Monday, October 6, 2014

What I've Learned From Making My Being Is Bond




Working on my short film My Being Is Bond, I have learned a lot throughout the filmmaking process. There have been highs and lows, but many more high points. I’ve met many talented and dedicated people whom have made unknown sacrifices to complete the film. I have much appreciation for every one that played a part and coming together to get the film made. I was pleasantly surprised to see that so many people wanted to work hard and put forth the effort to make my creative vision possible.

My Being Is Bond is a film that attempts to capture the essence of the east side of Columbus, Ohio and tell a story that many can identify with and uses music by local talent.

The first thing I learned is that you need a team. Some things you just can't do by yourself, or if so, it will be much more difficult. I had a small team, but we did what we had to do to get the job done. The people in my crew were Marvin Ekpenyong, Nella Mitchell, and La Ronday Martin. There were more people involved as well. Each role they played was pivotal in getting this movie made.

I especially want to thank Matthew Swift and Nicolette Swift and The Ohio State University Film Studies Program for providing me with invaluable advice and tips along the way. I couldn't have completed this film as quickly as I did if it wasn't for their help.

Second, you've got to find actors that are passionate and dedicated to the craft. It's easy to see who has a love for what they're doing and those who don't. It was great working with local and out-of-state talent.

Once you get the actors, you've got to start shooting. Time is valuable and time is money. Your time and theirs. You can't afford to waste it because you never know what situation might arise and you'll need to make contingency plans. Before you know it, you'll have more footage than you initially intended to capture. A word to the wise is never delete anything during a production and even after a production is done, you never know what you might be able to use one day.

I've got to give a big shout-out to all of the actors in the film from the lead characters to the extras. They made the film possible and look authentic.

Some of the last steps include editing your film to tell a story, deciding what you want to do with the film, and promoting it. There are many ways to do this and it can prove challenging for some.

The main thing in the whole filmmaking process is to enjoy what you're doing and have fun. Everybody that was a part of it from the beginning and stuck through it to the end had fun and enjoyed the experience.

There is so much talent in Columbus, Ohio but there are very few resources and outlets available for people to express and exhibit their creativity. Without these established outlets in place that encourages creativity from all kinds of people from Columbus, more and more people from the city are going to look to move and go elsewhere to express their creative and artistic ability where they can thrive and succeed instead of doing so locally.

I think being a leader, self-starter, motivated, and a team-player, are some of the qualities that make an urban professional. I look forward to what the future holds in store.

Promotional backdrop made by Duarte.

If you would like to buy a digital version of My Being Is Bond and contribute and support independent film in Columbus, you can click the link below:
https://mybeingisbond.vhx.tv/buy/my-being-is-bond-special-features

Blu-ray and DVD copies of My Being Is Bond are available as well.

Thank you to everybody that showed support.

Peace.