Saturday, August 16, 2014

WAIT: An Update on My First Feature Film

I haven’t written about my first feature film, Wait, in nearly eight months, and I’d finally like to tell you why. For the past two and a half years, this film has occupied my nearly every waking moment. What began as an incessant idea filled with stark images of dark bedrooms, chance scenes of melancholy, and sharp lines of dialogue, turned into the best script I’ve written. Once I moved to L.A., I fast tracked the film into production. Auditions, location scouting, props, schedules – everything rolled smoothly. When I began shooting the film, I started and ended each day high on creative inspiration. The first few days of shooting went better than I could’ve dreamed (there were a lot of sleepless nights leading up to filming), but about a week into shooting, production began incurring problems that I wasn’t sure the film, or myself, could overcome.

In my second post about the film, I detailed the production’s first big issue, in which a location manager failed to show up on set. Sadly, that was a trip to Disneyland compared to what followed. I don’t have the energy (and trust me, you don’t have the patience) to fully explain all the problems this film experienced, but at the end of every day of filming, I had to ask myself if I could financially and emotionally keep Wait going. My days were filled with smiles and lies – my best attempts to shield the cast and crew from the behind-the-scenes problems. But my nights were plagued with self-doubt and regret.

This isn’t a cry for your sympathy. Not at all. But rather, an explanation as to why I haven’t written about the film in so long. Basically, after struggling through production on a daily basis, the last thing I wanted to do was come home and write about the movie. If I did blog about Wait, then there were two options: maintain my lies in print, or complain about the production. Neither interested me, so I chose to remain silent. All told, it was a wise choice for me, and here’s why. Last week, I watched the fine cut of Wait, and when it ended, I felt great about what I had made. I’ve always been in love with the performances, the original score, and the film’s set pieces, but this was the first time I found myself appreciating the entire thing.

This might sound strange to some of you; you might think that someone who creates should always be proud of what they create. That’s never been the case for me. I’ve always been my harshest critic – in writing, filmmaking, everything. I have a great bullshit detector, especially when it comes to bullshit I’ve made. But when I watched that fine cut, I didn’t see bullshit. I didn’t see sleepless nights and production problems. I saw the film that I set out to make, and I couldn’t be happier.
Catherine Warner in Wait
Three people have seen the latest cut of Wait: myself, my girlfriend, Julie, and my sound mixer, John. John’s responsible for heightening the atmosphere of the film with a mix of subtle and sometimes blatant sounds. When I sent John the cut of the film, he said he’d watch it that evening and get right back to me. Three days later, I got nervous. I thought he had watched the film, hated it, and was looking for a way to get out of working on it. Later that day, I got an e-mail from him, and I’d like to share some of it with you here:
“Alex, sorry for the late response. I’ve been trying to think of the best way to say this, but, you’re movie really fucked me up. I had no idea it would hit me on such a personal and emotional level. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to work on a film, I know I can do some great stuff with it.”
That was that last thing I expected him to say, but the best thing he possibly could’ve said. A great little boost to take into the final leg of post-production.

When you make a movie, no matter what phase of the process you’re in, the first question people ask is when will the film be released. A difficult question to answer, because when isn’t exactly up to me. I’m going to hit the festival circuit with Wait, but I’ve been involved with enough films to know that festivals are as much of a gamble as they are a game, so I’m planning on letting that aspect of distribution play out as the world sees fit. Either way, festival attention or not, I hope to have the film online in the next few months. Until then, I’m going to be writing about Wait much more often. The posts will mainly consistent of interesting and manageable filmmaking tips I’ve picked up along the way, and how I applied them to the production and post-production of this film.

To all of you who have asked about the film on this blog or via social media, your interest and support mean the world to me. I’m so eager to share Wait with the world as soon as I possibly can. Stay tuned.


63 comments:

  1. Well, it's good to know that you had to deal with all of the bullshit that goes on in production and financing. I'm not sure if I'm emotionally capable of handling it as I'm also my own worst critic.

    Since you're going to present the film in film festivals, is it likely you're going to try to submit the film at Sundance? Plus, I hope you can get your film to the Atlanta Film Festival as here is a link for the 2015 edition if you're thinking about going to Atlanta. I will definitely see your film.

