I think I may have…oh no. I have.
I’ve been roped into directing a short film. Oh wait, I’m sorry. That would be one thing. But I’m writing and producing too. Which makes it three things, for you math challenged artsy types. That’s triple fudge sundae with all the calories and a complimentary heart attack. The script isn’t yet written, but will be by this Sunday. That’s the kind of time table I’m operating under.
Here’s the justification. One, I didn’t come to Los Angeles just to write. My passion has included directing, something I’ve had the pleasure of doing with four other films, all award winners. Granted, those awards are from one festival, and the competition has been somewhat anemic. However, I stand by my original statement. I do enjoy directing. I enjoy being behind the camera, setting up scenes, working with actors, and most of all, yelling “Cut” because that means that you either have to do it again or you don’t. A very binary craft.
Two, I haven’t directed anything in nearly two years. This is a travesty.
Three, I’m interested in pushing my own personal boundaries into interesting shapes. Mine are currently locked in step by my current writing and producing projects, and this will help expand my territory a bit.
Four, the time commitment will not be quite as much as it sounds. To be sure, I’m already underestimating the time required to shoot, but it’s good to have goals, if only to fail at achieving them. At least it’s a post on which to hang, like crucifixion victims on the Apian Way. “Don’t mess with the Roman Empire.”
Last I checked, Rome wasn’t doing so hot.
Granted, neither are the hanging chaps, but it’s the metaphor that counts here. The point is, it’s actually not out of the realm of doability, even with a constricted schedule. I’m about to relinquish one big writing project into the ether of self-satisfied completion. The other big one is sort of writing itself, so I’m not worried about moving forward on it. And as I’ve come to discover, my time is best spent with more, rather than less, on my plate.
So I’m directing. I’m even doing a proper casting call. Small cast, four people, two females, which will kind of be a first, in that I’ll be hopefully working with two actresses with, well, you know…actual acting experience. The roommate Tim, who spurred me into this jakey prospect, will play the male lead, and the other roommate, Joe, who is bearded, will play a hobo.
Yes, the short film has a hobo. Are you not sold on it already? Who isn’t stoked? Up for consideration in the Best Short Film Oscar nominations: This film. Due to hobos. May it be so.
So more as we progress forward. It’ll be fun. It’ll be a gallop to the finish. Did I mention the window of opportunity? We have a month and a half to complete the entire thing. Possible, yes. Probably, maybe. I sure hope so.