Directing the Perfect Film

The process on making
"The Perfect Film"

Directed By:
Ling Mai & Partner


Pre-production:
Getting the idea was the toughest part, especially if you need an agreeing partner. Ideas flew left and right for a week straight and that was very frustrating. Once the idea was set, setting up the storyboard was the next issue. With two directors on board, that would mean the storyboard needs to satisfy both parties.

Production:
With limited time, directing each scene needed to be fast. Each scene was a nightmare due to the pace my partner directed. The worst part was not sticking to the storyboard because time was an issue on hand.

Post-Production:
Once we got the files into the computer, the next difficult task was arranging the files in order. It turned out we had too many files and that took up a lot of space. Due to the mass space, the computer lagged tremendously. With an impatient partner, the work flow was starting to become overwhelming.

Outcome:
The film came out as planned and was very decent. If i could change anything, i would change the way it was directed. The feel of the film looks very documentary and this is not how i envisioned it. If i had more time and was behind the camera, i would direct the film in a perfect steady pace. I would also stick to the original storyboard, where it's 45 shots instead of the 15 shots that made up the final piece. Overall, i am pleased with the finished product.

Experience:
Working with a partner is definitely different than working alone. More ideas are thrown into the pool and more ideas are taken out. A lot of the directing i would not have agreed on, but due to the interest of time i did not want to argue. Despite the negative aspects on working with a partner, there are also positive aspects. I enjoyed the fresh pair of eyes working with me on post production, many mistakes were caught due to the extra help. I also enjoyed the work flow, it was definitely faster to edit with four hands rather than two. I also enjoyed the effort my partner put into the project, that meant a lot to me and also sped things up.

Overall:
I definitely learned a lot about the cinema world. I learned how to edit on Final cut Express and how to properly render video. I learned how difficult it is to work with a partner and how easy it is to work with a partner. Overall i am satisfied with how much i have endured and how the final outcome came out.

Quote of the Day:
"Keep bumping and stay humping"
-Ling Mai

Sincerely,
-Ling Mai