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    1. Being your own worst critic is a tough way to live, but it can also be very helpful for the final product. Gotta cut through the bullshit.

      I should have the film ready just in time for Sundance submissions, and I'll definitely submit it to the Atlanta Film Festival as well. Thanks for bringing that fest to my attention. Really appreciate it.

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  2. Wow, I had no idea you were working on a feature film, letalone close to finishing it. I haven't even got anywhere near finding a financier for any of my screenplays.

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    1. Are your scripts large in scale and scope? Or are they smaller, or personal stories that could be filmed on a micro-budget? If it's the latter, you should definitely film one. Even if you film just a few stand alone scenes from it. Even if you shoot it with iPhones - Just. Be. Filming. The only reason I was able to make Wait was because a few producers saw my previous short, Earrings. So, that's my motto - Just be filming. You never know who's watching.

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  3. Well I knew I was going to watch this whenever it got released anyway, but the fact that you got a message like that from your sound mixer only reinvigorated how excited I am to finally see the fruits of your labor.

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    1. Thanks man! Really excited for you to see it. Are you working on anything at the moment?

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    2. Nah nothing big at the moment, all school stuff lol. But thanks for asking. Any idea when a trailer for this thing might be released? The pics you've posted on here (and other posts) make me really anxious to get an idea of what kind of story you're telling here!

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    3. Well, here's the thing... certain festivals (like Sundance) are very particular about what footage is made public before it premieres at the festival. I could easily have a trailer online tomorrow for the movie, but I'm not exactly allowed to yet. Like I said, distribution really is a game. Overstep your bounds, and you're fucked.

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  4. I am really excited about Wait! I am sorry you had to go through all of the shittiness but it seems to have worked out in the end, somewhat. I hope it does. I don't know when I'll get to see it. I promise to watch it only when I can do so legally. I'll wait for Wait patiently (and slightly hating everyone else who gets to see it before me) :)

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    1. Thanks Nik! Who knows, you might be able to see it at the same time as everyone else. It's such a game, distribution. It's crazy that even though your movie is complete, the real challenge begins when you try to get it out there. We shall see!

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  5. About time, Alex. About time. You know we have all been waiting to hear about your film. It's great to hear you have made the final cut despite all the obstacles. Maybe they will make you value Wait even more, if that's even possible. :)

    I hope those of us outside US also get a chance to watch your film. I know I say this for many other people as well - We just can't wait!

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    1. Thanks buddy! I will definitely make sure all of my great online friends have a chance to see the film, no matter where they live! These obstacles have definitely made me value the film more. I learned so much making this film - who to trust, who to disregard, and on and on. Thanks for the support man!

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  6. I guess you can say, I can't WAIT (sorry). It's good to hear that you never gave up hope, no matter how bad it is. It's also good to hear that you couldn't be prouder of the finished project. I'm looking forward to finally watching it!

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    1. Hey man, bring those puns on - all good to me! Ha, but really, thanks for the kind words. Giving up would've been the easiest thing to do, which is why it's so tempting in times of stress. Just gotta keep pushing.

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  7. I'm happy you feel good about the fine cut of Wait. Your sound mixers response is very enthusiastic. Hitting the festival circuit sounds like a good way to get your work out there! I look forward to seeing the film when its ready.

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    1. Thanks buddy, really appreciate that. That email from John was one of the best emails of my life. Really excited to share the film with everyone.

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  8. It sucks that you had to go through all of that trouble while making it, but I'm so glad that the final cut was everything you envisioned it to be :) Since you're hitting the festival circuit, is Sundance your first stop? Or is it another festival? Nevertheless, I could not be happier for you, and I wish you all the best for Wait, and I cannot wait (pun ridiculously intended) to watch it!

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    1. Ha, thanks! Well, where the film stops is up to the people who run the festivals, you know? Thousands upon thousands of films are submitted to Sundance every year, and maybe 100 get picked. And maybe only half of those play in competition. That's what I meant when I referred to festivals as a gamble and a game. Once you submit your film, it's really out of your hands. Up to the movie gods!

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  9. Commiserations on the hassles and best wishes for the final product, man - I'm sure it'll be fantastic!

