at students and young people who are struggling in one of these relationships and designed to appeal to a world wide audience.

The film starts by displaying the opening titles in an instant messenger programme. A pan out (?) reveals a young person typing on a computer. Over this, a brief narration describes how modern technology like e-mail and webcams have led to a boom in long distance relationships, often on other sides of the world. The panning shot moves to a wall, showing various photos, letters, postcards etc. The narrator goes on to say that someone in one of these relationships can receive a lot of criticism, even from the people close to them. The narrator asks if long distance relationships can really work, or are they really just a last resort.

I'm not entierly happy with it, I thik it sounds too much like an educational video. But still, my enthusiasm and drive are still there so I can sort it out.
I've realised that pushing back my planned shooting dates has been a very smart move. A few weeks ago I was freaking out just thinking about this film, but I've taken some time to sort it out properly and now I feel much better about it. I feel like I can actually do it because I actually know what I'm doing now!
I have a deadline for another module next week, but my plan right now is to finish the treatment, script etc in the next few weeks. Then I can move onto finding a cast and crew. I'm hoping that I'll have most of my footage shot before the Easter break (it already feels like years since Christmas break!) I hope the film making gods will be kind to me!
On a final note, I was watching the Baftas last night (since I had no computer) and was very happy that a film by a female director won so many awards, including best director and best film. Go go women filmmakers!!

Oops

So the screen test at the weekend....Didn't happen! This is becoming a normal occurance for me. It's because the equipment booking form I used for the last two years seems to not exist anymore. I'll have to e-mail someone to find out how to book equipment out. Minor setback, but one that can be fixed. I could always take the camera out and pretend it's valentine's day!! From what I've heard, filmmakers cheat all the time!
On the plus side, I've finished my assessment agreement. Basically, it's a big list of all the things I'll hand in to be graded on. It includes everything from call sheets to personal notes scribbled in my notebook. So I'd better remember to write everything I can down, including the films I watch and study and all the research I do into the world of filmmaking.
In my planning folder I wanted to do the filming in Febuary so I'd have more time for post production. But I see now that wasn't such a good idea, and obviously I'm going to need more time for planning and getting my vision for the film sorted. But It worked out ok in last year's module so I'm sure it'll work out fine too. Just a scheduling error.
I still have my confidence, that's the most important thing.

The ball is rolling

So now things are going with a bang and a boom! Ok, not quite. I just got back from meeting with Phillip, and now I am determined to keep in contact with him and keep up with this project. I've got my confidence back now so I think I can do it.
Still, the meeting did make me feel that my ideas are really haphazard right now. I'm so paranoid I think things like 'everyone else in the class is probably half way through their project by now and I haven't even started!'
But as I said before- small steps. I've got an idea of the things I should be doing immedietly, because it's more important to think about what you can do in the present. Before I start thinking about finding subjects to film, I need to write a detailed treatment to show exactly what I want the film to be about. If I can give others a clear idea of what the film will be like, it'll help me visualise it too. At least I think that's how it works...
I also have to do the assessment agreement to hand in next week (that's just to decide exactly how the project will be marked) think about things like style, content and visuals and doing a screen test to see how I like the look and sound of myself on screen.
That last one has given me an idea - This weekend is Valentines day and since I haven't gotten any people to film yet, how about I take out a video camera from the university and shoot a little screen test of my thoughts and feelings on valentines day? I could even get some footage of contacting my boyfriend, or reading the sappy poem I wrote for him (or is that a little too much?)
Ok so I'm more or less back on track now and things are finally happening.
BUT...
I forgot to go to the office and book time in the Broadcast Lab!! Three steps foreward, one step back...

Baby steps

So I've sent an e-mail to my guiding tutor asking for a meeting. I wanted to book some time in the Broadcast Lab to log and capture my Finland footage but I can't seem to find the booking form. I swear it is hiding from me! And unfortunately I've already come home from university for the day so I'll have to wait until Wednesday and go and talk to the ladies in the office.
But still, at least I've done something. I feel so much better now I've taken the first step, even if it's just a small one.

Entering production hell

So it's several weeks into the new term. It's still very cold outside. And so far the project isn't going well. In fact, it isn't going at all.
For the first few weeks of the term I've had essays and assigments for other modules which took up my time, but those are out the way now and I have plenty of time but nothing is happening. I think the problem is I don't know where to start. I keep thinking about what I should do but can't find any answers, so time keeps going on without me doing anything. And that makes me feel anxious which just makes me avoid the work even more. It's a viscious cycle...
My schedule in the planning folder said that I should've found the cast and crew by the end of January. Well it's been Febuary for almost a week and nothing. The crew will be easy enough to find at this uni, but I don't know where to find a good cast. I know they're out there, but I don't know how to find them! I've had a few friends say they know someone I could talk to but then seemed to forget about me completely. It's not just about finding people, it's about finding people with something interesting to say. So what should I do? Go around all my friends and ask them? Put up a notice? (would require Photoshop skills which I don't have) Send out a mass e-mail? That could work, if I can find the person who sends them out. But it could also be an epic fail. Most of the time I just ignore those mass e-mails.
Ok, so I think the first thing I should do is calm down and remember that it's not too late. I've recovered well from disasters before. Secondly, I think I should talk to my guiding tutor who will at least give me some things to do or think about. Thirdly, make a list of things to do, even if they're just small things, and start doing them. At least if I'm staying active, I won't feel anxious anymore.

Return from the frozen wastes

I'm back from my trip to Finland to see the love of my life. As good as it was to see him, I can't begin to tell you how cold it was there!
But on the bright side, I managed to shoot some great footage for my film. Of the 35 minutes of footage I got, I know I'll only use a very small amount but it will be very good all the same. And I got some good visuals to go over the dialogue. When I met my guiding tutor Phillip, he said that the visuals could be a problem so I've been thinking of ways to solve that problem. I thought of using photographs and the changing of the seasons as a metaphore. Summer holiday photos for the positive side of LDR's, dismal winter scenes for the negatives and winter changing to spring for the conclusion.
Right now I'm finishing the planning portfolio to be handed in on Monday (if the university is open, that is.) The vision and outline are going well. At least I think they are. But once that's all done it'll be time to get the real work done. It's going to be a busy 2010....