Wednesday, June 04, 1997 - First Day of Filming

Dave came up with a very reasonable first day and we got it done. The fact that it was raining yesterday was high stress. But today the weather was beautiful. Lots of standing around and trying to figure out who should do what when. That was all the result of the staging area being isolated from the film locations. Still, we had too many PA's on today. But at least there was beautiful weather for them to sit around and eat bagels in, waiting for us to get back from shooting.

So many things to coordinate and I'm still not sure of the best way to communicate with much of the crew. It's difficult being both DP and Director. Heather seems to interface well with the actors. Best thing to do is to let her prep the actors while I work on the shot sequence and lighting with Dave and the lighting guys. Then we can run through a rehearsal and I can make adjustments with the actors as I see fit.

The opening sequence (Michael's car driving South on I-280) developed pretty much like I pre-envisioned. Thank goodness for the walkies. As it was we started the camera way too early. Better too much than too little in this case. I'll have to be more careful in the future, though.

Scene 29 filmed up nicely. Not too happy with the windows being closed when the car's parked, though. Probably doesn't matter as much as I'm making it out to matter. Still we may have to reshoot the side two-shots. Maybe tomorrow.

Got to calling my mother and wishing her happy birthday on the way home, across the San Mateo bridge on the cell phone. I guess the stress in my voice is obvious to all that care to listen.

So much more to do.

-George