Shhhh! Did you hear that? I think that was the sound of angels rejoicing in heaven because I (finally) got this film finished! I say 'I' but what I actually mean is  'we' since a movie is never ever one person's doing!

Yep, today at around 1:30 the wonderful editor Jon Mendenhall dropped off the hard drive containing all those waiting-to-be-seen files. Bless his soul for dealing with my novice questions and requests, but alas, he delivered. 

Besides slanging it around some film festivals, I'd  like to show all of you dear readers the final product. I feel as though you all have been on this journey with me and have somehow contributed in your own way. 

I'll keep that in mind when I'm rich and famous someday ~

Any suggestions on which fests would have a film about a one night stand couple in Los Angeles?

P.S. Isn't it kind of serendipitous that my movie didn't release in 2011? Otherwise, I would continue to be mistaken with this film.

1. Make sure locations are LOCKED down and that those owners expect you'll be pretty much taking over that whole day!
2. Like the people you're working with because one negative attitude can really throw it all off course. Luckily, I did not have a problem with this.
3. If you're the director, it's YOUR vision and YOUR job to make sure everyone sees it. This keeps the goal a shared one. 
4. The Editor is way important. I know this shouldn't be a revelation, but for me, it was.
5. The schedule is your bible. And so is your budget. If these two clash, prioritize the 1st. 
6. Help! Ask for it, you'll definitely need it. Call up all those crazy aunts who can make a killer salad and ask them to bring it on set. 
7. Storage space for footage is vital. Back up all the files like 3x over. We "lost" footage on one computer, but luckily had it saved on like 3 other hard drives. Talk about saving yourself a heart attack!
8. Seeing it all through until its done. When you put the finishing touches on the script, you're not done. When the movie wraps, you're not done. When the editor sends you a complete version, you send notes. 


It's fun to make a movie. But you really gotta love what you're doing, or else you'll hate this whole process. I love it and can't wait to do it all over again. This time though, I'll keep these lessons alive.