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    1. Thanks dude! Really appreciate the encouraging words. "Commiserations," in particular. Fine word, good sir.

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  10. Wow, it takes a lot of patience and emotional strength to deal with all that financing shit. I'm so happy you're so pleased with the final result. I'm looking forward to watching it!!!

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    1. Thanks Stergios! I'm so excited for you to see it. I'll be honest man, you're immensely kind words about my writing and filmmaking have kept me going these past few months. Genuinely. Thanks man.

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    2. Hell man, that's so great to hear. My words were really from the heart everytime, because I really respect your talent on both writing and filmmaking so much. Best of luck with the film, buddy, I'm really excited to see it as well. I'm sure it will be terrific!

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  11. I'm excited for you, glad you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. This may sound strange, but it's probably a good thing you had to deal with adversity, it's probably made you a stronger person. And not for nothing, but most people who consider themselves creative are their own worst critics, so you're not alone.

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    1. Nah man, that doesn't sound strange at all. Not only do I agree with you, but you're so right - making this film made me stronger. Thanks for the comment Wendell!

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  12. I can't wait to watch! Congrats on making it to this point.

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    1. Thanks Tanner! Great to hear from you man. Hope you're enjoying the post-college life.

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  13. So happy for you Alex! I can't wait to see it :-D

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  14. I'm glad that going through all the shit ended up working out for you so far. That message from the sound mixer is awesome. I hope to see it soon! I'll just throw this out there - the Maryland Film Festival is known for supporting very indie projects and up-and-coming filmmakers. Just saying.. it's in Baltimore, so we'll take you out for a drink.

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    1. Maryland Film Festival - I'm all over it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! I grew up a little outside of DC (right near Dulles Airport), so I know B'more quite well. Who knows... maybe I'll bring the film there one day!

      Thanks for the comment, Jess. I really appreciate it!

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  15. Very cool, Alex! Happy for you, and highly anticipating Wait! I can only imagine how much time and work it must have taken. Usually one's first film is the hardest to make, or at least that's what I've heard. Congratulations, and I wish the great success to you and to your film!

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    1. Thanks Kristin! I really appreciate your comment. It has definitely been a tough ride, but I'm so thankful I'll have something to show for it! Thanks again for stopping by.

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  16. I am waiting to see the film though I am not sure if I'll get the opportunity to see it in this part of the world.

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    1. Thanks so much! I will do everything in my power to get Wait in front of any one who wants to see it, no matter where they are!

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  17. Congratulations on your film! Even though it wasn't the easiest to get through, I hope it was all worth it and I wish you the best of luck with the outcome.

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    1. Thanks Rachel! I really appreciate it. Just saw your most recent post on your site. Don't worry about not posting a lot on your blog. Life comes first. Enjoying yourself comes first. Your readers will be there when you return, you know? I really hope your new film classes reinvigorate your inspiration to work in the business.

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    2. No problem and thanks Alex for the kind words!

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  18. Oh, this is so wonderful that the film is almost completed and on its way to distribution! I cannot wait to see it, I have no doubt it's going to be fantastic.

    It must have been even better to like the outcome given how hard it was to achieve and film, sometimes, looking back, even the worst experiences are the small price to pay or at least I hope they were here.

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    1. Thanks Sati! I agree, suffering through something often makes it that much more worthwhile. It's never easy while you're going through it, but hopefully it's worth it. I can't wait for you to see it! I was actually wondering what movie Wait could be visually paralleled with, but I couldn't think of any. I'll leave that to the pro ;)

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    2. I'm sure I'll find something worthy to pair it up with because I'm including Wait in the series for sure, I appreciate how much you like VP and it's a good way to get people to think 'oh, I should see this film!' which I hope at least some will do whenever I mention it on the site.

      I have Enemy prepared next which I'm hoping to pair with Gone Girl - it's extremely similar in terms of themes so I'm anticipating a lot of visual parallels there, but it will be a long time till Gone Girl is out on DVD. So I think in the meantime I'm finally gonna do A Single Man and The Hours.

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    3. VP is honestly one of my favorite things on any website. Not just movie blogs but, like, the entirety of the internet. Enemy/Gone Girl and A Single Man/The Hours both sound amazing. I'm so pumped for those.

