The best way to describe the last two and a half weeks: a whirlwind. And it was awesome!

At the beginning of the month, I got the unique opportunity, through my friend Monica, to be a producer on an independent short film called Scattered City. The people behind this short won a South Carolina Film Commission mini-grant, so the whole production was funded. I've worked on student films before, but this was not even remotely the same. Of all the projects I have ever been a part of, this was one of the most organized and well executed. Most shots were completed in about 3 takes!

My job was to make sure that things were running smoothly between the different departments. I was also the script supervisor, voice slater (not sure if that's the correct title, but I pieced it together from some google searches), and I was in charge of the finances for the food[craft services] (as well as purchasing all the food). I also was asked to be an extra in one of the scenes! The main actor (who was flown in from LA) walks into the bar and passes behind me (the camera stops on my face in the shot). I learned so much about the behind the scene process of filmmaking - something I've always loved, being a bonus features junkie! Driving to Charleston marked my first road trip as well!

When I got back to Columbia, I discovered I had a digestive tract infection. So, I barfed for a day, then drove myself to the doctor between barfs, got some meds and then I laid on the couch for two days drinking water and eating saltines. Yeah that was fun. @_@

I forgot to mention that I went to an audition for a student film. I ended up getting one of the two lead roles! The film is called People Do Bad Things.

I spent the next few days following my illness, taking it easy, responding to emails I couldn't get to while on set, and learning my lines. I didn't really know what to expect. It was a student film, and like I alluded to before, they tend to not be well-organized. Expectations shattered. Not only were the director and cinematographer I auditioned for there, but also a production manager (also one of my favorite new friends), assistant director, sound operator, and set photographer. Most of them also knew how to use/set-up all the lighting equipment. It was so organized that it felt just like being on the Scattered City set.

The first evening we shot all the exteriors with me and the other lead actor, who played my older brother (even though I'm older in real life Yay movie magic ). Everything went so smoothly. There were some parts in the script where we were told to improv, so we would sound like brothers who grew up together. The AD would have us banter back and forth, then the director would say which parts he liked and then we would solidify those choices, so they would be able to easily edit the different shots together. So fascinating!

The plot dealt with us breaking into a house, so we had to climb in through an open window. The first night was fine. The second night, when we did the interiors, I jumped into the window oddly and got all bruised and scratched. Day 2 also meant working with the two actors playing the [strange] couple who owned the house. They happened to be two of my friends from acting class! They were FANTASTIC as the couple. Oh man, they were so creepy! Haha!

Both films have pretty quick turn around times, so I might get to see them as early as November. I can't wait; they were hands down some of the best experiences I've ever had!

The day after we wrapped People Do Bad Things, I worked the 75th Anniversary banquet for SCSPA, one of the organizations run by the office I worked for as an undergrad. My co-worker, Jenna, had been planning it for 2 years and she did a wonderful job. The whole night and the conference the following day ran super smoothly and the cake was delicious

Well, back the job searching grind and working on my various projects. Storyboarding a movie in early December! Stay tuned!

Jarad