I’m writing this in 2021. It’s been 10 years since I came up with the initial idea; 9 since I asked Emilie to help co-write the script; 8 since we filmed it; 4 since an “Anniversary” black-and-white edition was released; and 1 month since I thought about it as a failure.

It’s a failure in the sense that I should have done more with it after it was edited. It’s a success in that the acting and cinematography still stand out as two factors that could have derailed the rest of the project, especially with the conditions we were working under, but managed to be better than I could have hoped for.

Filmmaking is success and failure wrapped in one package. Here are lessons learned from this project:

1. It can take years before you get to Day One of production.  

2. Always factor food and first aid in your budget.

3. Don’t waste people’s time if they’re volunteering their time.

4. Trust people to fulfill their roles, but still check their progress from time-to-time.

5. Listen to your production heads.

6. Appreciate when your crew does something unexpected and better for the project.

7. Avoid having your actors learn fight choreography for the first time on the day that you’re filming your fight scene.

8. Be assertive if you’re asking your actor for multiple takes, but give them options, don’t just shoot multiple takes because it’s fun.

9. Let your actors see some of their takes. They can offer up good insight. That’s their job.

10. If you’re editing something you’ve directed, get a fresh set of eyes to look at your latest cut.

11. Don’t be afraid to ask for help within your network of friends. They’ll have other friends that are willing to help too. Sometimes a family can come out of it.

12. It can take years before you start seeing failures as learning experiences.

These are all commonsense things, but it’s easy to forget everything when you’re faced with challenges on a film set, or when your nerves get the better of you - just trust in the process. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got a big or small crew, surround yourself with creative people. Try not to do this on your own.

Watch the short film here.