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  19. "Your movie really fucked me up" ... that is going on the movie poster for sure! :-) Seriously, John paid you a beautifully compliment. It's great to hear that and even better to hear you say, "I saw the film that I set out to make, and I couldn’t be happier."

    And when it comes to writing and such, aren't we all our own worst critics? It can make life tough sometimes, but if you didn't have that quality, you probably wouldn't be such a good writer and filmmaker.

    As I think I said before, when I first stumbled across the blog and saw Earrings, I knew you were going to be successful. It sounds like it's been a very tough road making Wait. Thank God you have as much perseverance as talent.

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    1. I'll never forget your kind words about Earrings. They really meant so much to me. I'm so excited for you to see this one! Thanks for yet another great comment :)

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  20. Thrilled to hear that you're happy with the film, especially given the circumstances you've discussed before. Still anxiously awaiting it! :)

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    1. Thanks buddy! I've really appreciated your support over the years.

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  21. Sorry to hear that things were so difficult with making the film. On the positive side, it sounds like it's coming together. That's great news, and I hope everything works out.

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    1. Thanks buddy, I appreciate that! It's getting closer... very exciting.

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  22. Hey Alex, glad to hear you have stuck through the bad times and that you are happy with the end result. Really looking forward to seeing this, man. Best of luck with the festival circuit!

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    1. Thanks Eric - you're the man! I'm pumped to get this flick out there!

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  23. Sorry that you've had issues on your production, but I'm glad its coming together.
    Best of luck!!

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  24. I am so happy to be reading this! Please please please make this film available in Europe so I can watch it too! (And be amazed by your skill yet again.) Good luck with the festivals!

    PS. That letter is my wet dream as a creator. If a beta reader of mine would say that to me, I'd melt.

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    1. Thanks Elina!! I will do everything in my power to make it available in Europe - I promise! I'm so thankful for your kind words and support in the time we've known each other. Thanks again!

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  25. I am woefully behind in commenting, though you have been kind enough to keep me updated. I know this whole experience turned out to be WAY more than you bargained for, but we make plans and God laughs. Knowing what you have gone through to make this film happen gives me a great appreciation for it before having seen a single frame. Knowing that an objective source has been touched by it simply makes the whole thing that much more exciting.

    I'm so proud of you for pressing on despite the incredible obstacles. We've talked about the festival "game"...not the same as it used to be and that's a shame. I will whisper your name around--it couldn't hurt, right?

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    1. Thank you so much Dawn. I'm so glad our paths crossed and we were able to meet. Your support has kept me going in times of great need. I'm really excited to share the movie with you, and hey, any whisper is a good whisper in my opinion :)

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  26. Wonderful news Alex, I love the comment up above about just be filming which is exactly what I'm starting to do thankfully. I really do want to finally see your vision and creation come to life, especially after hearing how pleased you are with the results thus far. Certainly don't feel like you're being boastful about making a movie, it is such a personal endeavor that you'd be remiss if you didn't talk about more. Until a release date is set, I guess we'll all just be filming in the meantime.

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    1. Definitely man - just be filming! That's so cool that you're starting something as well. Can't wait to see it. It was so weird for me to talk about Wait while I was making it. I honestly didn't know if we'd make it through shooting. But I'm nearing the end of post-production, and I'm eager to talk more about it.

      Thanks so much for this comment, Jeff. Your support of my work has been really encouraging over the years.

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  27. Well done, Alex! It seems that we're following roughly the same track, as I shot my first feature at roughly the same time as you. However, my shoot sounds a lot smoother than yours - it was the best filmmaking experience of my life! Unfortunately, the post-production has been a real nightmare, with an editor letting me down in a big way and costing me roughly 6 months of time. As a result, our film won't be coming out until at least mid-2015.

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    1. First off, thanks so much for the comment man. I really appreciate you following me on Twitter and tracking down my post about WAIT.

      Second... there's nothing about this process that is universally easy, is there? My production was hell, but my post has been perfectly fine. You're the exact opposite. So crazy. I feel for you, and I am so, so sorry your editor let you done. I've certainly been there. We just have to keep pushing forward and finish the damn thing, you know?

      Stay in touch, I'm really excited to see your film.

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